Lake Havasu Yacht Club

‘On The West Coast Of Arizona’

Its mission statement is “The Lake Havasu Yacht Club shall promote water safety and the enjoyment of all types of boating, further the sport of boating through regattas and sailing races; to provide instruction in boating and sailing, to provide community service in the interest of water-oriented activities, to have appropriate social functions, and to support and sponsor appropriate youth activities.”

LHYC has nearly four decades of history. In February 1969, three local enthusiastic boaters decided Lake Havasu should have a yacht club.

These gentlemen put an article in the paper, and a meeting was held at Smoketree School. A club was formed and meetings were held at the school and various locations on the lake.

The next year, there were 22 original memberships in the club, and the first commodore was Bill Lampkin. In September 1970, the club incorporated as the Lake Havasu Yacht Club.

LHYC Has A Home

Two years later, LHYC “set up shop” in a prefab metal building on the island that had been the engineering and construction offices for the London Bridge. Soon afterward, LHYC became members of the United States Yacht Racing Union, an internationally recognized association.

Members began their search for a permanent facility in 1983. They started with an unused piece of land on London Bridge Road, which they leased from the city in December 1986, and a drive to raise funds began.

By January 1988 the club was able to move into its new facilities, and it continues to grow in membership. LHYC is involved in many community and youth-related activities such as many lake-related events, social activities, camping, cruises, races, regattas, and lake patrol for various events that take place in the city and on the lake.

Future plans include power and sail boat racing, an expanded youth program, expansion of the club house and/or moving to lake-front property.

 Lights To Remember

One of the most significant endeavors of Lake Havasu Yacht Club is their Lighthouse Memorial Tribute Fund that was started in 1988, shortly after the completion of the club house. A club memorial plaque now honors the club’s departed members and friends.

The lighthouse beacon is a reminder of another perpetual light that guides sailors at sea to a safe harbor. Memorial donations may be made to the Yacht Club Building Improvement Fund; envelopes for donations are available at the club.

Although LHYC no longer hosts the annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade, it was instrumental in the development of this popular event. The parade began in Lake Havasu City in 1982 and was hosted by the Chamber of Commerce and other various groups.

In 1997 the Lake Havasu Convention and Visitors Bureau requested that the Lake Havasu Yacht Club "host the event." So, for the next nine years — 1997 thru 2005 — the Lake Havasu Yacht Club had the privilege of "hosting" the parade.

During this time frame, the parade became the "Largest Light Spectacular" on the West Coast of Arizona. Also during this period, the parade was enhanced by the Lighting of the Famous London Bridge and English Village (Million Plus Lights) that took place each year, the day after Thanksgiving.

The club is proud of its involvement over nine years, involvement that brought the Lake Havasu holiday parade both state and national recognition.

For more information on the Lake Havasu Yacht Club, call (928) 453-5005.