30 | MAY 16 • 2024 
J
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ewish community members looking 
to expand their passion for sailing or 
boating can learn more about one of 
Metro Detroit’s most storied yacht clubs at 
an upcoming open house.
On May 19, Great Lakes Yacht Club will 
open its doors from 2-4 p.m. for interested 
individuals to explore the grounds and meet 
current members.
Located on the Nautical Mile, the St. 
Clair Shores private sail and power boat 
club has an extensive history in the Detroit 
area that includes Jewish origins.
Originally named the Island Boat Club, 
the organization was founded by a group 
of Jewish community members in 1952, 
and more than 70 years later, it continues 
to retain a large Jewish membership, 
while remaining open to members of all 
backgrounds.
Now a diverse mix of more than 160 
households, several of whom are second- 
and third-generation members whose 
families have been with the club since its 
founding, Great Lakes Yacht Club blends 
historic traditions with modern amenities.

Its grounds include a clubhouse, heated 
swimming pool, outdoor patio and fire pit, 
a children’s playscape and two club Sonar 
sailboats that members can use. Yet while 
the grounds look to the future, its boating 
culture continues to give a nod to the past.
The blessing of the fleet, for example, is 
an annual tradition that kicks off boating 
season. While many blessings pull their 
verbiage from Christian bibles, the club 
stays true to its roots by using a blessing 
from a Jewish prayer book.
“We conclude our blessing of the fleet 
with Shehecheyanu and always have a 
kiddush afterwards,
” says former club 
commodore Merryl Schwartz, a West 
Bloomfield-based member who has been 
affiliated with Great Lakes Yacht Club since 
1993.
The club’s annual April ball is also 
concluded with Shehecheyanu in both 
English and Hebrew. Books are distributed 
for non-Jewish members so they’re able to 
follow along.
In the fall, meanwhile, is an annual club 
Shabbat dinner that Schwartz calls “very 

traditional” and is complete with Jewish 
culinary staples like matzah ball soup. Many 
members, Jewish and non-Jewish, also 
contribute dishes and recipes to the event.
“It’s a wonderful turnout,
” Schwartz 
says of the occurrence. “It’s always very 
well-attended by Jewish and non-Jewish 
members.
”
Yet one of Great Lake Yacht Club’s most 
beloved pastimes is a new one started by 
Schwartz that attracts members from all 
backgrounds and affiliations. Once her boat 
is in the water, Schwartz bakes challah every 
Friday night that she shares with members.
Members will often join Schwartz and 
her husband, Mark, for a bit of nosh 
(including bites of challah) and good 
conversation outside their boat. Often, the 
circle will grow as big as two dozen Jewish 
and non-Jewish members.
“It’s how I’ve kept my hand involved 
in keeping our Jewishness alive,
” Merryl 
Schwartz says.
Great Lakes Yacht Club members will 
also gather to celebrate Jewish holidays like 
Passover or simply attend Shabbat dinners 
in one another’s homes.
While new and enduring traditions keep 
members coming back year after year — 
and even generation after generation — 
Schwartz says it’s the family-oriented feel 
of the organization that makes Great Lakes 
Yacht Club so beloved for its members.
Memberships are available in various 
tiers, including active and social. To learn 
more about Great Lakes Yacht Club, visit 
greatlakesyc.com. 

Explore Great Lakes 
Yacht Club

The storied yacht club with Jewish origins 
will host an open house on May 19.

ASHLEY ZLATOPOLSKY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

OUR COMMUNITY
DETAILS
Great Lakes Yacht Club 
Open House
May 19, 2-4 p.m.
23900 Jefferson Ave., 
St. Clair Shores 

Children play on the Great Lakes Yacht 
Club playscape at its dedication. 

Shabbat on the lawn. Merryl and Mark 
Schwartz with grandson Rani Lev.

