Bahamas Philately: Pilot House Club

In 1949, Robert Hallam Symonette (1925-1998), an accomplished international yachtsman and future Olympian, invested $100,000 to provide visiting yachts a modern marina. The new marina provided accommodation for 50 yachts of 25ft length or more, and similar capacity for smaller boats. In addition to the marina, he also constructed a two story building comprising of a clubhouse, administration office and service centre. This project became the Nassau Yacht Haven.

However, a need grew for an additional clubhouse for the growing visiting yachts. To meet this need, Symonette purchased an old Bahamian residence and a large tract of land, opposite the Nassau Yacht Haven. In 1951 the old clubhouse that was part of the Nassau Yacht Haven was converted to more office space, a showroom, and modern apartments on the upper floor. The newly purchased property was converted into the Pilot House Club and offered modern amenities including accommodation for 24 guests, a swimming pool, a dining room and bar.

By the early 1960’s the clubhouse became a popular nightspot. It boasted an outdoor patio area, two bars and air-conditioned suites.