Wayzata Yacht Club | Top Boat Club in Wayzata, MN Skip to content

Wayzata Yacht Club

1100 Eastman Ln, Wayzata, MN 55391
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About

Wayzata Yacht Club in Wayzata, Minnesota, is a member-owned nonprofit sailboat racing club on Lake Minnetonka, rather than a boat club membership program with shared boats. Membership supports racing participation, and its Full, Annual, and Crew options serve boat owners, regular member-on-board sailors, and people who crew or skipper small boats. A paid membership is required for racing, while Crew membership becomes required after three races. This is an alternative to boat ownership only for sailors seeking participation and crew opportunities, not vessel access.

The club runs more than 65 keelboat races each season, primarily in 22- to 25-foot keelboats, and its recognized fleets include J/22, J/24, Capri 25, Sonar, Ensign, S2 7.9, J/70, PHRF, MORC, and Laser. Members may race on Lake Minnetonka and connect with the Apostle Islands Station in Bayfield, Wisconsin, whose schedule includes buoy racing and offshore sailing. Club benefits vary by membership, including access to grounds and facilities, parking, refreshments after racing, and mooring priority for eligible members. Contact Wayzata Yacht Club to discuss racing and membership.

Features

  • Keelboat racing programs
  • Apostle Islands racing
  • Sailing seminars
  • Youth racing programs
  • Crew racing opportunities

Amenities

  • Slips & Dockage
  • Parking
  • Lounge & Clubhouse
  • Waterfront & Access
  • Fleet & Boat Types

Why book with us

  • Join Lake Minnetonka keelboat racing programs
  • Crew or skipper small boats at WYC
  • Race with recognized one-design keelboat fleets
  • Connect with offshore sailing on Lake Superior
  • Attend sailing seminars for all adult levels

Frequently Asked Questions

How old do you have to be to rent a boat in Minnesota?

Minnesota sets the rental age in statute: under section 86B.306, a person who rents or leases a motorboat or personal watercraft must be 18 or older. Someone younger may still operate it if they are named as an authorized operator on the rental agreement and hold a valid watercraft operator's permit.

Operating rules are separate. A person of any age may run a motorboat rated 25 horsepower or less that is not a personal watercraft, without a permit. No one under 12 may operate a personal watercraft or a motorboat over 75 horsepower. An accompanying operator must be 21 or older, aboard, within immediate reach of the controls, and permitted or exempt.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (revisor.mn.gov)

Do you need a boating license in Minnesota?

Yes. As of July 1, 2026, Minnesota requires operators age 12 or older who were born after June 30, 2000, to possess a valid watercraft operator’s permit when driving a motorboat or personal watercraft, unless supervised or exempt. Children under 12 cannot operate a personal watercraft or a motorboat over 75 horsepower; they may operate a non-PWC under 75 horsepower with a qualified accompanying operator. Boats with 25 horsepower or less are exempt.

Renters must be at least 18. Adult rental customers can complete a rental course for a 180-day certificate, but resort rentals follow regular permit rules. Qualifying short-term nonresidents and certain licensed maritime operators are exempt. The Minnesota DNR administers the program.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (dnr.state.mn.us)

Where can you go boating from Wayzata, Minnesota?

You can boat from Wayzata Bay into the connected bays and open basins of Lake Minnetonka. Wayzata Bay is the sheltered local start, with the City of Wayzata public launch, parking, toilets and short-term docking. Lower Lake North offers broad open water, while Browns Bay is a more enclosed side trip. Big Island’s Cruiser’s Cove is a quiet-water anchoring area, but keep the marked public safety lanes clear. Grays Bay is another slower choice because it is mapped as weekend-and-holiday quiet water and has its own public access. Follow the marked channels and navigation buoys between bays.

Source: Lake Minnetonka Conservation District (lmcd.org)

What are the most popular boating destinations near Wayzata, Minnesota?

From Wayzata, boaters make Lake Minnetonka day trips to Big Island Nature Park, Wawatasso Island, Wild Goose Chase Island and the Port of Excelsior. Big Island offers a public dock and informal hiking trails; Wawatasso is a favorite beaching spot with informal trails; Wild Goose Chase has designated sites available on a first-come basis; and Excelsior provides public pay-to-dock access for a shore visit. Each offers a distinct break from cruising while keeping the outing entirely on Lake Minnetonka.

Source: City of Orono (oronomn.gov)

Location

1100 Eastman Ln, Wayzata, MN 55391

Disclaimer

This listing was created using artificial intelligence and publicly available data. The information presented may be inaccurate, outdated, incomplete, or incorrect. Slipstream does not verify, endorse, or guarantee the accuracy of any listing content, including but not limited to contact information, pricing, services offered, hours of operation, or business status.

All content is provided “as is” and without warranties of any kind, express or implied. Slipstream expressly disclaims all liability for any loss, damage, or reliance arising from the use of this information. Users are solely responsible for independently verifying all details directly with the business.

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