History

A Rich Maritime Legacy: The Dunedin Boat Club

Founded on September 3, 1929, the Dunedin Boat Club has been a cornerstone of the local boating community for nearly a century.  Established with a charter to promote sailing in the waters surrounding Dunedin, the Club has evolved into a vibrant gathering place for those who share a passion for life on the water.

From the beginning, camaraderie and dedication have been at the heart of the Club.  Dr. H.E. Winchester, our first Commodore, led a group of 35 charter members, who determined seniority by drawing numbers.  The lucky holder of Number 1 was Theodore Kaminsky, making him, in essence, the very first member of the Dunedin Boat Club.  In those early days, membership dues were just $4.00 per year, and boat slip fees in the Club-owned marina were a mere $10.00 annually.

Building a Boating Community

The early members didn’t just sail the waters—they built the very foundation of the Club.  They personally financed and constructed essential infrastructure, installing pilings, bulkheads, walkways, channel markers, running water, and electricity through a combination of fish fries, dances, raffles, and personal loans.

By 1933, with dreams of a true marina basin, the members made a bold move.  To secure funding through the Public Works Program, they voted to relinquish private ownership of the marina, transferring it to the City of Dunedin in exchange for a long-term lease.  This partnership between the Dunedin Boat Club and the City of Dunedin laid the groundwork for what would become the Dunedin Marina—a thriving hub for local boaters.

The Heart of the Club: Our Historic Clubhouse

With a permanent marina in place, the next step was creating a home for the Club.  In 1936, members rolled up their sleeves and began construction on a clubhouse, built with their own hands and financial contributions.  Completed in 1937, this clubhouse became the beating heart of the Dunedin Boat Club—where friendships were forged, adventures were planned, and a love of boating was passed down through generations.

Today, the Dunedin Boat Club's Clubhouse holds the distinct honor of being the oldest boat club on the west coast of Florida and one of the oldest buildings in the City of Dunedin.  Its rich history and deep-rooted traditions have made it a beloved landmark in the boating community.  In 2008, the clubhouse was recognized for its Historical Significance within our local community and throughout Florida.

Growth, Renewal, and a Thriving Future

Like the tides, the Club has seen its share of ebbs and flows over the decades.  By 1984, a surge of new energy revitalized the membership, bringing in a younger generation of boaters eager to race, explore, and celebrate life on the water.  With weekly and monthly activities, a renewed focus on sailing and racing, and a thriving social scene, membership steadily grew.  Today, we are proud to have over 400 active members who continue to shape the Club’s dynamic future.

Recently, while diving into our archives, we uncovered a long-lost, hand-drawn original Club logo—a reminder of our enduring legacy and the passion that has fueled this Club for nearly 100 years. 

The Dunedin Boat Club isn’t just about boats—it’s about community, history, and a shared love for the sea.  And with every gathering, every race, and every toast at the Clubhouse, we continue to honor the spirit of those who built it before us.