About

The Sarasota Sailing Squadron is a community sailing club located on City Island near Ken Thompson Park. We are celebrating more than 70 years of sharing our love of sailing on the magnificent Sarasota Bay.

We offer easy and affordable access to the water. Our heritage is sailing, we support all forms of non-motorized water sports including stand-up paddle boards and kayaks.

After sailing, come share camaraderie with a drink and a snack in our clubhouse or comfortable outdoor patio. We have frequent socials so you can meet others who share your love for water sports.

The club began in the late 1930’s when a group of teenagers got together to form a “down to earth” sailing club on the City Pier, which was located where Marina Jacks is today.  The club was disbanded in 1942 during World War II.  Upon returning home from their tours of duty the former members reconstituted the club and named it the Sarasota Sailing Squadron.

In 1958, the old City Pier was demolished and the club moved to its current location on City Island which at the time was mostly a city dump and swamp.

In the 1960’s, the club saw its first expansion, and created sailing programs, including Optimist prams, dinghies and keelboats.  Since the 1970s  the club has thrived and grown. The clubhouse has continually been expanded and seen upgrades to the youth sailing facilities, boat storage areas, and docks.