For over 125 years, the South Norwalk Boat Club has been a proud part of the regional boating community, offering outstanding facilities, unforgettable events, and a true sense of camaraderie. Founded in 1900 by boating enthusiasts, we’ve grown from humble beginnings into a vibrant marina and social hub built by the hard work and dedication of our members.
Today, we continue to honor our traditions while investing in the future— maintaining our marina, improving our clubhouse, and creating a welcoming space for boaters, families, and friends.
Proud traditions, lasting memories—welcome aboard!
Club History
Over 120 years strong and growing, the South Norwalk Boat Club thrives because of the dedication and spirit of our members—building on a proud legacy while creating an exciting future. Since our founding in July 1900 by a small group of boating enthusiasts, the Club has become a cornerstone of the regional boating community, offering top-notch facilities for recreational boating, social gatherings, and events for members and guests.
A Legacy Built by Hand
- In the early years, meetings were held in members’ homes until 1919, when a converted coal barge served as our first clubhouse and locker room.
- By 1926, we moved onto land, acquiring property on Mack Street and transforming a donated carriage barn into a lively Clubhouse and dance hall.
- The 1940s and 1950s brought big changes: a new locker room, a booming marina, and new inboard and outboard moorings.
- In 1959, a new bar and lounge were built facing the marina, and on Memorial Day, our flagpole was dedicated to departed members.
- By the 1960s, the Club rebuilt its facilities to keep pace with growing membership. A new clubhouse was completed in 1965.
- Our marina evolved through the 1970s and 1980s, with major renovations like rebuilding docks, dredging deeper slips, and expanding to accommodate larger boats.
- In 1990, we installed our first travel lift, making us fully self-sufficient for boat hauling and launching.
- The marina saw another leap forward in 1994 with dredging to a depth of 8 feet, ensuring safe and comfortable berths for members.
More Than Just Boating
While boating is at our heart, community and camaraderie have always been part of our spirit:
- 1982 marked the first ballroom renovation and the very first Commissioning Day ceremony—an annual tradition that still brings us together with a blessing of the fleet and a family picnic.
- Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, we continued to enhance the Club: adding a large deck, modernizing the galley, building a gazebo, and upgrading major systems.
- In 2000, we celebrated the completion of a full clubhouse renovation that members enjoy to this day.
Modern Upgrades, Same Proud Tradition
- In 2017, we completed a major bulkhead and deck reconstruction, reopening just in time for Commissioning Day celebrations.
- In 2019, the Tiki Pavilion was demolished and rebuilt with modern stonework and upgraded mechanical systems to better serve our members.
Powered by Volunteers
Our Club has been built, maintained, and improved almost entirely by the hands of our own members—tradespeople, professionals, and volunteers who bring their pride, passion, and skills to everything we do.
The Auxiliary
Founded in 1940, the South Norwalk Boat Club Auxiliary supports the Club through events, fundraisers, and contributions that help us continue growing. Membership in the Auxiliary is open to non-member spouses and adult children (21 and over).
Today, the South Norwalk Boat Club stands as a vibrant community—rooted in tradition, driven by passion, and looking boldly toward the future.