MEET THE COMMODORE
“Leading with Purpose: Flora Digby’s Mission for Inclusivity on the Water”
Commodore Flora Digby: A Delta Trailblazer
She’s the second Black woman to lead SSYC in 112 years and is on a mission to inspire more women, especially Black women, to become captains.
🔺 Delta Sigma Theta Member: Committed to sisterhood, service, and excellence.
⚓ Barrier-Breaking Commodore: Second Black woman to lead SSYC in 112 years.
👩🏾✈️ Advocate for Women Captains: Inspiring more women, especially Black women, to become captains.
🚤 The Story of Commodore Flora Digby – A Captain on a Mission
A Love Anchored in the Lake
Leading Change on the Water
Flora’s journey began at the Chicago Boat Show in 1989. Captivated by the water’s call, she and her husband purchased their first boat and docked it in Jackson Park’s Outer Harbor. This chance experience led them to the Southern Shore Yacht Club, where Flora’s attachment to the community quickly grew.
Service, Community, and Education
Now, Flora is expanding her vision. As the club’s leader—and a proud Captain herself—she is dedicated to increasing the number of women captains at SSYC. Motivated by the hope that "young people…see more people who look like them in the power boat community," she’s launching initiatives including youth power-boating camps (like the one in July 2024) and a girls’ boating group citizennewspapergroup.com.
“Maybe one day we can have more Black female Commodores…not just at Southern Shore, but across all the yacht clubs,” she explains.
Rising Through the Ranks
Flora has served SSYC in nearly every leadership capacity: Secretary, Treasurer, Rear Commodore, Vice Commodore—and now Commodore, becoming only the club’s second African-American woman to hold the position in over 112 years citizennewspapergroup.com.
Service, Community, and Education
A lifelong advocate, Flora has opened the club to diverse community outreach: hosting residents from Lighthouse for the Blind, launching youth canoe-building workshops, and offering boat safety and mechanics classes in partnership with schools, churches, and local law enforcement.
Ready to Join Us?
We’re excited to welcome you aboard! Click below to complete your membership application and start your journey with Southern Shore Yacht Club today. Still have questions? Reach out—we’d love to tell you more about the benefits of becoming part of the SSYC family.
FAQS
How do I become a member of the Southern Shore Yacht Club (SSYC)?
To join SSYC, complete a membership application, submit the required fees, and agree to the club’s code of conduct. Applications are reviewed by the membership committee. You can apply online or in person at the clubhouse.
Do I need to own a boat to become a member?
No! While many of our members are boat owners, we welcome anyone who enjoys the boating lifestyle, lakefront community, or social events.
Can I rent the clubhouse for private events?
Yes! The clubhouse is available for private events such as weddings, birthdays, meetings, and celebrations. Both members and non-members can inquire about availability.
