A Tradition of Excellence

Members of the Naples Yacht Club— established before Naples was incorporated as a city—have influenced the community’s progress through the decades

Since its conception, the Naples Yacht Club has been a special place to celebrate the traditions of the water and to build camaraderie among members who share a passion for sailing, yachting, and cruising.

There’s certainly no doubt that Naples is naturally endowed for nautical pursuits. Club cofounders Stephen F. Briggs, Benjamin W. Morris, and John Glen Sample seized upon the idea of forming a private club in 1947 to promote social activities and solidarity among their like-minded, seafaring friends.

Ever since those days—when a houseboat served as club meeting (and party) headquarters—the Naples Yacht Club has literally grown up with Naples, and our members have played key roles in its development. All of our members have contributed to the Naples community in many ways—and to the greater good of the country through their military service. Here is just a small sampling of the local impact that illustrious commodores have made through the years:

Stephen F. Briggs (1947-1956) The founder of Briggs-Stratton Motor Co. and Outboard Marine Corp. and his wife, Beatrice, were leading philanthropists. She was instrumental in the creation and growth of Naples Community Hospital and the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Their children honored their memory by funding the first environmental learning center at Rookery Bay, called Briggs Nature Center.

A Timeline of Major Milestones

1947: Long-time Naples residents Stephen F. Briggs, Benjamin W. Morris, and John Glen Sample decide to establish a private yacht club in the fledgling community. They become its first members— patiently waiting for the local population of 1,400 residents to increase to the point where a sustainable club can be launched. They invite friends and family for informal social gatherings held on the Mangrove King, described in historical documents as “a bizarre-looking craft” owned by Morris that “sported tables on the foredeck and was more of a ‘happening’ than a boat.” The Mangrove King is sent to Miami for the “Arthur Godfrey Show” and replaced by the two-story barge/houseboat, Mangrove Queen. She is moored at the south end of 14th Avenue South in a slip that would now be in the middle of the Club’s south parking lot. First annual Fleet Review & Commissioning Ceremony is held.

1949: The town of Naples is incorporated as a city.

1953: With Naples’ population growing after World War II, the cofounders are focused on building a respectable yacht club and recruit 20 members. Discussion about the needs of members, favored amenities, and the most sensible location for a permanent home are underway as “sailors versus yachters” share different visions.

1955-1960: The Morris family agrees to donate land on the Naples Bay at 14th Avenue and Seventh Street South to the Club. While sailors desire a location at Gordon Pass for quick Gulf of Mexico access, members agree the Naples Bay site provides better protection from hurricanes. Construction on an estimated $100,000 clubhouse with dockage will commence when membership reaches 200.

1960: In January, construction begins. (Everything south of today’s Briggs Room and east of the Ballroom was water, including deep slips.) On Sept. 10, Hurricane Donna passes over Goodland with sustained winds of 135 miles per hour and bares down on Naples, though it causes only minor damage to the clubhouse. The clubhouse is formally dedicated on Dec. 15.

1960-1961: The Naples Yacht Club is a charter club in the establishment of the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs, with articles of incorporation filed in 1961. The goal of the council is to encourage: the sport of yachting; club activities; reciprocity between qualified yacht clubs; beneficial legislation; and safety afloat.

Benjamin W. Morris (1959-1961) An early Naples real estate investor who purchased a major piece of property on Naples Bay—a community of town pioneers originally called the Back Bay—that he developed into Crayton Cove. Morris oversaw plans for a boathouse, docks, shops, offices, and the White Pelican, a hub for important community events.

Herman Teetor (1965-1966) The world-record holder for his 1950 Atlantic sailfish (123 pounds, 10’4”) feat was one of seven in attendance at the first meeting of the Collier County Conservancy in 1964; it became the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.

William W. Wemple, III (1975) Developer of several Naples projects, including the Turnbury neighborhood, and a major supporter of local charities and Naples United Church of Christ

Willard V. Merrihue (1979) The former president of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida and the Collier County Audubon Society, for whom Merrihue Drive is named

John N. Briggs (1985) A physician and longtime supporter of the NCH Healthcare System who funded the downtown Briggs Wellness Center, among other hospital programs, following in his parents’ footsteps

Philip M. Francoeur, Jr. (2007) His Hope Foundation has provided financial support to nonprofit organizations in various locations throughout the country and in Naples, including St. Matthew’s House, Trinity Church, and The Salvation Army. 

1961: First Commodores’ Ball is held

1960s: The Club purchases a 130-x-100-foot residential lot that is part of Aqualane Shores (where the current-day south parking lot entrance is today) to expand the site. The Club receives permission to dredge and fill more than 100 feet of land to the south and east, enabling future expansion. State-of-the-art, 15-foot-deep seawalls are installed. The clubhouse is expanded to create the Main Dining Room and Main Brace.

1970s – 1990s: Club membership grows, along with social activities, and cruising events

1997: The Blue Gavel Scholarship Fund is established. Since 2000, the fund has awarded more than 550 scholarships, totaling more than $600,000, for local, deserving students to attend college or vocational school.

Late 1990s to 2000s: Many upgrades, expansions, and renovations include the installation of the floating, 89-slip dock system, addition of the Boaters’ Grille and Yardarm, creation of Paul Arsenault’s mural, and improvements to the Dockmaster’s office during Phase I and Phase II projects.

2019: Ta da! Phase III of the clubhouse remodeling is completed.