From elementary school to adulthood, clubs are a great way to meet people and enjoy something you love. I’ve been a member of a Yacht Club for years and it’s definitely added to our great boating experiences, I wouldn’t have experienced what I have without being a member of the Yacht Club. If you’re not a member of a Club here’s my top 6 reasons for joining the boating crowd:
1 – Meet Like-Minded People
For many of us who took the plunge and got into boating, you may not have many friends with boats. Joining a club will give you the opportunity to meet a variety of boaters, from racers, weekend cruisers to offshore cruising of all skill levels. By joining a club many people make long term friends that go beyond boating. If you have kids, it’s another great way for boating kids to meet other boating kids.
2 – Get out Boating More
Between club racing and cruises, you’ll be inspired to get out on your boat more and go cruising, or you may try something new and start crewing on a race boat.
3 – Share and Expand Your Knowledge
Boaters of all levels and ages have a great wealth of knowledge to share. Clubs also can have a library to borrow books as well as offer education nights on various topics.
4 – Club Outstations and Reciprocals
Different clubs have different offerings, so when considering which club to join explore what outstations they have and what reciprocal agreements they have with other clubs. Club outstations can be a great benefit when you’re out on the water, offering a home away from home when you’re boating. Reciprocal clubs are similar, depending on your club, you may have reciprocal clubs around the world that you can either take advantage of when you’re boating, and also take advantage when you’re on a non boating vacation.
5 – Join and Embrace the Community
Joining the boater community in your area will expand your knowledge, experience, and connection with where you live. This can be from going on a longer cruise embracing others experience of the area, teaching at an education night sharing your knowledge, to having the opportunity to crew on a boat delivery. Yacht Clubs are their to encourage and foster the boating community, you just need to find one that works for you!
6 – Boat Sales
This isn’t something you necessarily think of, but a Yacht Club has the added benefit when you’re selling or buying boats. You can avoid brokers entirely when club members have an interest in each other’s boats, and it’s also another great source of knowledge and connections when you’re looking at buying boats in general.
There’s lots of clubs, it’s really just a matter of finding one that is a fit for you. There’s lots of places to look, here’s a site that lists lots to get you started!