History
The Lavon Yacht Club is located on Lake Lavon, Texas at Collin Park Marina. The official organization of our club commenced on Feb. 8, 1982 at the Holiday Inn in Richardson with close to forty people attending. This was the result of a steering committee formed in late summer 1981 of sailing enthusiasts. In fact a race, the Annual Regatta, (later to be named the Margaritaville Regatta) drawing 19 boats, had already been held in November 1981. At the organizational meeting officers were elected and the name for the club was Lavon Sailing Club. The first newsletter went into print in May 1982. Later that month, on Memorial Day, tornadic like winds blew the marina off its poles. The marina eventually ended up tied to trees and anchors in the far southwest corner of the cove and racing activities were cancelled for the remainder of the summer. At the end of 1982, the club had 20 members. Four racing events had occurred and several social events had been held in various members homes. In September 1983 the members took a look at the type of activities it wanted to represent and changed its name to the Lavon Yacht Club with membership open to all those interested in boating. In 2001, the club completed initial construction of a new covered, floating pavilion, located in the marina at the end of C Dock. This was a major accomplishment, funded fully by the membership through various fund raisers and generous individual member contributions over the past five years. This covered, 20’x40′ facility provides the membership a place to meet, relax and enjoy the lake and marina atmosphere. The pavilion is available at no charge to the club membership, and beginning in 2002, available for rental to the public for parties and other special occasions. The Lavon Yacht Club has had numerous events over the past 18 years. Today’s main social events are the Texas Chili Cook-off Contest, Cinco de Mayo Party, Cajun Shrimp Boil, and Jimmy Buffet Party. The main purpose its members strived for and will continue is to provide a bringing together of people with the common interest of boating. Faces will come and go over the coming years of the Lavon Yacht Club. Boating and social events will change but the spirit of friendship offered by the members of this club will last forever.
After a few years of shifting focus to more outreach and sailing education, in 2022 we became officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This achievement marks a pivotal moment in our journey, opening up new opportunities and avenues for growth and impact within our community.
Becoming a nonprofit not only solidifies our commitment to our mission but also allows us to pursue our goals with greater support and resources. Through this designation, we can enhance our outreach efforts, expand our programs, and further our dedication to promoting the joy and skill of sailing to enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds.