As the holiday season approaches, the Marco Island Yacht Club (MIYC) invites members and guests to experience festive celebrations, new culinary offerings, and a full calendar of social and boating-friendly activities in the year ahead.
For those looking to spend the holidays in style, MIYC has become a standout venue in their recently renovated and historic location: across the waterfront dining room and outdoor terrace, the club’s social calendar shines with special seasonal events. The club’s holiday parties include a spirited Ugly Holiday Sweater contest, the annually anticipated Christmas Boat Parade, an elegant Christmas Eve dinner, and a high-glam New Year’s Eve Gala. With panoramic views of the river and the bridge, the setting offers a warm-yet-refined backdrop for gatherings of friends, families and colleagues.
MIYC is proudly led by General Manager Missy Milanese and Executive Chef Loren Cogswell, whose leadership has elevated both the hospitality and dining experiences at the club. Together, they’ve created an atmosphere that’s both elegant and welcoming — where every member feels at home and every meal feels special.
Executive Chef Loren Cogswell brings over 17 years of fine dining experience in the Caymans and Naples to the club’s kitchens. His seasonally inspired menus emphasize fresh local ingredients, offering everything from light, health-minded lunches to sophisticated dinners paired with outstanding wines. While the exact new dishes are evolving daily, Chef Cogswell and his team have indicated a creative approach that blends regional seafood, produce and global flavours—perfect for holiday fêtes and regular club dining alike.
Beyond festive dinners, MIYC’s calendar offers something for everyone with a vibrant calendar of private member events, defining island living — from elegant galas to relaxed evenings on the terrace:
- Weekly favorites: Live music in the Courtyard every Tuesday, Wine & Dine dinners, Twilight Golf, Bridge Club, Car Club, Fishing Club, Book Club, and more.
- Signature celebrations: Member traditions such as the Ugly Christmas Sweater Party, New Year’s Eve Gala, Valentine’s Dinner Dance, and the Commodore’s Ball highlight the spirit of the season.
- Casual gatherings: Enjoy laid-back socials and outdoor courtyard evenings at the Burgee Bar, where every sunset feels like an event of its own.
For those who love the open water, MIYC offers an impressive boating and cruising program designed to celebrate the island’s maritime lifestyle:
- Cruising options: From sunset cruises and day excursions to multi-day voyages to destinations like the Florida Keys and the Bahamas.
- Past highlights: The Circumnavigation Cruise of Marco Island and overnight trips to Hawks Cay and Key West.
- Traditions: The annual Blessing of the Fleet — a signature parade of vessels followed by live music and waterfront dining — returns on March 29, 2025.
No boat? No problem. Full and Equity members can join many boating activities even without owning a vessel.
The MIYC Youth Sailing Program, led by Sailing Director Caroline Hugo, continues to flourish as one of the club’s proudest achievements — and one that’s open to the public. The program welcomes students in grades 6–12 through its High School Sailing Team, open to all interested participants — no prior experience required. Alongside this, the Youth Sailing Program provides hands-on instruction and skill development for beginners and experienced young sailors alike — ensuring the next generation of sailors will continue MIYC’s proud maritime legacy.
For those interested in reserving holiday events or learning more about joining as a guest, the club encourages early bookings as prime dates fill quickly. With a refreshed chef-led menu and a social calendar brimming with variety, MIYC stands ready to make this holiday season one to remember!