Stage Harbor Yacht Club

Ahoy to a Clubhouse Transformation

When dreaming of Cape Cod, we often associate images of sailboats cruising the harbors and surrounding waters under sunny skies. Located in Chatham, Stage Harbor Yacht Club strives to promote a lifelong love of sailing for all ages, a sense of community, and respect for our great oceans. The almost 90-year-old sailing and racing club partnered with SV Design to upgrade their facility to support the growth of the club and its future boating programs.

SV Design was tasked with designing a wharf and boathouse to support Stage Harbor Yacht Club's sailing school, racing and water adventure programs, and social events. The former structure was not efficient for the club and was on the verge of falling into the water. SV Design collaborated with Stage Harbor Yacht Club's Pier Committee to understand their vision for the new structure and the unique requirements of the wharf. The boathouse design aligns with the Cape Cod design vernacular and addresses conservation and coastal concerns. The single-story shingle-style structure has cedar shingles, white trim, and a moderately pitched gable roof with pristine views of Stage Harbor. The industrial interior has dedicated space for sailing classes, workstations, and a loft for storage. The wharf is used for boat repair and gathering of the community. During inclement weather, classes and boat repairs can take place inside.

The individual flags - or burgees - are displayed along exposed structural beams to honor each family that financially contributed to the project. The ramp alongside the boathouse is wide enough for boat access and the sailing school and club members can repair boats and sails at the back of the pier under the fabric sail covering. This space is also used for boating education and entertaining for the club and its members. The new space is vibrant and welcoming. Stage Harbor Yacht Club has seen record enrollment in its sailing school since unveiling the new wharf and boathouse.