In May of 1942 the Fairhope Yacht Club was formed by a group of ten men with the objective in mind of fostering an interest in all types of boating.

The property on which the Club is situated, on the banks of Bayou Volanta, was given to the organization expressly for this purpose by Mr. Otto Wadewitz. Mr. Wadewitz was elected as Commodore at the first election of officers.

When this property was acquired there was a small clay tile building which was used as the clubhouse until an addition was completed in the years before the end of WWII. Club dances and social activities were held at other facilities in Fairhope.

The first dredging of the creek was started in April of 1943. The creek was dredged to a 50 foot width, 7 foot depth and out from the mouth into the bay approximately 500 feet. Until this dredging was complete all boats had to wait for a high tide to enter or leave the creek.

In 1944, due to phenomenal growth, the Constitution and By-Laws were rewritten to meet increased demands and requirements. Membership was now up to 225.

Also in 1944, the FYC joined the Gulf Yachting Association (GYA) making it the 11th member.

In 1953, the clubhouse was again enlarged and has continued to be enlarged and improved up to the present time. The Fairhope Yacht Club is now enjoyed by over 700 members.

To read a more detailed history of Fairhope Yacht Club, click here.