The Mendota Yacht Club was first organized in 1903 but can trace its origins to 1870. Yachting has been popular in Madison since the July 4th races started in 1856. In the summer of 1870, six men (John T. Nilson, Thomas Allen, Henry Vilas, Angus McDonald, Sidney Foote, and Myron T. Baily) wanted to take up the sport on Lake Mendota. They formed a club to cooperatively purchase a boat, which they named “Lady of the Lake.”
In 1903 the club was formally organized under the name Mendota Yacht Club. There were thirty members in 1903 and the first meeting was on April 29th. The club's first officers where F.M. Brown (Commodore), W.B. Bates (Vice Commodore), C.F. Minnick (Secretary), and A.B. Morris (Treasurer). In 1905 the club was admitted into the Inland Lakes Yachting Association (ILYA) and started to formally participate and host races or regattas. By the early 1910s the club established its headquarters on Lake Mendota at James Madison Park (formerly Conklin Park).
The club was reincorporated in 1935 and the articles were amended in 1938 and 1946 to increase the number of directors and lengthen their terms. Also in 1935 an amendment eliminated the office of Measurer on the Board and stated the Commodores must be chosen from the Board of Directors. By 1939 the club's membership had grown to 157 people.
The club dealt with many issues after its incorporation in 1935. One issue was the construction of a marina. Beginning in the early 1940s, the club campaigned for a marina to be constructed at James Madison Park by the city. The club hired marina experts to draw up plans, but the city was reluctant to build. Throughout its history, the club has fought for a marina to grant all Madison residents access to Lake Mendota.
Another issue was that of boat storage. For a membership fee, the club made boat storage space available at James Madison Park. The storage area included a rail system that lowered boats to the water. During the 1950s through 1970s the club had to lease land at the park for boat storage. The city was not always cooperative with the club and many park neighbors complained about the club making too much noise. Beginning in the 1970s and continuing to the present day the club rents space for storage and launching at Burrows Park for its 300-plus members.
In addition to participating in the ILYA Regatta, the club holds its own races called “Trophies” every year. Key races take place on Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day. Each type of boat has its own race. The club also founded a sailing school and in 1992 organized the Madison Youth Sailing Foundation (MYSF) offering classes to children seven through twelve at the Maple Bluff boathouse.
