The Associated Yacht Clubs were formed in 1925, when a consortium of 5 yacht clubs in the Toledo, Ohio, area decided to pool efforts for better boating interaction. On filing incorporation papers with the State of Ohio, the full name of the organization was established as Associated Yacht Clubs of Toledo.

In development of Bylaws, a provision for adding clubs was enabled. This allowed for clubs meeting the expressed criteria to join the AYC. Investigators verify applications, and recommend new club disposition accordingly.