Our Club Story
Cedar Mills Yacht Club (CMYC) has a rich history that dates back to the late 1970s, rooted in the challenges faced by sailors on Lake Grapevine in Dallas, Texas. During this period, persistent low water levels made sailing difficult, prompting a group of dedicated sailors from the Grapevine Sailing Club to seek new waters. In 1979, these sailors began exploring opportunities on Lake Texoma, a vast reservoir on the Texas-Oklahoma border, leading to the formation of the "Texoma Fleet of the Grapevine Sailing Club."
Recognizing the potential for a dedicated sailing community on Lake Texoma, key figures such as Vonda Powell and Lee Doughty spearheaded the establishment of an independent yacht club. Their efforts culminated in the official founding of the Cedar Mills Yacht Club in 1981, with the support of Rich Worstell, the owner and operator of Cedar Mills Marina. Worstell, an avid sailor himself, provided the fledgling club with its first clubhouse—a two-story yellow building that had previously served various roles, including as a marina office and, according to local lore, a brothel during the area's early days as a cedar milling operation.
The original clubhouse became a central hub for CMYC's activities, hosting meetings, social events, and fostering a sense of camaraderie among members. However, in 1990, a significant flood with lake levels reaching 644 feet led to the destruction of the building. Undeterred, the club rebuilt, and in 1991, a new clubhouse was constructed on the same site. This facility was further renovated in 2015 following additional flooding, ensuring it met the evolving needs of the membership.
Today, the Cedar Mills Yacht Club stands as a testament to the resilience and passion of its founding members. The clubhouse offers modern amenities, including showers, a kitchen, a lending library, Wi-Fi, HDTV, and a fireplace. A spacious deck equipped with BBQ grills and smokers provides a perfect setting for social gatherings. CMYC continues to thrive, hosting seminars, potluck dinners, parties, and various sailing events, all aimed at advancing the sport of yachting and fostering fellowship within the boating community.