With any hobby, meeting and spending time with like-minded people who enjoy the same interests is a fulfilling and fun experience, and it is no different for the owners of yachts. Yacht clubs are essentially social clubs that are all about boating, where you and your fellow sailors can enjoy various events and amenities, such as races and maintenance facilities.
This can be a fantastic way to make new friends and create business connections, allowing you to expand your network from the comfort of your luxury yacht. All that said, not all yacht clubs are created equal. That is why you should first ask these five questions before joining a yacht club.
Why Join In The First Place?
Why you join a yacht club is entirely up to you, but one thing to keep in mind is that each club has its own goals and priorities. Some clubs may be focused entirely on racing and expeditions, while others may be more relaxed and serve a social function for like-minded people to gather.
Before you search out your local yachting clubs, you should first consider what you are hoping to get out of joining one and then find a club that aligns with your goals. Joining a club with a different culture or focus than what you have in mind will not likely be worth your time.
What Are The Fees & Rules
Before joining a yacht club, other considerations are the cost of joining and any fees and rules associated with being a member. Most club fees are paid monthly or annually, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars a year. How much a club costs will vary, depending on what amenities they offer and any other benefits associated with being a member of that particular club. With so many yacht clubs to choose from, it would be best to spend some time looking for a club that offers what you need at a price point you can afford.
What Amenities Do I Want?
There are many yacht clubs across the country with their own unique characteristics and offerings. To narrow down your list of potential clubs to join, you must first identify the amenities you need and then find a club that offers them. If you are primarily interested in racing, you will want a club that can organize and host one regularly. Likewise, if you want assistance with maintenance and repair, you will want to find a club with all the facilities and tools necessary to maintain a yacht.
Does It Have Public Access?
For some, public access to the club’s amenities and boating areas may not be a big deal, but for others, it can be a deal breaker. Some clubs restrict access to their facilities to the public, requiring membership to enter. If you want to invite your friends onto the grounds and waterfront, this could pose a problem. If you think you will regularly invite non-member friends to come and tour the amenities or hang out with you on your yacht, you may need to look for a club that allows access to the public.
Do They Have Your Programs Or Sailing Lessons?
Not every yacht owner is an experienced sailor. Furthermore, many owners may want their kids to learn their way around a boat and grow up in the hobby. If this describes you, you should find a club that offers programs catering to youth and inexperienced sailors. This will ensure you and your kids get the most out of joining a club and learn the essentials of ownership and being a sailor.
Lighthouse Point Yacht Club
Lighthouse Point Yacht Club offers all the amenities and events a committed boatman could need. Our marina can accommodate boats ranging from 30 to 120 feet with year-round or seasonal 100-amp service and maintenance. Join today to take advantage of our suite of benefits and amenities.