Spinnaker Nightclub was an instantaneous success. OPCB’s best recollection is that it opened in the summer of 1970.
![](https://www.oldpanamacitybeach.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/spinn-crew.jpg)
![](https://www.oldpanamacitybeach.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/spinn.jpg)
This photo appears to be from their opening season. At the time, Spinnaker was the first building on what was a very long stretch of Thomas Drive with vast open dunes. OPCB visited Spinnaker as soon as the law allowed. I think it was strictly a discotheque for several years before live bands appeared. Spinnaker was so successful that other locations began to emulate their business model.
![](https://www.oldpanamacitybeach.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/spinn-boat-1067x800.jpg)
Many nightclub ventures on Panama City Beach have shined brightly and burned out fast. I guess Spinnaker has the record at ~48 years.