Have you recently bought a yacht with no idea where to safely store it? Or are you looking for ways to make the most out of your purchase?
If you're one of the millions of people who have a registered recreational vessel, it may be time to consider joining a yacht club.
A yacht club membership allows you to go on a cruise or race in your new boat. In addition, by being part of the yachting community, you can meet and learn from people with similar interests.
As 87 million U.S. adults participate in recreational boating, sailing clubs are not as costly as they once used to be. But are they still worth your money?
Benefits Of Joining A Yacht Club
Yacht clubs specialize in various types of activities. So based on your preferences, you can evaluate which benefits are more attractive for you.
Here are 8 benefits a yacht club membership offers:
Yacht Storage
After you've bought your yacht, you will need a place to store it. If you don't have a safe space to keep your boat, club membership will do that for you.
Yacht clubs provide boat slips or dry storage options where you can safely dock your boat. Additionally, having easy access to water will enable you to take your yacht out on a cruise easily.
Networking
What's a better way to learn than by hearing stories of people with similar interests?
Being part of a yacht club, you can talk to fellow boaters about their experience and gain helpful insights from more experienced people. Moreover, you can get tips and ideas about which places to sail your yacht and how to get there.
Organized Activities
Yacht clubs organize a variety of fun activities that you can partake in. From tennis tournaments and swimming competitions to holiday parties and weekend dine-outs, you can expand your social circle by participating in the activity of your choice.
If you're one of the 52% of recreational US boaters who enjoy fishing, you will get the opportunity to engage in all your favourite water-related activities.
Individual and Group Cruises
Whether you want to travel alone or with friends, a club membership enables you to explore unfamiliar destinations.
If you don't mind boat sharing, you can even cruise on a friend's boat or borrow one from the yacht club marina.
Education Program
If you're a new boat owner, chances are you aren't well-trained in how to sail your yacht.
Knowing how to manoeuvre the vessel and being well-versed in all the safety precautions are two essential skills you need to have before you can set sail.
To acquire these skills, you can make use of the education programs that many yacht clubs offer. This way, you will be mentored by trained professionals.
Access To Junior Programs
If you have kids, a club membership gives you access to plenty of junior programs that often have a reduced fee.
This will help your children participate in productive activities, especially during holiday breaks. Also, such programs will allow them to learn new skills and gain confidence.
Reciprocity
Being part of a yachting community gives you guest privileges at many other yacht clubs globally, which have reciprocity agreements with yours.
This allows you to access plenty of additional facilities and travel to ports in different areas easily.
Additional Facilities
Most yacht clubs provide access to water, power, and possible sewage amenities. But they also offer a lot more.
From tennis courts and pools to dining and rental halls, club memberships give you access to many non-yacht-related facilities as well.
So, how can you decide which yacht club to be a part of?
6 Factors To Consider When Deciding On A Yacht Club Membership
Since there are many yacht clubs you can choose from, it's wiser to assess their offerings first. Then, you can select the one that is most beneficial for you.
Following are six factors you should think about before becoming part of a particular yachting community:
Reputation
The easiest way to narrow down your search for a suitable yacht club is to search for online reviews.
Member testimonials are another thing to look out for as they will give you a clear idea of what you as a member can expect from the club.
Moreover, get in touch with the boating community – online or offline – and ask them for their recommendations.
Location
One of the most important factors to consider is the marina's location and the area of your slip at the marina.
If the club you're planning to join offers you an exposed location for your slip, you may need to make sure that there is proper protection available to shield your yacht from wind and waves.
In addition, check the length and depth of your slip. If you have a bigger vessel, which is hard to manoeuvre in small quarters, try to get a slip towards the end of the pier.
Availability Of Deck Utilities
A yacht club should do more than provide an area to keep your boat. The slip you're assigned should have enough space and utilities for you to pump out your engine or get fuel efficiently.
Look out for fuel docks with well-maintained above-ground tanks. Also, ensure that utilities such as water and shore power are conveniently accessible.
Fleet Size And Condition
If you're joining a club so you can rent boats, find an organization that has a dedicated fleet.
In addition, check out the size and condition of the fleet that the club is offering.
If the vessels are in good condition and don't require many repairs, it will cost you less maintenance.
Maintenance And Security
If the facility takes care of its area, there is a higher chance of your yacht being taken care of.
Be wary of overflowing trash cans and damaged docks. Also, evaluate the condition of cleats and power pedestals.
Moreover, you should make sure that the facility has proper security to ensure the safety of your vessel. You can do this by looking for security cameras, lighting, and the presence of security guards.
Accessibility To Life-Saving Equipment
Make sure the facility you're opting for has adequate life-saving equipment in case of an emergency. This includes life jackets, CPR equipment, fire extinguishers, and egress ladders.
Before storing your yacht at the club, ensure that you have boat insurance to protect your vessel. But also evaluate the insurance of the facility.
In Conclusion
As a yacht owner, you must ensure the safety of your vessel and make the most out of your investment.
Getting a yacht club membership will equip you with the facilities and training you require to enjoy your yacht by participating in races, group cruises, and sailing.
Many yacht clubs specialize in different types of activities. So, choosing a club that is the right fit for you and your needs is essential. If you're not sure where to start, get in touch with the boating community at TheYachtMarket.