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 evaluated 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.