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Florida Guides > Uncategorized > 11 Yacht Clubs In Tampa Florida

11 Yacht Clubs In Tampa Florida

• July 26, 2023
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Tampa, Florida, known for its beaches and cultural scene, boasts impressive yacht clubs. These exclusive establishments cater to sailing enthusiasts, offering top-notch facilities and services for members to enjoy their sailing pursuits.

Tampa’s ideal weather and beautiful landscapes have made it a hub for yachting enthusiasts. This article explores 11 notable yacht clubs in Tampa, each offering unique features to cater to diverse preferences and tastes.

The author employed a thorough and meticulous selection process, considering factors like location, amenities, membership benefits, community engagement, and reputation. This article aims to provide essential information about Tampa’s prestigious yacht clubs and inspire readers to explore the multifaceted world of sailing through firsthand experiences.

This comprehensive guide serves as a valuable resource for those interested in Tampa’s maritime culture, offering noteworthy destinations for seasoned sailors and individuals looking to immerse themselves in the thriving sailing scene.

Blue Water Boat Rentals

Blue Water Boat Rentals, located in Tampa, Florida, offers a unique and exhilarating boating experience for water enthusiasts to explore the city’s picturesque waterfront and its attractions.

The Riverwalk Boating Company offers an unforgettable outdoor adventure, allowing guests to captain their own 2-person mini-powerboat along Tampa’s scenic waterways. This thrilling activity welcomes both experienced boaters and novices, with friendly staff providing comprehensive instructions for a memorable journey.

Strategically located at 333 S Franklin St, Blue Water Boat Rentals provides easy access to numerous sightseeing opportunities in Tampa Bay. Navigating through calm waters, participants enjoy stunning views of downtown Tampa’s skyline, historical landmarks, lush parks, and diverse wildlife habitats.

These mini-powerboats can be rented during daytime hours between 10 AM – 7 PM throughout the week, facilitating convenient scheduling options for both tourists and locals alike.

Explore Tampa with Blue Water Boat Rentals’ mini-powerboats for a unique perspective and one-of-a-kind aquatic escapades. Suitable for all skill levels, no previous boating experience is required, thanks to knowledgeable staff members providing support.

When visiting Tampa, Florida, visitors should consider incorporating this extraordinary mode of transportation from Blue Water Boat Rentals into their itinerary to discover hidden gems around the vibrant metropolis.

Tampa Yacht & Country Club

Tampa Yacht & Country Club, located at 5320 Interbay Blvd, is a prestigious establishment in Tampa’s yachting community. Serving generations of families, it remains a premier destination for recreation, relaxation, and enjoyment along Florida’s coastline.

It’s built on integrity, civility, and camaraderie among members. With first-class facilities catering to all ages and interests, the club offers fine dining, fitness centers, tennis courts, swimming pools, and an elaborate marina with access to Tampa Bay’s picturesque waterways.

Operating hours are Sunday through Saturday ranging from 8 AM to 9 PM or 9 AM to 2 PM on Mondays.

It stands out for its commitment to preserving its waterfront property and historical significance. Members can enjoy unforgettable experiences in a unique setting that combines natural beauty with Tampa’s rich history.

The Tampa Yacht & Country Club, with its dedicated staff and exceptional service, is a cherished part of many family traditions. Visitors seeking an authentic taste of Tampa’s rich maritime culture will undoubtedly appreciate what this remarkable club has to offer.

Davis Islands Yacht Club

The Davis Islands Yacht Club in Tampa, Florida is a prestigious and member-owned organization dedicated to promoting sailing in all its forms. Situated at the south end of Davis Islands, the club has a rich history and strong commitment to the sport.

This strategic location allows for easy access to the waterways and provides members with unparalleled opportunities for racing, cruising, and youth sailing programs.

The prestigious yacht club emphasizes strong relationships with other sailing organizations, actively participating in events and competitions. This fosters camaraderie among sailors and ensures high safety standards on the waterways.

The Davis Islands Yacht Club creates a welcoming environment by offering diverse social activities for all ages and skill levels, fostering a passion for sailing within its community.

The club offers a wide range of services for novice and experienced sailors, including races, cruises, seminars, and workshops, providing opportunities to improve skills and enjoy the open waters.

Members of the Davis Islands Yacht Club enjoy access to excellent facilities, including docks, boat storage, dining options, and comfortable accommodations. The club’s commitment to promoting sailing is evident through its mission, fostering good fellowship and helpfulness among its members.

Westshore Yacht Club Marina

The Westshore Yacht Club Marina is a prestigious and hidden gem located in the historic South Tampa neighborhood. With its convenient location, it provides easy access to downtown Tampa, the vibrant Westshore District, and scenic St. Petersburg.

The 149 slip marina rests on Old Tampa Bay, providing an idyllic setting for those who seek both luxury and adventure on their yachting excursions.

Oasis Marinas at Westshore Yacht Club is designed for discerning yacht owners, offering top-notch amenities and services. It provides dockage accommodations for vessels up to 108 feet LOA, with ample space for leisure cruising or competitive racing events. The on-site staff delivers exceptional customer service and expert local advice, ensuring a seamless experience from arrival to departure.

Westshore Yacht Club is a renowned and preferred destination for seasoned travelers visiting Florida. With exceptional facilities, breathtaking surroundings, and a strategic location near popular destinations, this luxurious marina caters to every type of seafarer, making it a truly special choice.

At Westshore Yacht Club, guests can expect nothing short of excellence, whether enjoying a quiet weekend getaway or participating in high-energy sailing races along the bay’s waters.

Gulfstream Boat Club

Another noteworthy yacht club in Tampa, Florida is the Gulfstream Boat Club.

This premium establishment offers a family-friendly and affordable alternative to boat ownership.

With convenient locations throughout the area, members can enjoy access to a variety of vessels without worrying about the high costs and responsibilities associated with owning their own boats.

Gulfstream Boat Club offers flexible membership packages with no blackout periods or limitations, allowing members to access boats at any location on any day of the week, catering to diverse lifestyles.

The fleet maintained by the club consists of top-quality watercraft kept in peak performance, ensuring an enjoyable and safe boating experience for all members.

Some features found aboard these vessels include state-of-the-art Bluetooth sound systems, touchscreen GPS and depth finders, comfortable seating arrangements, and much more.

Located at 5216 W Tyson Ave in Tampa, FL 33611, United States, Gulfstream Boat Club operates daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

For inquiries or membership information, please contact the reputable yacht club at +1 888-702-2256.

Gulfstream Boat Club provides unparalleled convenience and accessibility to diverse recreational opportunities on the water. With the elimination of burdens associated with boat ownership, it is an exceptional choice for novice sailors and seasoned maritime enthusiasts alike.

Freedom Boat Club – Tampa: Rick’s On The River

Freedom Boat Club – Tampa at Rick’s on the River is a hidden gem for boating enthusiasts, located along the scenic Hillsborough River in Tampa, Florida.

It offers a premier location with breathtaking views, easy access to waterways, and a hassle-free boating lifestyle. Situated at 2305 N Willow Ave, it is conveniently close to downtown Tampa, Clearwater Beach, and St. Petersburg attractions.

Operates daily from 8 AM to 7 PM, offering members unlimited access to a well-maintained fleet of boats without ownership responsibilities.

The professional staff at Freedom Boat Club – Tampa takes care of vessel cleaning, maintenance, safety, and reliability, allowing members to enjoy worry-free adventures on the water. With no boat storage or maintenance fees, members can easily reserve a vessel online or via phone at +1 813-352-0240.

Freedom Boat Club – Tampa offers more than just convenient boating services; it provides an opportunity for individuals to embark on unforgettable marine adventures along Florida’s stunning coastline.

By offering unparalleled ease and accessibility combined with exceptional customer service, this establishment truly stands out among other yacht clubs in the area.

For those seeking an exclusive yet stress-free way to experience Tampa’s vibrant aquatic scene, look no further than Freedom Boat Club – Tampa at Rick’s on the River.

Davis Islands Youth Sailing Foundation

Davis Islands Youth Sailing Foundation on Tampa Bay offers a serene oasis for young sailing enthusiasts. With pristine waters and a picturesque setting, it cultivates a love for marine life and adventure among aspiring sailors.

It’s a premier yacht club in Tampa, Florida, dedicated to teaching essential skills in a safe and supportive environment. As a non-profit educational institution, it makes sailing accessible to all children in the Tampa Bay area. The foundation instills values like sportsmanship, self-reliance, and respect for authority.

It offers comprehensive programs for all ages and skill levels, fostering growth on and off the water. Collaborating with local law firms like Kinney, Fernandez & Boire, the foundation thrives with support from community partners, empowering every child to become a captain of their own ship.

At Davis Islands Youth Sailing Foundation, aspiring sailors receive expert guidance, access to world-class facilities, and top-notch equipment to develop their passion. They also join an exclusive network of fellow seafarers, forming lifelong connections based on mutual admiration for aquatic pursuits.

A new generation of skilled navigators emerges from Davis Islands Youth Sailing Foundation, equipped with experiential wisdom gained from traversing Tampa Bay. Their legacy will inspire future mariners for generations to come.

Westshore Yacht Club Condos

Experience the luxurious lifestyle of Westshore Yacht Club Condos in Tampa, Florida. This upscale residential community offers unparalleled views, premier amenities, and modern architectural design, creating an epitome of sophistication and elegance.

The Experienced Traveller will enjoy a wealth of amenities in this prestigious community. Stay fit at the modern fitness center, indulge in spa services, and relax by the resort-style pools, fostering social connections with neighbors and friends.

Westshore Yacht Club Condos offers lavish living spaces and a strong sense of camaraderie among residents. Enjoy diverse events throughout the year, including wine tastings, art shows, and holiday celebrations, fostering a vibrant community.

Moreover, boat enthusiasts are sure to marvel at the 149-slip marina located onsite which provides easy access to all water-based activities enjoyed on Tampa Bay’s sparkling waters.

Yacht Charter Tampa St. Petersburg

Yacht Charter Tampa St. Petersburg provides a unique and unforgettable experience to explore Florida’s Gulf Coast. With pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and stunning sunsets, it’s an idyllic destination for relaxation and adventure.

It offers a wide variety of options, from luxurious motor yachts for leisurely cruising to high-performance sailing vessels for exhilarating racing experiences, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.

Explore picturesque destinations accessible only by water with Yacht Charter Tampa St. Petersburg. Discover the fascinating history, world-class museums, and delicious dining options of charming St. Petersburg during your onshore excursions.

Discover Fort De Soto Park along the coast, featuring unspoiled white sand beaches perfect for swimming in crystal-clear waters or basking in the Floridian sunshine amidst nature’s beauty.

With Yacht Charter Tampa St. Petersburg, your journey is meticulously planned and executed by experienced professionals who prioritize safety and aim to make every moment onboard extraordinary.

Embark on day cruises to nearby islands or extended voyages to South Florida or the Bahamas with Yacht Charter Tampa St. Petersburg. Experience captivating landscapes and natural wonders aboard magnificent vessels, creating lasting memories etched in hearts forever.

Tampa Bay Dragon Boat Club

The Tampa Bay Dragon Boat Club (TBDBC) is a renowned organization in the heart of Tampa, Florida. Established in 2005 by dedicated paddlers, the club has grown exponentially from its origins in the annual Tampa Bay International Dragon Boat Races.

With a vision to practice and compete year-round at various events throughout Florida and the country, TBDBC has become one of the most competitive dragon boat racing teams nationwide.

TBDBC members have achieved numerous accomplishments since the club’s inception. They have won multiple SRDBA championships, participated in USDBF National Championships, and represented Team USA and Team Puerto Rico at IDBF World Nation’s Championships from 2009 to 2019.

These achievements are a testament to their commitment to excellence and sportsmanship within the realm of dragon boat racing.

Located at 402 W Laurel St, Tampa, FL 33602, United States, TBDBC is an acclaimed sports institution. It offers opportunities for amateur and experienced paddlers to engage with like-minded individuals who share their passion for this exciting water sport.

TBDBC offers rigorous training programs and opportunities to participate in local and international dragon boat competitions, including the prestigious IDBF World Nation’s Championships. It fosters growth among members and maintains a leading position in the world of dragon boat racing.

The Cove At Loggerhead Marina Association Inc

The Cove at Loggerhead Marina Association Inc manages the residential community and marina facilities, ensuring a high-quality lifestyle for residents. It maintains amenities, offers property management services, and oversees compliance with governing regulations, fostering a harmonious living environment for its members.

It collaborates closely with the on-site full-service marina to provide a top-notch boating experience. Boat owners enjoy access to excellent facilities, including fuel docks, repair services, and storage options, while fostering camaraderie among fellow enthusiasts.

The strategic location of the marina affords direct access to the Gulf of Mexico’s pristine waters, enabling residents to fully embrace their passion for boating.

The Cove at Loggerhead Marina Association Inc plays an indispensable role in sustaining the distinctive character of this waterfront community. With high standards for residential and recreational aspects, it is one of Tampa Bay’s sought-after destinations for discerning homebuyers and avid boaters alike.

Frequently Asked Questions About Yacht Clubs in Tampa Florida

How much does it cost to join tampa yacht club.

The cost to join Tampa Yacht Club is not publicly disclosed on their Yelp page. For accurate membership fees and pricing details, it is recommended to contact the club directly.

How does yacht club membership work?

Yacht club membership entails an initiation fee and annual dues, granting access to club facilities, events, amenities, boating and sailing services, social activities, and dining options.

What is the difference between a yacht club and a sailing club?

While there can be some overlap, generally, a yacht club focuses on a broader range of boating activities, including powerboats and larger vessels, while a sailing club is more specific to sailing activities and sailboat racing.

Who is the owner of the Yacht Club?

The owner of Tampa Yacht Club is not specified on their Yelp page. To obtain information about the ownership, it is best to reach out to the club directly for accurate details.

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Tampa Yacht & Country Club

Phone: 813-831-1611

Email: [email protected]

Address: 5320 INTERBAY BLVD TAMPA, FL 33611

Website: http://www.tampayacht.com

The Tampa Yacht & Country Club was founded in 1904 by the leading business and professional men of the city of Tampa. Three clubhouses have occupied this property on Ballast Point. The first building was constructed in 1905 at a cost of $7,000 and it was destroyed by fire on December 14, 1929. The second building was built in 1930 and burned down in December 1938. Our present clubhouse was constructed in 1939 at a cost of $40,000.

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Tampa Yacht & Country Club

5320 Interbay Blvd Tampa, FL 33611 Phone: 18138311611 www.tampayacht.com

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Tampa Yacht & Country Club

Play in the heart of downtown baltimore, marina info.

The Tampa Yacht & Country Club is an exclusive private club located on Hillsborough Bay. Founded in 1904, the club is a member owned "family-oriented" private club known for fine dining and entertainment . The Tampa Yacht & Country Club is located on the western shore of Hillsborough Bay, immediatly south of the Ballast Point Pier. A heading of 290 degrees from ship channel marker #25 will take you to the marina entrance. Follow the markers north of the north-south breakwall to enter the marina. The Dockmaster monitors channel 68 and is on duty 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Location Info

• Mega Yacht Slips

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Approach depth (ft): , dock depth (ft):.

Locally owned and operated for 23 years

Tampa & Clearwater

Welcome Aboard Yacht StarShip

With two decades of service, Yacht StarShip’s dining cruises have become a seaworthy staple. Cruise the waterways of Tampa Bay or Clearwater while enjoying a premier dining experience and an open bar that’s free at sea on select cruises.

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Premier Dining Cruises

Set sail on the waterways of Tampa Bay and Clearwater with Yacht StarShip and delight in a different kind of dining experience, with many cruises featuring an open bar that’s free at sea! When you come aboard our yachts, you can expect unmatched service, exquisite views and a delicious meal aboard America’s first 3-Diamond rated dining yacht. Experience stunning Clearwater sunsets or the bright city lights of Downtown Tampa as you sip and savor your way through our upscale cuisine and cocktails.

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Host a Private Charter

Yacht StarShip’s fleet of four luxury yachts are perfect for any size event from 25 – 600 guests and feature top quality service, breathtaking views, entertainment, and award-winning cuisine. Our all-inclusive event packages make planning easy seabreezy. Whether you want to tie the knot on a yacht, or create a sea of memories with a social celebration, our dedicated crew is here for you.

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Specialty Cruises

Yacht StarShip wants to be your celebration destination. With holiday cruises all throughout December, we have a cruise that fits the occasion with specially-themed menus and decor. Simply book your holiday cruise and let us do the rest.

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Grady Irvin - July 2023

This was a great family night out for my moms 42nd birthday and I will for sure be coming back. The scene, view, music and environment was a whole win!!

Riley Liles - Brunch Cruise September 2023

Herbert brown - september 2023.

The food was delicious! Our server was really great. Everyone in our party had a wonderful time.

David Chalupa, Clearwater Dinner Cruise - December 2022

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Davis Island Yacht Club

Location & Hours

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1315 Severn Ave

Tampa, FL 33606

Davis Islands

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This is a great Yacht club. It's in a lovely little cove set back past some parks and the Peter O. Knight Airport on a secluded strecth of land sticking out from Davis Island. There are races on Thursdays and guests are welcome to come out and sign on to crew. There are different classes and good camaraderie. The two story clubhouse has nice views and comfortable seating including on a deck. This is also a nice place for a walk and there's a nice little pool. The club is diverse in age and vibrant (some yacht clubs are older and stodgier). Everyone was friendly and welcoming. i had a great visit and the sunsets on the Bay are beautiful! Everyone should come out here at least once and get out on the water with some wind power (and a motor). :)

Club on left

Yacht club is at center on the little hook of land. :) Avast!!!

Lots to be said about this place. As far as the bar and food goes, it's standard bar fare that is comforting and delicious. I have yet to have something here I haven't liked. The drink prices are just right and everyone is super nice. And that means a lot. What I mean by this is I adore sailing and come out for the beer can races but I look like the only pirate in a room full of sailors if you know what I'm saying and no one, I mean no one has ever eyeballed me or been pretentious to or around me. Everyone is wonderful here and super sweet, caring and loving. Even if you don't sail boats you should come down and enjoy a drink for sunset. What an amazing and beautiful place. Thank you everyone for the hospitality. SAIL ON!

BEER CAN RACES!

Great view and terrific food. Nice way to relax and have a casual day with great food.

This was the first place I accidentally ended up in Tampa after checking into my hostel. I like to drive around and see where the road takes me. Well, I took some really pretty photos here. The drive was as the sun was beginning to set, there was a breeze. I don't nor will I ever have a yacht. I did however enjoy this part of my trip for what it was. A simple learning experience.

Charlie is awesome! Love the drinks and food and members are always very nice. Always love the view up on the deck overlooking the water!

Really bad experience! Not good service bad employees who are rude & trashy! Do not go to this place unless you are 100% member or their nose will be up in the air but yet feeling like you are in a trailer park. No class!

While the location is lovely, be VERY careful when paying. My credit card was (admittedly) overcharged by $65.00 on one transaction. Luckily, I saved my receipts and called every single day for two weeks. They did ultimately, and with a bit of sarcasm, refund the money but I was lucky I caught it. They apparently also add an 18% gratuity if you pay by cash or credit card (i.e., are a guest of a member and do not use a member account). Be careful!

Had lunch as guest of a member. Nice 2nd story restaurant with covered deck on 3 sides offering a full circle vista of Tampa Bay---downtown to the north across the yacht basin and airfield, the commercial docks and gypsum mountains to the east, open water looking down to Manatee County to the South, and South Tampa/MacDill to the West. Full picture-glass windows offer bright dining inside as well. Informal, small menu with reasonable prices and daily specials. Very much enjoyed the Reuben Cape Cod, made with fried halibut and fresh-fried chips on the side.

2 other reviews that are not currently recommended

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Manatee Tours Tampa

• Life & Culture

What’s it like to dine on Tampa’s new riverboat cruise Craft? We took a ride.

• Helen Freund Times staff

TAMPA — We almost didn’t make the boat.

Traffic snarled through downtown Tampa and stretched onto the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway, delaying what would have been a 45-minute drive from St. Petersburg to nearly an hour and a half in stop-and-go congestion.

We had reservations for Craft, Tampa’s brand-new riverboat dinner cruise set to depart at 7:30 p.m. — and a friendly confirmation email reminding us that our purchase was nonrefundable. We’d been encouraged to arrive 45 minutes early, when we would have presumably been able to commence a leisurely boarding, river breeze in our hair, Champagne flute in hand.

Life had other plans. At 7:25 p.m., my dinner date and I swung our car into the Garrison Street parking lot, narrowly avoiding getting struck by an oncoming streetcar.

Following a quick security wand-down (the boat adheres to U.S. Coast Guard rules) and a $30 event-fueled parking fee (Tim McGraw was playing a show at nearby Amalie Arena), crew members greeted us with a quick photograph and a glass of bubbly before sending us on our way.

“Welcome to our maiden voyage!” they exclaimed as we rushed aboard.

Shortly after 7:30 p.m., we were off, out of the Ybor Turning Basin and into the sunset.

Described as a “culinary and cocktail river journey,” Craft debuted its inaugural dinner cruise on March 15. The multimillion-dollar project is the latest endeavor from Jill and Troy Manthey, who also run several other entertainment-on-the-water concepts, including Yacht StarShip, Pirate Water Taxi and the Bay Rocket.

Designed with European riverboats in mind, the 130-foot-long vessel boasts a sleek, white silhouette with less than 11 feet of vertical clearance — meaning it can comfortably drift beneath many of Tampa’s low-lying bridges. But this ship’s real appeal lies in the coupling of an elevated culinary program, contemporary aesthetic and craft cocktails.

A trip aboard Craft includes a two-hour cruise up and down the Hillsborough River and a three-course prix-fixe meal. To start, there are lunch, brunch and dinner trips on deck, but a happy hour option may soon be in the works.

Running any kind of marine operation comes with steep operating costs — including fuel, dock rental fees and staffing — and the experience here is priced accordingly. But it still comes with a good deal of sticker shock. For two people on a Friday evening, we paid $392.59 for the boat ride and the three-course dinner — not including gratuity or drinks.

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I love a fancy boat ride as much as the next person, but the pricing gave me pause.

Would the experience be worth it?

Things were a lot smoother once we got on board.

We entered through the front of the boat, or bow, and were shown to our seats inside a narrow dining room, flanked by windows overlooking the water. Wood paneling combined with slight nautical touches lent the space a warm, industrial-chic vibe.

Servers clad in white collared shirts and gray aprons whisked back and forth between the tables, balancing martini coupes and taking orders. In an attempt to let the crew develop their sea legs, the boat wasn’t fully booked that evening, but the dining room still felt abuzz with excitement and curiosity.

Clutching our Champagne, we glided through Sparkman Channel at dusk, glitzy Harbour Island homes glowing in the evening light as a Maggie Rogers track played softly in the background. We let out a collective exhale as the chaos of the day faded away.

Over the course of the roughly two-hour cruise, the boat steered up the Hillsborough River, passing Riverwalk landmarks including the Tampa Convention Center, Armature Works and Rick’s on the River, before turning around and heading back.

Guests were encouraged to explore the boat. The Bow and Stern bar, beautifully designed and fashioned out of a vintage 1914 cruiser, provided additional seating in the rear for those looking for more of an al fresco experience.

Throughout the evening, the crew moved back and forth between the dining room, the bar and the kitchen, sometimes stepping out on the deck to alert passengers when their meals had been delivered. Guests roamed the boat taking photographs, while patrons inside chatted up their neighbors, much of the voyage illuminated by the lights of downtown Tampa.

Craft’s strongest selling point is its culinary program, and the menu here is a far cry from the goblets of white wine and dry chicken associated with most dinner cruises.

Designed by chef Allison Beasman (formerly of Edison: Food + Drink Lab), the list of contemporary New American dishes runs the gamut from a black grouper served with Little Neck clams and Pernod cream to a Wagyu coulotte with kabocha caramel and a Korean barbecue octopus. As part of the prix-fixe deal, guests are able to pick an appetizer, entree and dessert from a menu of roughly 13 different dishes.

Part of what makes the vessel stand out is the addition of an open kitchen with gas stoves, and the concept’s design allows guests to get a peek of the action if they’re on their way to the bathroom or the bar.

When it came time to order dinner, our server patiently guided us through the menu, pointing out the additional dishes we could choose if we wished to add a little something extra onto our prepaid meal. We opted for the olive oil-marinated sheep and goat’s milk cheese ($18), which was just as tasty as our server touted. It arrived in a rich red pepper-packed pisto, drizzled with a healthy glug of olive oil and served with crusty bread for dipping.

Dishes are made to order and don’t necessarily arrive at the same time as other passengers’ meals. Our appetizers showed up roughly 45 minutes into the trip, a delightful baby kale salad lightly dressed in a white balsamic vinaigrette that was toothsome with chicory and shaved carrots and plumped up with fried baby potatoes and a healthy shaving of ricotta salata. Also good was the hearty tomato bisque with roasted bone marrow and blackened cipollini onions.

For our entrees, a seared duck breast arrived fanned out over silky whipped potatoes and a creamy goat cheese fondue, framed by Brussels sprouts and fat wedges of roasted golden beets. Though the duck was cooked a little past the requested temperature, it was still delicious. A plate of sweet and sour braised short ribs packed powerhouse flavors that paired beautifully together, all served over a sweet and sticky coconut rice sidling bok choy and juicy tangerine segments.

For dessert, we paired a perfect few scoops of pistachio ice cream with a chocolate espresso dacquoise, an intensely rich and sweet layer cake featuring a tart blackberry curd and creamy dark chocolate ganache.

The fine print

The water was calm that night and the entire service appeared well-rehearsed — absent of any major hiccups and even graceful at moments. As far as I could tell, there were no seasick passengers or man-overboard scenarios, which felt like some kind of success, though I did wonder what type of balance or physical dexterity would be required to maneuver trays of wobbling martini glasses over stormier seas.

Though tiered pricing exists for Craft — for different seats, times of day or days of the week — there’s no overlooking that a trip aboard the vessel isn’t cheap.

With neither drinks nor gratuity included in the booking price, if you’re looking to enjoy the evening with a couple of libations, it’s going to cost you. The add-ons can feel excessive, from a $50 king crab leg tray to the preboarding photograph crew members try to sell you at the end of the night. A suggested gratuity is presented on your bill, based on the total sales tallied for the table that evening, including the cost of the original reservation.

Some changes are bound to be expected as the company assesses guest interest and feedback. Even after the first week, it appears some prices have been slightly adjusted. Dinner for two people seated in the dining room with window seats now comes to $369.89 after taxes and marine fees, while weekend brunches for the same seats start at $89.95 per person.

It’s hard to imagine making dining here a regular occurrence, but for a special occasion, an evening aboard Craft can be a real delight.

Next time, though, I’ll remember to leave myself plenty of time to get there.

For Craft reservations and information, go to crafttampa.com/ . The riverboat departs from the dock at 603 Channelside Drive, Tampa.

Helen Freund is the food and dining critic, reporting on and reviewing restaurants throughout Tampa Bay. Reach her at [email protected].

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Timeless White and Gold Wedding | Tampa Yacht & Country Club

Claire and Frank's classic South Tampa wedding combined a traditional church ceremony with an elegant yacht club reception accented with neutral flora and décor and an outdoor waterfront dance floor under a canopy of bistro lights.

“Our wedding style was elegant, romantic, classic , and easy-going. I’ve loved this look since I was a young girl and Frank added in the easy-going part,” the bride shared. “We chose shades of ivory , greenery , and gold . They speak classic bridal to me.”

The Tampa couple embraced their wedding planning as a welcomed distraction from the pandemic and an opportunity to host a celebratory and meaningful event with their closest loved ones. They were able to include 120 guests in their wedding ceremony, and then host an intimate reception with 50 of their friends and family in light of COVID precautions.

“We got engaged in July, married in October, planned everything during COVID, and had the wedding of our dreams in the midst of a really tough year!” Claire beamed. “With COVID, we faced restrictions so we had to get creative. With the size of our church, we were able to have all of our friends and family in attendance so we wanted it to be really personal and special. We included a moment at the end of our ceremony to face our guests and soak in their love. The dinner that followed was immediate family only, and we loved the ability to speak with each family member without the distractions of a typical, large reception.”

The bride, who is a former wedding coordinator, relied on her industry knowledge to choose an experienced floral design company with reputable talent to create classic floral arrangements and décor for the chapel and reception spaces. Claire turned to the team at FH Events who fashioned loose arrangements of eucalyptus greenery accented with an all-white palette of roses, hydrangea, ranunculus, stock, and lisianthus.

“I wanted a timeless look, greens, ivory, and a pop of navy in the anemone flower,” Claire explained. “Being in the industry, I have worked with FH Events many times and had seen their work first hand. I have limited knowledge of florals but I knew I could trust their team because I had seen their amazing work time and time again.”

To enhance her natural beauty, Claire enlisted the artists at Femme Akoi Beauty Studio for wedding day hair and makeup. Having experienced their renowned services before through past industry experience, it was a no-brainer when it came time to selecting the beauty team for her own wedding.

“I wanted natural beauty but also for it to look like I had put some extra effort in on the day. I wanted to look elegant and bridal but also wanted my husband to recognize me. I had gotten my hair and makeup done with Femme Akoi Beauty Studio before so I trusted them. They were able to nail my vision with just a couple of inspiration photos and their work was better than I had imagined! I felt the best I had ever felt on my wedding day,” the bride raved.

Claire recalls two stand-out moments during her celebration that she will forever treasure- one during the ceremony and another during the reception.

“Walking down the aisle, the world disappeared, all I saw was my husband. Franks says he doesn’t remember anything else except waiting for the door to open. Our church doesn’t have a center aisle so Frank stood at the end of the aisle so we could lock eyes the whole time,” the bride reminisced. “Our first dance was outside on the circle patio under the string lights with our family surrounding us and an acoustic guitarist sang Made for You . At the end of the song, we had impromptu father/daughter and mother/son dances, and it was sweet!”

The Proposal: Frank rented out the top portion of the Columbia Café, proposed with roses and champagne, and then had both of our families join us for dinner. It was really sweet and better than I could have imagined.

What was your wedding day beauty inspiration? I wanted natural beauty but also for it to look like I had put some extra effort in on the day. I wanted to look elegant and bridal but also wanted my husband to recognize me.

I had gotten my hair and makeup done with Femme Akoi Beauty Studio before so I trusted them. They were able to nail my vision with just a couple of inspiration photos and their work was better than I had imagined! I felt the best I had ever felt on my wedding day.

“I felt the best I had ever felt on my wedding day.” -The Bride

Where did you spend your honeymoon? We went to the Ritz Sarasota but this year plan on going to Dorado Beach, Puerto Rico for our official honeymoon celebration.

Where did you host your bachelorette party? We did an at-home wine tasting with PRP wines. Sit at home, get served delicious wine with your best friends, and you can walk to a bed afterward. Would recommend!

Which vendors really exceeded your expectations ? Our venue's service and care to detail were impeccable especially given the heightened COVID restrictions. They put my worries at ease.

How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?

Our wedding style was elegant, romantic, classic, and easy-going. I’ve loved this look since I was a young girl and Frank added in the easy-going part. 

What were your colors?

We chose shades of ivory, greenery, and gold. They speak classic bridal to me.

What was your wedding floral inspiration? I wanted a timeless look, greens, ivory, and a pop of navy in the anemone flower.

Being in the industry, I have worked with FH Events many times and had seen their work first hand. I have limited knowledge of florals but I knew I could trust the FH team because I had seen their amazing work time and time again.

“With only a few inspiration pictures to go by, Stephanie and her team at FH Events created the most beautiful bouquets and flower arrangements. They are always dependable and create beautiful things!” -The Bride

What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples? Don’t wait for the perfect time to get married because that time won’t ever come. Just do it!! It’s worth it.

Quotes have been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.

*Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pros are highly respected by our local wedding community and have been personally vetted by our editor.

Vendor Credits

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• Eric Thompson – The Morning Owls

Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros

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Davis Island Yacht Club has several charming spaces for members and their guests to enjoy a meal or a cocktail. 

Our dining room is a wonderful place to spend time with friends and family. The wraparound windows provide an exquisite view of Hillsborough Bay and it’s spectacular sunsets. Chef offers specials each day that combine comfort food and exciting dishes that capitalize on the freshest ingredients of the season. Reservations are not needed for lunch or most evenings.  We do recommend you make reservations for both seating and specific entrees on Friday nights. The staff will try to accommodate everyone who walks up as swiftly as possible. 

Our Porches are perfect for relaxed gatherings at any time of the day. The view of Hillsborough Bay is stunning, and the breeze most days makes for pleasant outdoor dining.

The Regatta Bar Area is a comfortable, covered area downstairs, adjacent to the pool. Events with food, bar service and music often take place in this fun spot. During summer days, one can expect the Regatta Bar to be open for business and the pool full of happy sailors. During regattas, sailors often gather here for food, drink, camaraderie, and instruction. 

Please wear shoes and coverups or shirts over swimsuits when inside the Club. Please do not come into the Clubhouse while wet but use the takeout window at the top of the north stairs. Thank you.