Founded in 1887 by Commodore Ralph, the Biscayne Bay Yacht Club is one of the oldest members-only yacht clubs in Florida. In 1932, the Club purchased its present clubhouse which continues to serve as its main facility. Over time its marine facility became more developed and was extended beyond the bulkhead and into the waters of Biscayne Bay. In 2006, the Club selected Shoreline Foundation to demolish and reconstruct the existing 74 slip marina which had fallen into total disrepair.

Construction began with the demolition and disposal of the main concrete piers that had been covered with a secondary wooden deck structure. All concrete dock piles, wooden fender and mooring piles were also removed. Work then commenced on the installation of 200, 14 inch x 14 inch concrete pilings for the main and secondary piers.

The decking of the main pier, (422 feet x 10 feet), and the two intersecting T-piers, (145 feet x 9 feet), feature inlay panels of Ipe wood and fiberglass grating, set between precast concrete panels. All of the pre-cast concrete panels were manufactured off-site by Shoreline Foundation and delivered by barge. Construction included the installation of 35 finger piers with wood decking that intersect at various locations along the main and secondary piers. A total of 190 tropical greenheart piles were installed as fender and mooring piles. All utility runs were installed and held in position above the concrete caps and under the removable inlay decking sections. The installation of aluminum power pedestals and galvanized mooring cleats completed the construction of the new marina.

The Coconut Grove waterfront along Bayshore Drive is home to six other marine facilities that provide safe harbor for thousands of vessels. There are those who would argue that the Biscayne Bay Yacht Club’s new marina is the finest marine facility in the area. At Shoreline Foundation, we are inclined to agree.