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About Us

CLUB MISSION STATEMENT


To enhance the enjoyment of boating in and around Little Traverse Bay for its members, through activities that promote racing, cruising, instruction, social activities, and fellowship” 

– By Laws of Little Traverse Bay Yacht Club.   1895

WELCOME


Generations of families have spent their summers enjoying the many activities available to them on one of America’s most beautiful freshwater bays. LTYC offers a unique seasonal member experience.


Little Traverse Yacht Club is a community of sailors.  Based in the center of the waterfront in Harbor Springs, Michigan, LTYC brings together some three hundred local and summer residents who share in the joy of sailing and the camaraderie of each other’s company. The culture of the club is casual and friendly where the common bond is a love of being on the water.  New Members are eagerly sought and encouraged.  Social activities are established to allow regular connection all summer long.  Guest yachtsmen from affiliated and reciprocating yacht clubs are graciously welcomed.


Little Traverse Yacht Club was founded to foster sailboat racing and instruction.  A variety of fleets, classes, and races occur all summer-June through August.  Our longstanding Ugotta Regatta is a high point both within the small town of Harbor Springs as well as for top sailors throughout the Great Lakes.  It is important that the excitement of sailing can be passed down to future generations.  Toward that end, Little Traverse Sailors, an independent group focused on sail instruction, gives full attention to youth sailing from ages 8 through 18 years.






CLUB HISTORY


Little Traverse Yacht Club was founded in 1895, making it one of the oldest Yacht Clubs in the Midwest.  The Club was originally founded as a sailing organization for those individuals who participated in sailboat racing on the waters of Little Traverse Bay.


During World War I, Little Traverse Yacht Club served as a substitute destination for the Chicago to Mackinac Race. The tradition still can be seen today as the LTYC Ugotta Regatta continues to be part of the Lake Michigan racing circuit.  Yachts, having completed the Mac Race, often hold over in Harbor Springs for the Ugotta the weekend following the Mac.


In 1934, the Yacht Club was instrumental in the establishment of the Northern Michigan Sloop, which is still raced as one design on the bay.

Youth education has been a focus.  In 1955, a teaching club for young persons was established under the auspices of Fred Ford, which evolved into the founding of Little Traverse Sailors in 1968, a non-profit entity teaching sailing to children ages 8 – 18.  LTYC assists LTS in funding a scholarship program open to all children enrolled in an Emmet County school.  In 1995 LTYC started the Youth Racing Team for individuals aged 13 – 18.


In 1965, Little Traverse Yacht Club purchased the current clubhouse and water frontage.  Remodeling the clubhouse, covering the deck, and re-design of waterfront space have greatly expanded the usefulness of the property.


Little Traverse Yacht Club sponsors one-design racing, a cruising club, an Offshore Series, and the annual  Ugotta Regatta, which is considered to be one of the premier Midwest events of the summer season.

OUR FACILITY


Our club building is located between Bay and East Main Streets in Harbor Springs, MI.  One of the original homes along Bay Street, it was purchased by LTYC in 1965. With its wood frame, the two-story facility has 3,500 square feet.  The first floor enjoys a wide, open interior designed for group gatherings with kitchen facilities, restrooms, and a large space that opens up onto our famous veranda overlooking the harbor waterfront. 


BY-LAWS 


Click here (Member Login required) to view the current LTYC bylaws, 
as approved by a vote at the Annual Meeting of Members in 2022.

For questions or comment on the LTYC bylaws email info@ltyc.org, which will then be shared 
with the Executive Committee (Officers).

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