Watercraft
The original mission for the South Venice Yacht Club was to own and operate a private waterfront clubhouse and develop boating activities. Today we are continuing that mission.
Located on the corner of Alligator Creek and the Intracoastal Waterway in South Venice, Florida, the SVYC offers a launch for kayaks, canoes and stand up paddleboards (SUPs). Our unique location gives members access to four popular water destinations. Alligator creek provides an old Florida mangrove lined paddle through the South Venice neighborhood. Traveling out to the ICW, and turning north, you can reach Casperson Beach and Red Lake. Going south, Manasota Beach is 2.8 miles to the bridge. Beach access, via a short portage, is almost directly west from the club across the ICW at marker “Red 52”.
Click HERE for an interactive version of the Google Map below.
In “season,” and weather permitting, members in the Paddle Crew meet at the club house at 9:00 am on Wednesdays to load up for an adventure. Several kayak trailers are available on a first come first serve basis, and some paddlers transport their own craft. We carpool and drive up to 30 minutes from the club to various locations in Sarasota and Charlotte Counties to paddle on local streams, rivers and open waters. Each year the Kayak Paddle Crew plans an all day event. We pack picnics and launch into Gasparilla Sound for a day of nature and adventure. Paddlers should be able to paddle five miles in two hours. Our crew members are a welcoming group of people who share a love of our beautiful Florida waterways. Note that a spouse or partner who is not a member may not store a boat or make a practice of participating in events or using club property.
The South Venice Yacht Club is not a kayak/SUP storage facility. We are a social club that allows members in good standing to use available club racks for a yearly donation. Active Members may store kayaks and canoes on racks assigned on a first come first served basis for a suggested annual donation of $75.00. (see note) As a volunteer, not-for-profit organization, members are expected to help maintain the clubhouse, boatyard, storage racks, dock, launch and trailer storage area.
Important Boating Protocol Information:
All storage is reserved
Donations for storage are due annually on January 1st
Security is an issue and the responsibility of the boat owner
All watercraft should be secured with at least 6 feet of chain larger than 1/4 inch
Always lock the gate when you go out for a paddle unless there are people inside the clubhouse
If you paddle alone, please tell a friend or family member
Members must accompany guests and are responsible for their safety.
A guest may paddle three times before they are required to become a member
Wednesday Paddle Crew is required to be able to paddle five miles in two hours
Required safety gear includes life jacket, whistle and a tow rope at least the length of your boat
Boat & Trailer Storage Policy - Effective January 1, 2024
Storage at SVYC is intended for small mainly human powered vessels with shallow draft, such as canoes, fishing kayaks, etc. Storage is open to current club members.
SVYC officers (Commodore, Rear Commodore, Fleet Captain) will determine appropriateness of vessel for storage at SVYC. They will assign the trailer and vessel storage location, and will determine the storage fee owed to the club.
Fees & Housekeeping Rules:
Trailer annual fee: 75.00 (can include one boat). Additional boats on trailer, 75.00 each, annually.
Boats/trailers to have visible label or sticker providing owner name and contact information.
License/registration must be current and displayed.
Boats and trailers in storage subject to occasional checks for proper maintenance and neatness of tarps, covers, etc.
Vessels left unattended/abandoned subject to removal from club premises following verbal and written warning from SVYC club officer.
Boat and trailer owners advised that SVYC is not responsible for boat, trailer, or any associated equipment on the boat or trailer, and will sign a release of liability.
A message from our Fleet Captain
Kayak Members who are Snowbirds!
As you make plans to head north, please remove your vessels from the rack stands at the club, or make arrangements to have them removed, in the event of a predicted hurricane (as required in the membership form you signed - see below). It does happen, as we experienced last fall! Be responsible stewards of your boat and of the Yacht Club property, and be mindful of the hazard of an airborne kayak during hurricane force winds, and probable damage to our racks. Thanks for your cooperation.
Kayak Members who are Sunbirds!
Be prepared to remove your vessels also, in the event of a predicted hurricane in the upcoming season.
Let’s all cooperate for safety’s sake!
Thanks!
Peggy Bickford, SVYC Fleet Captain
Membership Application - Boat Storage, Launch Facility and Boating Registration and Agreement excerpt
3. Boats and trailers must be removed from the SVYC property during the threat of hurricane. If member cannot remove boats immediately when a hurricane threat occurs, they must remove boats during hurricane season, or designate a local person authorized to remove your boat. Provide information at time of registration.
Click HERE to download the full membership application document.
