Florida Golf Course Sailfish Point Offers Residents A Slice Of Paradise Between Sand And Sea

When retirees Lewis and Leanna Everett were looking for the perfect home six years ago, they knew exactly what they wanted.

Waterfront property with water deep enough to dock their sport fishing boat. A short ride to world class fishing grounds. A good game of golf within walking distance. And they wanted to live somewhere that had a "small town feel."

Well, that narrowed it down.
After canvassing many of Florida's coastal communities, they found the ideal, and perhaps only, location that satisfied all of their criteria — Sailfish Point.

Since 1980, the 532-acre development isolated at the southern tip of Martin County's Hutchinson Island has offered those who seek the good life a little something extra. And one aspect that sets Sailfish Point apart from other upscale luxury residences is its proximity to some of the most renowned sport fishing anywhere.

For many who live there, the location — surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Indian River Lagoon and St. Lucie Inlet — justifies the multimillion-dollar home prices.

"We looked in Naples, Boca Grande and other towns in South Florida," said Leanna, the former owner of a real estate title agency. "Palm Beach had the shopping and shows, but it's pretty crowded. Vero Beach was nice, but the access to deep sea fishing was pretty far off. Sailfish Point was perfect."

The Everetts spend eight months a year at their tropical Treasure Coast reverie and summer in Kilmarnock, Va., a short boat ride away from the Chesapeake Bay. While at Sailfish Point, Lewis has the opportunity to pursue one of his favorite passions: offshore fishing.

His favorite fish to catch? Sailfish, of course. About 20 minutes after leaving the dock behind his home on Harbor Circle, he can reel one in.

Boat owners have the option of keeping vessels behind their waterfront home or at the community's 77-slip full service marina. Construction has begun on a new $2 million facility that will house dockmaster offices, a ship's store and a clubhouse upstairs that includes seating for 120 overlooking the Indian River Lagoon.

"The yacht club held 30 events there last year before construction began," said Steve Haigis, dockmaster at Sailfish Point since 1996. "Residents love the personal service we provide."

As many as 40 boats can be stored there on trailers and larger ones are tied up in the marina. Marina staff will put boats into the water for residents or fuel up boats if asked, Haigis said.

In addition to boating access, there's the beach. Jock and Twinks Irvine of northern Wisconsin have owned a place at Sailfish Point for 15 years. The Irvines used to winter in the Keys, but Twinks wanted more access to a nicer beach. Sailfish Point shares a mile of public beachfront along the Atlantic Ocean that extends from Bathtub Beach to the St. Lucie Inlet.

But Sailfish Point offers more than water and beach access.

Spacious, comfortable homes line the Florida golf course or back up to the interior harbor, river or St. Lucie Inlet, offering breathtaking views of the good life in a seaside village. The clubhouse itself overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.

A five-star dining experience at the clubhouse can be worked off the next day with a kickboxing class or vigorous tennis match.

Leanna Everett does not spend much time fishing with her husband, but she enjoys being active in the Sailfish Point community, spending time at the luxurious spa. And she admits to playing golf on a regular basis.

"It's a great setting," Leanna said. "The spa and the activities there are fabulous, and I'm very excited about the redesign of the golf course."

All of the assets line up to make Sailfish Point a great place for the Everetts. But above all Sailfish Point is all about location.