Dallas’s yacht clubs have a long and fascinating history. Like in any major city, sailing here remains vibrant, with these clubs offering vital support to boat owners, assisting charter operators in assembling crews, and opening up a host of opportunities for those seeking leisure. Find out more at dallas-future.
What You Need to Know About the Dallas Corinthian Yacht Club
One of Dallas’s most prestigious venues, the Dallas Corinthian Yacht Club sits in Oak Point on Lake Lewisville.
Founded in 1928 as the Dallas Sailing Club on White Rock Lake, it relocated in 1956 when a severe drought drastically lowered water levels.
The modern Dallas Corinthian Yacht Club is renowned for fleets across multiple yacht classes—including Snipe, Lightning, Pearson Ensign, Rebel, Longhorn, Tigercat, Sunfish, Lone Star 16, Victory 21, Thistle, Omega, 470, Laser, Catalina 22, and J/22. The club also prides itself on its notable members, such as sailor William E. Bracey, who won the Open Snipe World Championship in 1934.
The clubhouse spans approximately 4,300 square feet, serving as the hub for member-only events. Over 150 boat slips provide convenient lake access, and the grounds feature a pool plus a five-ton crane installed during construction to service vessels.
Features of the Corinthian Sailing Club and White Rock Boat Club
On the shores of White Rock Lake, both the Corinthian Sailing Club and the White Rock Boat Club have built distinct identities, with membership open to a wide range of enthusiasts.
Established in 1939 by Tom Nash, Frank Parker, and Wilfred Bruce, the Corinthian Sailing Club began with sailing fans using a public dock. They soon built their own pier with eight boat slips at what is now the north entrance on E. Lawther Drive. By 1942, the club had 22 members, and the Snipe class was their main vessel.
Now entirely water-based, the club offers 183 boat slips and 70 board storage racks. With 380 members—most of them professional sailors—it fields fleets of Flying Scots, Snipes, Corinthians, RS Aeros, Lasers, as well as 420s and Optimists for junior sailors.
Founded in 1961 by brothers Phil and Pete Oetking and Henry Pittman, the White Rock Boat Club emerged due to property-tracking issues at a previous club and rising dock fees. It has roughly half the membership of the Corinthian Sailing Club but boasts over 20 sailboat classes. About 70% of members focus on sailing; the rest keep paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, and other personal watercraft.