Long Beach Yacht Club Expansion Approved

The Long Beach Yacht Club (LBYC) will undergo major changes after receiving approval for an expansion from the California Coastal Commission.

The LBYC was built in 1929 and was developed as part of an initiative from the Associated Boating Industries of Northern California to create a powerboat race that stretched from the city of Long Beach, all the way to San Francisco. Since then, the yacht club has played a crucial part in Long Beach’s history as a boating and yachting venue, hosting annual boat racing events such as the world-renowned Congressional Cup, since 1965.

According to the LBYC 2025 Commodore Lisa Meier, the yacht club sought to remodel its clubhouse in order to make sure the yacht club meets the current needs of its guests, while also ensuring the clubhouse can still withstand the coastal weather.

“LBYC’s Clubhouse is a 65-year-old wood building that has withstood the challenges of the marine environment,” said Meier. “Now is the time to repair the patina of all that salt and moisture. It’s also necessary to revise and renovate club facilities to meet the evolving needs of our membership. Much has changed since Eisenhower was president!”

According to an official staff report made by the Coastal Commission, the approved project includes expanding the main clubhouse with a new three-story pool building that will feature multi-purpose rooms. The existing clubhouse will also be remodeled. The current pool and deck will be demolished and replaced with a new pool and deck inside the new structure.

“The current clubhouse’s structure will be strengthened for increased earthquake resistance, all of the glazing will be replaced with energy-efficient dual pane glass, and spaces without HVAC will finally get air-conditioning,” said Meier. “The kitchen will also be upgraded, and the interior will have all new finishes.”

In addition to granting approval for the expansion, the California Coastal Commission also made a list of numerous conditions it expects the LBYC’s project to follow.

According to the staff report, to protect public access, the Coastal Commission has prohibited the LBYC from reserving spaces in the adjacent Basin 4 public parking lot. The Commission also required the club to submit a Transportation Demand Management Program (TDMP) to address parking and promote alternative transportation such as bicycle racks, ride-share pick-up zones and incentives for members to arrive by boat.

The LBYC’s remodeling project is expected to be completed by 2028, according to Lisa Meier. Meier expects that the remodeling and new additions to the yacht club will not just bring in new accommodations for guests, but to also help continue the yacht club’s long and successful history in Long Beach.

“We’re excited to create an inviting and efficient gathering place for club members, the boating community, and neighborhood and coastal groups,” said Meier. “The revitalized club will provide a vibrant pathway to the water and bring a new era of excellence to this Long Beach landmark that has served the community for nearly 100 years.”

For more information on the LBYC’s clubhouse expansion project, you can visit their official website at https://www.lbyc.org/clubhouse-update.