Campaign
Campaign Questions:
- Will my donations to Maine Preservation be allocated dollar for dollar to the SHYC project?
95% of your donations will be allocated to the project, while 5% of your donation will be allocated to Maine Preservation for campaign management.
- What is the relationship with Maine Preservation? Is there anywhere that I can learn more about Maine Preservation and this relationship?
The Seal Harbor Yacht Club and Maine Preservation have entered into a 5 year subscription agreement that allows SHYC donation to flow though Maine Preservation’s 501 c (3) designation. More information can be found in the links below:
www.shyc.me/secondcentury and www.mainepreservation.com
- If I’m not concerned with tax write-offs, can I donate directly to the Yacht Club?
Yes, you are welcome to donate directly to the Club. Because the Club is a 501 c (7) social club, your donation will only be tax deductible up to $28,000 a year.
- Could my donation be made payable over 2-3 years?
Yes. Our relationship with Maine Preservation remains during the building process and beyond. Your donation can be made payable over 2 years in 2026 and 2027, as those two years we will be paying for the construction phase.
- What donation payment types are accepted?
Gifts can be made by check, wire transfer, and stock. Please visit our campaign website for giving instructions: www.shyc.me/secondcentury or email club Business Manager Kate Ellis at bookkeeping@shyc.me.
- What naming opportunities are available?
We have several Naming opportunities including the new Captains Shack, Funicular and Wooded path and Gardens.
- Will there be recognition of every gift made to the campaign?
Yes, if the donor would like, we plan to have a plaque in the Club house listing donors which will not include amounts.
Project Questions:
- How much will this project cost?
| Line Item | Cost |
| Relocation of the Yacht Club | $1,100,000 |
| New Lower Level, Expansion & Revitalization | $1,450,000 |
| New Pier & Launch Building | $2,150,000 |
| Site Transformation | $800,000 |
| Landscaping & Exterior Improvements | $700,000 |
| Outdoor Lift for Pier Access | $550,000 |
| Enhancement of the Yacht Club | $500,000 |
| Total | $7,250,000 |
- What is the project timeline?
| Time Frame | Anticipated Work |
| May – June 2026 | Site work and foundation installation |
| July 2026 | 2026 season begins |
| September – December 2026 | Prep and move the building to its new location |
| January – June 2027 | Interior and exterior improvements, build new pier and launch building, landscaping and retaining walls. |
| July 2027 | 2027 season begins |
- Will the club be closed for the summer?
No, we aren’t anticipating having to be closed for any operating season.
- What is the square footage of the proposed basement and what will its intended use be?
The basement, which is accessible by a new interior stair and exterior stairs and paths, will be 2,400 square feet. Its intended use will mainly be for storage, however could also be used for classroom space on chilly days. Also included will be an office, a bathroom, and separate shower rooms.
- In addition to the basement, what will be new on the clubhouse property once the building is moved?
The project includes the following property enhancements:
- A new wooded path leading to the building and a new granite stair to easily access the south entrance and basement level.
- Mature and native trees, shrubs, and flowers will be planted throughout the existing and new property. An irrigation system will ensure their long-term success.
- A funicular will be installed to allow for easy transport of boating equipment and members with mobility concerns from the road to the pier.
- A new pier and launch building will be built in the clubhouse’s existing location. This launch building will have an office for efficient access and communication with the launch driver (?).
- Inside the yacht club, the kitchen and bathroom will be reworked and updated for privacy, efficiency, and event needs.
- The deck will be expanded to the north to allow for easy access from the pier and road.