Lewes Yacht Club begins repairs after extensive flood damage

Repairs are under way at the Lewes Yacht Club after a geothermal pipe broke on the second floor, flooding the facility.

The March 5 pipe break has required ripping out damaged wallboard, carpeting, ceiling tiles and electrical components so contractors can begin installing new materials.

“We’re on track to have everything back in full open status by May 1,” said Richard Martin, Lewes Yacht Club commodore.

The upstairs dining room, reception hall, mechanical room, downstairs entrance foyer, elevator, Regatta Room, dry storage areas and mechanical rooms sustained water damage.

The kitchens and bars were not affected. Martin said an industrial hygienist has been monitoring the building to make sure the space is dry enough for construction.

Martin said the club’s insurance carrier had not yet determined the cost of the damage.

Martin said because of the pipe break, the club held its first function since the flood Friday, April 9 – a belated St. Patty’s Day celebration. Friday, April 16, the special seafood pub night will be held. Other events are also scheduled before the club’s restoration is complete and the facility is fully functioning in early May. Martin said reconstruction has been moving quickly with drywall work complete and painting under way.

The club’s baseboards have been replaced, carpet installed and the upstairs service bar has also been reinstalled.

The trophy case and ground-floor lobby are being rebuilt, and the second-floor mechanical room has a new waterproof floor, waterproof walls and double drains.

Martin said because damage is so extensive, the club is closed with entrance by permission only until further notice.

For complete online information on restoration of the club building, go to lewesyc.com