Sketches from architects were submitted, and those from Charles F. McKirahan, A.I.A. were accepted, and he was instructed to prepare the plans and specifications.  The Building Committee, under the direction of Thomas A. Hodges, was then authorized to advertise for bids. After much negotiating with lending institutions and individuals, both in this country and abroad, it was decided to accept the proposal from the First National Bank of Ft. Lauderdale. They would lend us $250,000 to be secured by a 1st mortgage, if the membership would raise the additional $200,000 to be secured by a ten year 2nd mortgage. Under the terms of the agreement with First National Bank, we were to surrender to them $500 of the initiation fee for each membership sold until this total reached $100,000, at which time the terms would be modified.  In addition to this, we were to pay regular monthly installments based on a direct reduction basis.

By this time, bids were returned and the contract was awarded to Thomas A. Hodges Construction Company.  Due to the fact that all bids received were above the original estimate, Commodore Harlan renegotiated with the First National Bank which, in turn, allowed us to keep the initiation fees of the first 100 new members, permitting us to use this capital to pay for our air conditioning and interior furnishings.

 Demolition of the old clubhouse started on July 11, 1959 and the Club’s activities were transferred to the Galt Ocean Mile Hotel.  At this time, plans were formulated for an all out membership drive. In the early part of December 1959, the new building was sufficiently completed to allow Wayne Davidson to begin interior decorating.  Dedication ceremonies took place on December 28, 1959, and the formal opening was held on New Year’s Eve.  Due to the success of the membership drive, negotiations were concluded in November 1960, to pay off the 2nd mortgage at the end of ten months, rather than the original ten years.  The amount of this mortgage was $200,000, subscribed to by 44 members of the Coral Ridge Yacht Club.

 In 1961, an elevator was installed to provide better service for parties and other affairs held on the second floor of the Club.  In the same year, the dining room and bar concession were terminated and have been operated by the Club since that time.  In 1962, the bylaws were amended to eliminate the distinction between certificate holders and “Class A” members, and all regular members became Senior members.  In the next seven years, several important events in our evolution took place: 1963 the Point Bar opened; 1964 the pool was rebuilt; 1967 and 1968 the north docks were rebuilt and the patio added to the dining room; and in 1969, new electric and water lines were added to the south docks.

 In 1972, the Club celebrated its 25th anniversary with a gala year of special events. The Fleet Review ceremonies were attended by over 800 members and guests, including Officers from seven nations of the NATO Standing Fleet. The Silver Anniversary weekend, chaired by Commodore Jack Kaye, reached a new peak of enjoyment for our membership.  The Silver Anniversary Ball was held on Saturday, May 6, 1972, followed by a Regatta on Sunday, concluding with a magnificent display of fireworks from the Point Bar.  The following morning our fleet of 16 yachts departed for a cruise to the West Coast, through the St. Johns River to St. Petersburg, and back around the tip of Florida.

 Also in 1972, a new central air conditioning system was approved, as was the expansion of the second floor card room and private dining rooms. Two hundred feet of new docks with utilities were installed in the southwest corner of the property, and amendments to the bylaws were adopted creating Associate and Intermediate memberships, as well as new standing committees for Building and Planning and Yachting.  The 25th anniversary year closed with a full membership of 850 and 80 on a waiting list.

 Over the years the docks and seawalls suffered a natural deterioration despite patching and other repairs.   By the midseventies a total replacement was required.  A special membership meeting on July 12, 1976, approved spending $300,000 for new docks and seawalls with all utilities.  The Building & Planning Committee, chaired by Past Com-modore Jack Kaye, completed the project before the end of 1977.  Included was construction of the second tennis court, resurfacing the existing one, and major repairs to the swimming pool.

 In 1987, a study and research program was conducted to investigate the feasibility and legality of constructing approximately 40 additional docks over the submerged land and existing docks.  To that end the membership approved the South Dock Program at the 1990 Annual Meeting.  The project was funded by interest free loans from members, notably Dr. Louis Parker, and outright donations from various other members. The docks were completed and were largely occupied.

 In 1992, the officers and board authorized the addition of a bar in the Commodores Lounge, and a new service bar at the north end of the main dining room, which has greatly improved service.  The south docks were fully leased and many of the north slips were occupied.  In 1994, the Club added over 150 new members as a result of an extremely successful membership campaign recommended by the Long Range Planning Committee, and approved by the board.  The non-refundable capital contribution of $6,000 was lowered to $2,000 from September 1, 1994 through November 30, 1994 and the results were outstanding. 

 By 1995, the north dock was extended to the west, all slips were filled, and a new flagpole was donated by Virginia Woodman. Also in 1995, gifts were received from the Anc’Hers to purchase covered dessert carts, and four new covered chafing dishes were donated by the Auxiliary.  The entrance way roof was enclosed, new movable planter dividers were constructed to separate the hallway and main dining room, the entire seawall was sealed and resurfaced, and the Captains’ Club donated a new computer for the front office.  An additional computer to manage the new Club database was also installed.

 In 1996, the aging process and obsolescence contributed to serious operational problems associated with the physical plant that required remedial action by the Board of Governors.  The responses to the challenges required capital projects and improvements amounting to a burdensome three quarters of a million dollar estimate.  Included were improvements to the kitchen, Point Bar, upper deck, restrooms, parking lot, point-of-sale system, and others designed to ensure the enjoyment and to protect the health and safety of Club members and employees.  A proposal to finance these projects was prepared for presentation to the membership at the Annual Meeting in January 1997, and was approved.

 Early in 1997, our Club celebrated its 50th birthday with a Golden Anniversary Celebration so festive it left a glow for the balance of the year.  The board appointed a 50th Anniversary Planning Committee consisting of Past Commodore Jack Kaye and Harriet Kaye as Chairpersons, with Commodore T. Denis Jotcham, Vice Commodore Edmond O’Donnell, Rear Commodore Charles Gardner, and Past Commodore Donald Collins. The Golden Anniversary Weekend started with the Ball, held on Saturday, April 5th, with continuous dance music by Eddie Stevens’ and Tommy Mercer’s orchestras. Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jim Naugle presented a Congratulatory Proclamation from the City to the capacity crowd.  The Golden Anniversary Regatta, with full Fleet Review, was held on Sunday, April 6th with music by Eddie Stevens and a Dixieland Band poolside, with a spectacular fireworks display as a grand finale to close the fabulous Golden Anniversary Weekend.

 This delightful weekend paid tribute to all those who worked with hearts and hands over the past 50 years.  Their efforts made these wonderful things happen. Great things are still to come at the Coral Ridge Yacht Club. 

 1998 was the year the Club began its upgrading program. The second floor banquet and card rooms were re-carpeted and elegant crystal lighting fixtures were installed throughout the entrance area and banquet facility.  In addition the lounge and Wheel Room area received major upgrading.  All of the refurbishing was enthusiastically received by the membership.

 The Club’s marina facilities are now second to none as pump-out accommodations were installed throughout the docks.  This was necessary for the Club to comply with regulations that were mandated by both local and state authorities.

 1998 was a financially strong year.  A bond program was instituted and subscribed to by the generous members that enabled the Board of Governors to undertake and successfully complete the many upgrades now in place in the clubhouse.  Additional projects are currently under consideration.

 The Anc’Hers contributed generously to improvements with their donation of $3,000 that was used toward the two new marble tables in the entrance hall, and two beautiful new chairs on the second floor entrance area. The Auxiliary donated $2,500 to purchase two new frialators for the kitchen.

 1999 was a year of both good and bad news for CRYC.  Our Commodore, Charles Gardner, passed away on November 6, 1999, and was greatly missed.  The main dining room was extensively redecorated with new carpeting, new crystal chandeliers and cove lighting.  The Anc’Hers donated $3,000 for the purchase of an ice cream presentation freezer and a salad bar cooler.  The Auxiliary donated $2,500 for the purchase of three chafing dishes for the buffet line.  The Captains’ Club donated $1,500 toward the dining room improvements that were made. 

 In order to insure top quality accommodations and service for members, the monthly dues were increased and a one-time special assessment to cover 1999’s operating deficit was levied. 

 Our Millennium Year 2000 was a very active year. A program for “Legacy Members” was inaugurated; a plan by which the adult children of Senior members could join our beautiful Club at reduced prices to promote family participation and continuity of membership. 

 The board undertook plans to update and improve the pool area and Point Bar.  They asked for donations from members of $2,000 or more toward a goal of $200,000 to fund these improvements.  By the end of the year, the $200,000 goal had been achieved and plans were underway.  A pool heater was installed to provide a heated swimming pool, and an architect engaged to draw plans to create an enlarged, improved pool area and Point Bar & Grille. 

 The Captains’ Club donated $2,000 toward this fund; the Auxiliary donated $2,000 toward the Point Bar & Grille fund and $2,000 for the installation of doors at the entrance of the Commodores Lounge.  The Anc’Hers donated $2,000 toward the Point Bar & Grille, and an additional $5,000 toward the purchase of a new podium-maitre d’ desk at the front hallway, new table skirting, and doors for the entrance of the Commodores Lounge. 

 During 2001, a dramatic addition to the Club was the completion of the new Point Bar & Grille on the Intracoastal Waterway. Included in the project was the paving of the pool deck, walkways and courtyard.  The $250,000 project included $180,000 of member donations, in addition to one member’s donation of $20,000 for pool heaters. The Anc’Hers donated $2,000 to replace the fountain in the outdoor patio and the Auxiliary donated $900 toward the purchase of new furniture for the front office.

 The purchase of playground equipment was also authorized as a result of a successful membership campaign that resulted in approximately 35 Junior and Intermediate members, with children, joining the Club. And because of the success of this program, which lasted approximately one month, the board voted, in January, to lower the entrance fees in all categories, a program that was very successful and resulted in 61 new members and applications pending as of June 30, 2002. 

 The year 2002 came and went all too quickly.  The Point Bar & Grille celebrated its official opening in January 2002. Larry Schack returned as club manager in April completing his 6th year as our club manager. The Auxiliary donated $2,000 to the Club to purchase new china and additional wine glasses.  The Anc’Hers donated $4,000 to refurbish the 2nd floor Intracoastal Dining Room.

 The Club enjoyed a busy and happy year under the leadership of Commodore Ed Johnson who reversed the recent prevailing trend when he closed his year financially in the black, with no increase in dues or special assessments, and also enjoyed the remarkable accomplishments of his appointee, Membership Chairman Len Tower, with the addition of 130 new members for the year, bringing our total membership to 630. 

 During 2003, the Club established a significant presence on the emerging “information highway,” the World Wide Web.  Begun by then-Governor Charlie Sammarco, with the support of Commodore Joseph Natale, the job of webmaster was shifted to Paul Birman in 2004, who expanded the Club’s presence at www.cryc.net.  Today, the website contains hundreds of pages of information and photographs of parties, cruises, and major club events, such as the annual Fleet Review.  The calendar of events is online and there is provision for making online party reservations.   The site contains a page for news and announcements, and space for online versions of the Captains’ Club’s newsletter, Squall Lines.

 During much of this time, the Club began to actively promote facilities for families with young children.  A children’s playground was constructed and a new pool slide installed by Charlie Sammarco and Vincent Promuto.  A Family Activities group was formed under the leadership of Mark Burnam, and numerous family-friendly activities blossomed. Fishing contests and kids parties by the pool flourished.  At the suggestion of Charlie Wilson, a Communications Committee was formed to oversee such publications as this Roster, the monthly Log, the website and other external publications. Governor Bill Loughnane served as its first chairman and Board Liaison. 

 With smoking prohibited by Florida law inside any of the Club buildings, an outdoor “smokers patio” was constructed adjacent to the Burgee Bar, overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. Ed Nelson, Dr. Meldrum Kydd, and others constructed floating docks at the northwest corner of the Club.  This provided a facility for a sailing program and a small fleet of sailing dinghies was purchased.  Small craft can also be accommodated at these floating docks. Membership grew an additional 93 members (53 Seniors, 20 Intermediates and 20 Juniors).  Anc’Hers donated $600 to the Employees Christmas Fund, $200 for ladders for the docks, and $1,000 to “Kids in Distress.”