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Yacht Clubs

4K views 6 replies 6 participants last post by  JimsCAL 
#1 ·
All -

Our boat is currently on Lake Champlain but we're looking to move it to the New London, CT area next season. Ultimately, we'll be starting a 1.5 year cruise, taking us along the east coast of the US, in June of 2009.

Many yacht clubs have reciprocal privileges where we can get a mooring, sometimes at a reduced cost or no cost, along our way. We're wondering
if it would make sense to look at joining a yacht club when we bring our boat to the Connecticut coast.

I grew up around American Yacht Club in Rye, NY. I understand the social aspects, but I have no clue as to the cost of a membership at a club (initial fee, monthly fees or commitments). Can anyone enlighten me?

Also, does anyone have a recommendation of a club in the New London area that may have reciprocal privileges with a lot of other clubs? I know you normally have to be "invited" to join, but I'm hoping to call them up to ask to be "invited".

Thanks!!!
 
#2 ·
There are two yachtclubs in my town. One charges a substantial membership fee to join and a good sum every year. The other $75 a year. You will find that they vary quite a bit in what it costs you but also probably in the reciprocal privileges that they will get you.
 
#4 ·
Some clubs are not only expensive, but not so easy to join either. The Seattle Yacht club requires three members in good standing to provide written recommendations, and then you go before a review board and you're put on probation. Your fees are based on your age. 17 yrs old = $330 to join and $75 per month, 40yrs old = $10,000 to join and $125 per month, over 55yrs = $15,000! Sure the club is nice, and kids get to do a lot of racing, but it's hardly worth joining just to get cheaper moorage when you travel.
 
#5 ·
I'd have to say that joining a yatch club to get reduced mooring fees is a bit silly. A BoatUS membership gives you a 10% discount on transient slips and moorings at a lot of different marinas, and is only about $20 a year. Also gives you a bit of a rebate on purchases at West Marine as well—$10 for every $250 you spend or so.
 
#6 ·
We're going to be spending a bunch of time in the New England area. From research I've done, most yacht clubs in New England don't take transients unless they are from a club that has reciprocal privileges, and if the privileges exist you can often get a free mooring (or a really cheap mooring) plus access to club facilities (which can often include access to a vehicle). I'd always pick a mooring over being on the hook, and since many yacht clubs (as knotaloud mentioned) have somewhat stringent membership requirements, I'm trying to plan well in advance! :)
 
#7 ·
My yacht club in Western Long Island Sound has family dues of $1300 and initiation is one years dues. And we are one of lowest cost clubs in the area. I have never run into a club while cruising that had free moorings. Some (but not all) will only rent moorings to members from other clubs. Others will rent to anyone. I don't see the economics working unless you can use the facilities. There are "clubs" that have no facilities, just have scheduled cruises, etc. That might work for you.
 
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