Montauk Pioneer - March 20, 2009 - MYC Opening With Big Bang

The Montauk Yacht Club Resort and Marina To Celebrate 80 Years With Wonderful New Events, Parties And Fun

This ever-prestigious club and marina was built in 1929 as one of the major resorts during the glamorous era of developer Carl Fisher, who also developed sister resorts at the Montauk Manor and the Surf Club. Since this time, the MYC has undergone numerous renovations and changes in ownership, but it is still one of Montauk's most popular travel destinations.

This 34-acre waterfront resort features 107 elegant guestrooms and suites with lakeside views, including the 23 Villa Cottages, as well as a marina, pool, spa, private beach, tennis courts, ballroom, conference and wedding facilities. This club has long been a favorite playground for the rich and famous, boasting an original membership that included Harold S. Vanderbilt, Vincent Astor, John Wanamaker, J.P. Morgan, Nelson Doubleday, Edsel Ford, Thomas Eastman, and Harry Payne Whitney.

The Montauk Yacht Club is owned by Island Global Yachting (IGY). IGY, founded in 2005, is based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida is one of the world's premier owners, developers and managers of luxury marinas and yachting lifestyle destinations.

In preparation for its big 80th anniversary, many of these notable guests and others will be featured in a historic photo and archival article collection in MYC' new Speakeasy Private Dining Room. This "Legacy Lounge" will continue to accept donations throughout the season all of which is part of the 80th anniversary celebrations. This room will be located in a hexagon-shaped room at the base of MYC's own lighthouse, just off the main Barracuda Bar, and will be open to the public to enjoy, reflect upon while enjoying a signature cocktail.

"This new history room will bring to life, not only the wonderful images of the past," said Keith Battaglia, sales and marketing director of the club. "but also all the ties that Montauk Yacht Club has to the local community and all the ties that the local community has to the Montauk Yacht Club. We cannot say enough about all those who helped, and who are helping, MYC to reach out and bring some of those photos to the club where everyone can enjoy - Montauk Locals, Hamptonites and NYC Visitors alike."

These framed old photos and articles will include the yacht club, as well as the former Deep Sea Club, the world-class fish caught on the marina boats, and famous people who have stayed at this resort over the years.

Battaglia said the resort will also be kicking off its big 80th anniversary festivities with a series of events that will run throughout the 2009 Season - culminating with a special program the weekend of the actual anniversary - June 13, 2009. As Montauk Yacht Club has always been a place where everyone is a member , the public is invited down to enjoy not only the new History Display but also the parties, promotions and events.

For this exciting 2009 season, the MYC is also introducing a new celebrity chef, Michael Domitrovich, who will be heading up its new Food and beverage program. Menus at the new Gulf Coast Kitchen, casual and spicy fare at Hurricane Alley - all influenced by cuisines from around the Gulf of Mexico: Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, Mexico and Cuba. The mere plan to put a Gulf Coast twist on the food, setting and atmosphere of Montauk to create a unique experience of flavor, décor and hospitality.

Chef Domitrovich is very excited as he will be opening the club with Hampton's Restaurant Week. "I see Hampton's Restaurant Week as our chance to show the East End exactly who we are at Gulf Coast Kitchen. The Montauk Yacht Club is throwing its doors open to the public, and I want our new restaurant to be the heart of the club, a place where people feel warm, welcome and satisfied."

In preparation for its big 80th anniversary, the club has undergone a multi-million dollar transformation that encompasses practically every aspect of the property. This project includes a complete renovation of the resort's south building guest rooms now referred to as "Admiral-Class Guest Rooms" as well as refurbishments to the remaining Club and Villa rooms. A new State Room Suite and Cabana product will also be introduced, along with upgraded public spaces, meeting and conference facilities, recreational amenities and the restaurant and lounges.

Renovations to the guest rooms include new furniture and flat-panel TVs, new carpeting and custom-designed window treatments. Refurbishments in the dining room, bars and lounge have also been done, while at the same time preserving the legacy and old-world charm. Throughout the resort, designer accents and styling's will enhance the soul of the property, reminiscent of the classic seafaring towns of the Northeast and New England. There will be nautical inspired artwork and antiquity, as well as historic nautical photographs.

The Montauk Yacht Club's Ballroom has also undergone a complete transformation-the new "Farmhouse Ballroom" offers the classic look and feel of Montauk and the Hamptons and is perfect for the ideal wedding experience. This resort has also launched a new dedicated training program for improved customer service throughout, from the front desk, to the restaurant, to the marina.

"The Montauk Yacht Club Resort & Marina is a Hamptons Classic," said Andrew Farkas, Founder and Chairman of Island Global Yachting, owners of the resort. "We are so pleased to be able to mark the occasion of its 80th anniversary. We are dedicated to the Yacht Club's fabled past and its legacy in the community, and have carefully designed this renovation to not only restore this Grande Dame to her former glory, but to carry her forward for the next 80 years."