Organized in 1907, Sarasota Yacht & Gun Club was located on north Siesta Key. Harry Higel, a well known local and Sarasota mayor, was instrumental in forming this club. The Club became dormant from 1908-1910 but was revived in December 1911 in a boathouse on Cedar Point (Golden Gate Point). Even with the relocation, the club did not yield success.

In 1913 Harry Higel and friends formed the Sarasota Yacht & Automobile Club on Gulfstream Avenue. An impactful local, Owen Burns, served as the first Commodore. The club served as a social center until late 1916. John Ringling purchased the property along with Cedar Point (Golden Gate Point), Bird Key, Coon Key, and St. Armand's Key in 1917. This ended early efforts in Sarasota to form a yacht club.

Sarasota Yacht Club as we know it today was incorporated June 21, 1926. The sailing and social club met at Christy Payne's Boathouse on Gulfstream Avenue, the Savarese Fish-House on the railroad pier on Ringling Blvd., and the Tokyo Building at the City Pier. Club members were motivated to create and maintain this Club to join the Gulf Yachting Association and participate in inter-club racing in Fish-Class sailboats.

After the death of John Ringling in 1936, the Coon Key land was given to SYC in Deed of Trust by the Ringling family. Soon after, the nation began preparing for World War II. The U.S. Army leased the property in 1939 for use as an air and sea rescue base. SYC was viable but inactive during the war. While on-site, the Army constructed a radio shack, two 48-man barracks, and expanded the wooden docks.

The Club regained control of its property in 1946 and quickly became an established sailing and social center. Fish Class sailing remained a focus for decades while new traditions were established. A new clubhouse was built in 1958 with several updates throughout the years. SYC's first Annual Invitational Regatta was held in 1979. Clubs Within the Club began to form including Bridge (1958) and GEMs (1971). SYC became a founding member of the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs (FCYC, 1961), officially connecting nearby yacht clubs.

In 2002, the Club initiated a major expansion and modernization of its marina with the completion of dock extensions and electrical upgrades along with the addition of a pump-out station, new fuel and fire lines and new security lighting. In 2007, SYC further enhanced its presence in Sarasota by constructing a contemporary building that would establish SYC as the place to be in town.

After an investment of close to $15,000,000, the Club celebrated its grand opening in April 2010. The celebratory weekend featured a ribbon-cutting, Sundown Ceremony, and dinner on Friday evening. The remainder of the weekend featured the official commissioning of the building, a black-tie gala, and boat parade.

Sarasota Yacht Club continues to grow and evolve with our members and their families, while also carrying on our legacy. Our clubhouse boasts beautiful amenities for the diverse needs of our members. Activities include elevated wine dinners, to Clubs Within the Club, to casual family-friendly events. Our on-the-water legacy is carried on through our youth sailing programs, our SYC Annual Invitational Regatta, and our cruises to fellow FCYC clubs.