Fifteen Fast facts about LGYC

1. In 1940 a group of boaters, most of whom owned cabins on the newly formed lake, met to discuss forming a boating club. A fish fry was held at the old Gunter Home on Preston Island and 150 people came. There were four 25’ cruisers, four runabouts and a few outboard fishing boats. Twenty-three joined paying dues of $5.00

2. The leadership had their eye on our current site but TVA wanted the Club to be across the river near the industrial area. A chance meeting with FDR at the dedication of Chickamauga Dam finally led to approval for a 3 year lease on the current site in 1947.

3. Dock construction began on 420 feet of dock in 1948 costing $6000. By 1953 there was a road to the highway, an open-air pavilion, barbecue pit, shuffleboard courts, and two more additions to the docks. Still there were no slips, only the Party Dock.

4. The first mention of a visit from Chattanooga Yacht Club was in 1953. They brought 12 boats and 45 people.

5. In November, 1955, TVA finally agreed to sell the land to LGYC for $5000.00 for approximately 7.5 acres.

6. In 1960 the first 18 slips were built. Forty foot slips rented for $30-35 per month. A year later two men’s and ladies’ showers were added to the slips (on the dock with drainage directly into the lake).

7.  The first mention of a visit to LGYC by TPYC was in 1963.

8. In 1969 a fire destroyed all the slips and all 31 boats at LGYC. The only boat that was saved was the Commodore’s, which happened to be out of the water for repairs. Fortunately it was winter and no one was aboard any of the boats, so no injuries were sustained.

9. New floating docks were built in 1970 (minus the showers!) at a cost of $105,465.

10. In 1971 there was another dock fire causing $20,000 in damage, but no boats were destroyed. It was thought this fire was arson from a member’s disgruntled employees.

11. In 1973 LGYC took 23 boats and 107 people to Chattanooga Yacht Club, and 18 boats and 91 people to Turtle Point Yacht Club!

12. In 1984 the original clubhouse was expanded and the present lounge, ship’s store and kitchen were added, along with the addition of more showers and more toilets in the bathrooms.

13. In the winter of 1988 the weight of snow and ice on the roof of the slips caused them to sink so that the walkways were all underwater and the roof was touching some of the taller boats.

14. In 1992 there was yet another fire, this time destroying the pool deck. This led to the addition of the Gazebo and lower deck by the pool.

15. In 2009 all of A & B docks were destroyed when a storm broke the docks loose, along with all the boats attached to them. This event led the construction of our new slips and allowed us to make better use of our harbor limits.

We owe a debt of gratitude to the determined leaders and members who didn’t walk away after each fire or storm but instead worked for the future of our Club so we could enjoy the facility we have today. Please check out the bulletin boards around the Club for photos and news clippings about our history.