OCEAN PINES—An Ocean Pines’ landmark restaurant and banquet facility, The Ocean Pines Yacht Club, announces the closing of its doors for the season effective immediately.

The building continues to have electrical and plumbing problems. In addition, issues of dampness and air quality continue to plague the facility. The culmination of all these issues with the responsibility to assure the safety of personnel and customers led to the decision to close the facility at this time.

The cost and time needed for the required cleanup and repairs made such action inappropriate since the club was due to close after next Monday.

Plans are being uated for alternative activities for the upcoming Labor Day Weekend. The Outdoor Pool Bar will remain open through the weekend for beverage service only. Planned live entertainment will continue all weekend and the new Yacht Club Pool, for ages 18 and older, is open daily to the public at 10 a.m. and will remain open until the building is ready for demolition scheduled for mid-September.   

Plans are in the works for a multi-million dollar facility to be built adjacent to the current building. The iconic, 45-year-old restaurant plans to re-open to the public with a facility being constructed with new interiors, exteriors, menus and branding in early spring 2014.

“The Yacht Club is an Ocean Pines institution. When we re-open our new facility, diners will witness a true All-American restaurant in the heart of the community,” said Bob Thompson, General Manager for Ocean Pines. “The Yacht Club is much more than a restaurant, its part of the fabric of Ocean Pines and we plan to make it relevant again.”

David McLaughlin, who spent the last year getting to know the clientele at the Yacht Club, will be working throughout the off season on plans for the opening of the new facility next winter. Wedding and Event planners can book and plan events for the new facility starting now.

The new iconic pool and a new pool bar will remain part of the complex as well as the marina. The new facility will focus on fresh locally grown foods and the favorite fares plus the menu will see additions and updates to its offerings.

Making its premiere in early spring, the new Yacht Club will be completely new inside and out, while still remaining true to its heritage as a casual waterfront restaurant and bar for the residents and public to enjoy.