Miami, FL – February 11, 2016 – River Yacht Club (RYC), Miami’s newest lifestyle venture, located in the heart of the bourgeoning historic Miami River District, hosted a private grand opening event. Over 2,000 guests gathered for an evening of celebration, experiencing all of the amenities the Club has to offer. The night featured an exceptionally curated lineup of live entertainment including a performance by opera singer Elizabeth Zito, followed by a lineup of eclectic musical performances, contortionists and dancers. Guests experienced a sneak peek of the Club’s culinary ideology by way of passed hors d’oeuvres while enjoying sips courtesy of Pernod Ricard, Perrier Jouet, Absolut Elyx, Peroni, Avion Tequila and Evian & Badoit. Scheduled to open its doors to the public on February 24th, the club boasts some of the city’s most inspiring views of the Miami River.

World Red Eye had the opportunity to speak with Fabien Lepaitre, Director of Operations of River Yacht Club, who gave us an in-depth look at what RYC has to offer and why Miami fit as the perfect spot for this new club.

WRE: Tell us about the concept behind River Yacht Club?

FL: The River Yacht Club was created to offer a unique destination for locals and seasonal guests in Miami. We consider RYC to be a lifestyle destination and an all-encompassing experience, which includes multiple bars, lounge, and dining areas, as well as riverside docking. The space is designed for dining, relaxing, entertaining, and exceptional service, all in a comfortable, yet elegant setting.

WRE: Why was the Miami River District a perfect fit for River Yacht Club?

FL: The Miami River District is not only a historical focal point of the boating community, but also the center of the burgeoning development currently happening in Miami. It is the ideal backdrop for our guests and Members who seek to combine the boating lifestyle, with an elegant, yet relaxed environment. RYC is redefining the idea of fine-dining and luxury, by utilizing the natural environment as inspiration to treat each experience as an escape from the normal day-to-day life, all while enjoying world-class cuisine delivered in space that features outstanding views of Downtown Miami.

WRE: What do you think River Yacht Club brings to Miami’s boating culture?

FL: While the destination is unique, what makes this property truly special is the collaboration between design & hospitality, the attention to detail, exceptional level of service, and the quality of the overall experience that will provide a new go-to for those in the boating community to enjoy.

WRE: Tell us about River Yacht Club’s partnership with VanDutch Yachts?

FL: We have a unique partnership with the VanDutch America, whose style and elegance mirrors the River Yacht Club esthetic. With this partnership in mind, we have designed the VanDutch Lounge specifically to cater to our members and showcase the Miami River accessibility with our riverfront docking. We also have RYC 55’ VanDutch designed and built exclusively for our Members, and available for pick up and charters.

RYC is redefining the idea of fine-dining and luxury, by utilizing the natural environment as inspiration to treat each experience as an escape from the normal day-to-day life…

Fabien Lepaitre, Director of Operations of River Yacht Club

WRE: Tell us more about the dining experience.

FL: RYC has created a menu which highlights a cuisine best described as New World, marrying European techniques with local flavors. The culinary principle will be executed seasonally by a rotating roster of visiting chefs, who will revamp the menu during their RYC residency. While some of the RYC’s signature dishes like crudos, tartares, and raw bar will be permanently available, the rest of the menu will be recreated with each visiting chef.

WRE: What entertainment other than dining can guests expect?

FL: A variety of musical entertainment, both DJs and live acts, will be offered on a daily basis.

WRE: What kind of vibe can guests expect to experience at the River Yacht Club?

FL: The vibe at RYC is both relaxing, yet fun and upbeat that will want to make you stay all day….It’s for that reason our unofficial tag line says “Come for lunch; Stay for Dinner.”

WRE:  How does one become a member? 

FL: We recommend first perusing our website, to understand the basics of our membership and what we offer. You may then apply directly online. The RYC Executive Team conducts a review process to determine whether a potential member can be accepted. We currently have a diverse group of members that share the common goal of enjoying both RYC, and truly believe in creating a lifestyle destination in this evolving area. With that said, while we have developed the membership program, RYC’s doors are open to everyone. Membership privileges are tremendous but we are inclusionary of those who are not ready to commit.

Within RYC, guests can experience a transitional gallery featuring a wide range of visual arts curated by Alvaro Perez Miranda. These drawings in the VanDutch Lounge are apart of the 24-piece installation by Keyser Siso. “The multimedia collective at the River Yacht Club will be an ever-changing installation by international artists,” explains Perez Miranda. “We begin with 24 pieces by Keyser Siso and Patrice Racois, to name but a few, that much like the rest of the elements here are filled with whimsy that ties land to the sea.”

GALLERY SLIDER