Exploring the Benefits of Joining a Yacht Club Before and After Buying

A surprising number of yacht owners never join their local yacht club, simply securing their vessel, plugging in at the marina, and heading back home after a day on the water. This is a shame because many yacht clubs represent a fantastic resource and contain a thriving, vibrant community they miss out on. There are even perks of joining for those who don’t own a vessel but love everything about being on and around the water. To investigate the benefits of joining a yacht club, the team at Simpson Marine put their heads together and came up with an exciting list of tangible benefits. Join a yacht club to experience the following:

• Access to amenities

Aside from permission to dock their vessel at the yacht club, there are often a range of other amenities and perks available at yacht clubs, ranging from simple to highly extravagant. From access to members-only restaurants to sailing lessons and accommodation, the benefits of each club are unique, but many make it worth the price of joining. 

• Travel opportunities

As a reciprocal agreement among thousands of yacht clubs the world over, members may dock their vessel free for one night. In areas with numerous yacht clubs, like Florida, it is perfectly feasible to travel from one club to the next and dock for free rather than using a paid marina or being forced to drop anchor further out. It is an excellent way to save money and an enticement to travel further afield and see what other areas and clubs offer. 

• Loanable vessels 

Each club’s facilities will vary, but it is not unusual for them to have vessels that can be taken out for the day or sometimes longer. Our team has encountered many examples over the years, from small sailing boats without engines to motorboats and even large sailing yachts. It is hard to overstate how big of a benefit this is until you try renting a similar vessel for a day and realise how much it costs. 

• Learning opportunities

Apart from the endless mine of information experienced sailors might impart if treated to a refreshing beverage, there are often official lessons and training programs associated with any yachting club. Particularly useful for younger enthusiasts, yacht clubs can be a fantastic way to get into the lifestyle and make children keen to return time and again. Whether in group lessons or some intense one-to-one training, everybody can benefit from a top-up on their knowledge now and then, especially with so many rapidly evolving advancements in sailing technology each year. Some clubs have ‘project’ vessels that require repair and maintenance, and members gain valuable experience in fixing and maintaining their vessels in a hands-on way. 

• A like-minded community 

Socialising within a community of similarly motivated enthusiasts can be enough to draw some individuals to their local yacht club. One seldom finds camaraderie like that which is found among a group of people who are all passionate about the same thing, and the yachting community is no exception.

• Safety

Marinas don’t always have restricted, private access to the dock area, exposing them to potential vandalism or theft. Yacht clubs offer privacy and, more often than not, security at the dock, giving owners peace of mind knowing their precious vessels are safe for the night. Beyond that, some yacht clubs also offer water safety courses.

• Group activities

Yacht clubs can often be a hive of activity and have many different ones for people of all ages to get involved in. They vary wildly, but you might expect to come across dockside barbecues and parties, themed evenings, game nights and more. The owners are always keen to attract members and fill their clubhouse with paying customers, so expect lots of fun activities and events.

• Regattas

Yacht club regattas are hugely popular and often draw large crowds. Racing in your own vessel or joining another racing team can be an exhilarating way to spend an afternoon. Some yacht clubs offer occasional group trips, and members can join other vessels, visiting some pre-arranged destinations over several days. Again, these trips can be extremely popular and fill up quickly if places are limited, so keep your eyes peeled for notices and sign up. 

• Lounge access

Often referred to as the ‘Captain’s Lounge’, most yacht clubs have an exclusive bar area where adult members can kick back and relax with a few drinks or socialise around the pool table, eyeing the sport on the widescreen TV, much like any bar setting. However, unlike most bars, many yacht club lounges have the bonus of oceanfront views and direct access to your floating home from home. 

CONCLUSION

As a way to experience the life of a yacht owner before becoming one, yacht clubs are a superb introduction to the lifestyle. Each member will have reasons for joining, and any of the ones mentioned above are reason enough. However, the sense of community spirit and socialising with like-minded individuals keeps many members coming back year after year. Yacht clubs can also be exceptionally cost-effective, depending on how you use them. The opportunity to dock in other club marinas for free is a huge bonus. If you are seriously contemplating purchasing your dream yacht and want to know what all the fuss regarding yacht clubs is about, why not join one and find out?

CONTACT US

Simpson Marine has been operating a highly successful premium yacht company for almost four decades. Our team of experienced professionals has a wealth of knowledge on all aspects of yacht ownership or chartering and would love nothing more than to share it with you. Please consider getting in touch with any comments or questions, and we will be happy to assist in any way we can.