Located in Konthuruthy, Kochi, this distinctly upscale avenue was established in 1982. Known locally as the Yacht Club, CYC has become an iconic landmark, transforming what was once a nondescript piece of land hidden from the hustle and bustle of Kochi.

The Cochin Yacht Club (CYC) was the brainchild of Mr. Mohan Vellapally, a lawyer by profession, who envisioned it in the 1980s. At the time, the site was a water-locked area with no proper access. Vellapally, a passionate sailor, was one of the few civilians granted membership in the prestigious Naval Sailing Club. His sailing prowess led to his induction into the Indian Sailing Team, where he earned accolades in competitions such as the South Asian Regatta, which featured participants from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and India.

Kochi was just beginning to embrace club culture, with the few elite social clubs of the time founded by the English and remnants of the British Raj. These clubs were often rigid and exclusive, rarely admitting Indian members. Driven by a desire to promote sailing and foster a sense of camaraderie, Vellapally joined forces with ten like-minded friends who believed in the power of sailing to inspire bonding and teamwork. They contributed interest-free loans, construction expertise, and architectural designs. Soon, a trust was established to build the club, and work commenced.

Thus, the first yacht club in Cochin, complete with a fully-equipped clubhouse, was born, with its ten founding members. The inaugural committee was led by Mr. Madhavan Nayar, a pioneer in seafood exports, as its president. The club’s open design, featuring four pillars and a roof, became a vibrant gathering place every weekend for the founding families. They cooked, sailed, and enjoyed each other’s company, regularly organizing boat rallies with marshals and competing with the Kottayam Sailing Club.

The club quickly achieved several firsts, including becoming the first to boast a half-Olympic-sized swimming pool. Since then, the Cochin Yacht Club has grown exponentially. Over the years, CYC has evolved from a sailing club into a social hub known for its elegance and exclusivity. From its modest beginnings with just ten members, it has expanded into a thriving club with a membership of over 1,200.