san diego yacht club initiation fee

Haute Membership: The San Diego Yacht Club

What exactly does one have to do, besides own a yacht, to become a member of The San Diego Yacht Club , or the SDYC as it’s called?

First off, know your history. According to facts, this club dates back to 1886, when a group of boating enthusiasts joined together and formed one of the very first, and still one of the uppermost cornerstones, in Americal yachting history. Back then, they didn’t have one designated spot for meeting, they bounced around locations until 1924 where they settled in the Point Loma location they still use today. Since then, it’s grown from a group of die-hard boaters, to an highly organized business based on a dedication to teaching and living by the Corinithian principles of yachting, as stated by their website.

The club operates all year, with no off-season, and has everything from tennis courts, dining rooms, banquet facilities, swimming pools, and of course, a plethora of boats. It’s a fantastic place to become a member, and to do so, one must prove that you have past yachting experience, and a desire to grow that experience and participate in yachting activities. In addition, you must follow a guideline of application submissions including six references from current SDYC members, two sponsors with appropriate membership status, and aside from the other requirements, the applicant may only be requested to join by the sponsors only. In other words, you better know somebody. The SDYC is elite, but for good reason, as they take their club very seriously, and are careful to select people who will continue to participate and thrive in the yachting community.

In addition to the leisure activities, The SDYC also operates the philanthropic program of the San Diego Yacht Club Sailing Foundation , which is a non-profit corporation operating to increase education and promotion of amateur sailing activities, competitions, and all kinds of related maritime education. With an active scholarship and awards program, this foundation is increasing the young interests in all things marine life and sailing related.  The SDYC was also recently recognized for their many programs that support the US military. The San Diego Military Advisory Council awarded them reocgnition in December for their continued suuport and dedication to our armed forces. They were honored with the Achievement Award by the Council and were recognized for all they do for active duty servicemen and women in the US, and their families.

The SDYC is an organization this city is very proud of, and many wish to become a member. From their yachting activities, to their philanthropic programs, to their ongoing military support and edcuation, this is a club that is worth it’s standards of admission. Very Haute, SDYC, very Haute indeed.

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The mission of the San Diego Yacht Club is to encourage and foster interest in all aspects of yachting

Tucked away in beautiful Point Loma, the San Diego Yacht Club is consistently ranked among the top 5 yacht clubs in the Nation and is recognized by the  Club Leadership Forum  as one of the finest facilities of its kind in the world.

Throughout its existence, the San Diego Yacht Club has evolved from a small gathering of boating enthusiasts joining together in 1886 to a world-renowned yachting community recognized for its success in bay sailing, ocean racing, predicted log racing, cruising, angling, and its support of youth programs at all levels. Competitions have ranged from Major National and World Championships to the Lipton Cup, from Junior Regattas to the Olympics, and from Classic yachts to the America’s Cup. Training and racing programs are available for adults as well as juniors.

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How Much Do Yacht Club Memberships Cost? (5 Helpful Examples)

Joining a yacht club is an important milestone in your life. It marks a certain degree of success and allows you to enjoy plenty of luxurious amenities. Setting sail on a yacht is the ultimate way to unwind from a hectic work week while you try to climb the corporate ladder.

Fortunately, there are yacht clubs all over the country that would love to welcome you as a brand-new member. You can enjoy an afternoon on the water with a beautiful yacht in exchange for a small sum of money.

But how much do Yacht Club memberships generally cost?

Prices for Yacht Clubs will vary based on your location, the fleet, and even the amenities that are offered at the marina. The average annual membership price is between $900-$4,000 depending on your level of luxury and needs.

To give you an idea of what you could expect to pay for your yacht club membership, here are some numbers gathered from across the country:

Table of Contents

What Does Each Yacht Club Offer?

Each yacht club is going to offer something that sets it apart from the others on this listing. To give you a better idea of where your money is going, here is a brief synopsis of what you can expect at each location.

Related Article: How Much Does Yacht Insurance Cost? (4 Examples)

Charleston Yacht Club

Charleston is a premier cruising destination with plenty of waterways for you to explore. They offer a launch hoist, dry slips, day dockage, free parking, and a long list of events scheduled throughout the year.

You also gain privileges at other yacht clubs around the world. If you don’t own your own yacht, they have plenty of members who often have room on their boats to accommodate a few extra passengers.

Florida Yacht Club

The Florida Yacht Club is a relatively exclusive club that features amazing amenities like fine dining and an array of aquatic activities.

You can play tennis, enjoy a spa treatment or massage, or get in a rousing game of croquet from the shore. They also host events and permit you to extend your privileges to other locations scattered around the Florida coast.

Atlanta Yacht Club

The Atlanta Yacht Club is primarily geared toward sailors who are interested in racing. They have a fleet of more than thirty different boats that are designed to help you further your knowledge of sailing.

If you still have a lot to learn, you can even take classes at this location. Prospective members must be sponsored and co-sponsored by two club members for entrance.

Related Article: 7 Boat Clubs in Florida You Should Know (Before Choosing)

Chicago Yacht Club

Members of the Chicago Yacht Club will find plenty of opportunities to get involved. With more than forty different committees, you can find a circle of friends that have common interests beyond just sailing and racing.

You also receive transient docking at both the Belmont and Monroe harbors, exclusive invites to private events, and reciprocity at more than 900 clubs across the country.

Related Article: Boat Clubs in Boston: 5 Clubs You Should Know

California Yacht Club

The California Yacht Club is home to both national and world championship regattas.

They host plenty of events from scuba club to book club to wine tastings. If you want to find a true community of like-minded sailors, this could be the place for you.

One of the best features is the reciprocity at locations not just across the United States but across the world. You can feel free to travel the world with your yacht and experience some of the same fellowship globally.

Related Article: Boat Clubs In Los Angeles: 7 Clubs You Should Know

What are the Cheapest Yacht Clubs?

The cheapest yacht clubs charge just under $1,000 per year for membership. While this does give you access to different types of experiences, you may be disappointed by the overall amenities.

Some yacht clubs are known for their extravagant country club styles that help you to embrace a particular lifestyle. They include Olympic-sized swimming pools, state-of-the-art tennis courts, and fine dining.

Everything has a beautiful waterfront view. It can feel like you are in the middle of an idyllic paradise without ever even having to leave the shore. If this is what you can gain from the most expensive yacht clubs, you should set your expectations much lower for the cheaper yacht clubs.

The cheaper yacht clubs lack the community aspect of these exclusive options. They feature dry slips and the occasional party, but not much more.

Some of them may have the feel of a county park with some picnic benches, outdoor grills, and a moderately sized swimming pool. Expect a much more casual atmosphere when you choose to go with a cheaper yacht club.

It is even possible that they are simply “paper yacht clubs” that do not even maintain a physical building of their own.

How Much Do the Most Expensive Yacht Clubs Cost to Join?

The most expensive yacht clubs can vary a great deal in price. Most of them will cost between $3,000 and $4,000 per year. However, you can certainly find more exclusive clubs that will cost above and beyond this.

Keep in mind that these more expensive clubs generally are not open to the public. They are offered by invitation only and you must have a member sponsor you to be considered for entrance.

When you are paying for a more expensive yacht club, you should make sure that you are really going to get your money’s worth. These expensive clubs promote a certain type of elegant lifestyle.

Make sure that you are planning to take advantage of all the amenities available from one of these clubs before you sink too much money into the membership fees. The social aspect of these expensive yacht clubs is extremely important.

If you plan to simply rent a boat from time to time, you might be able to go with a cheaper yacht club.

Related Article: How Long Do Sailboats Last?

What Is Generally Included in the Membership Fee for Yacht Clubs?

Have you been wondering why you should join a yacht club? Many potential members want to know what they can expect from their membership fees before they commit to a year-long contract. There are many advantages to signing up for a membership with a well-known yacht club.

Amenities and Activities

First and foremost, you get access to activities and cruises planned by board members. These might be various sailing activities, dinners, get-togethers, tennis matches, or other events that take up a lazy Sunday afternoon.

You also gain access to any amenities that surround the yacht club’s marina. For many programs, this means a fitness center, pool, and tennis courts. Several locations also offer fine dining, meeting rooms, and more.

It is like a private oasis where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of the regular world. Time moves slowly when you’re enjoying the amenities here.

Many yacht clubs have programs that introduce children (and adults!) to sailing. Take classes to learn more about improving your technique, sailing safety, and other important aspects of life on the open water.

Access to the Fleet

The main reason why most people join yacht clubs is to be able to rent out boats instead of purchasing their own. Joining a yacht club may give you access to an entire fleet of yachts that can be reserved for a day or weeks at a time. Some yacht clubs allow you to rent boats for up to ten days at a time.

Others do not allow you to rent out ships. They are primarily geared toward individuals who already own a yacht or will own a yacht in the future. Make sure you know the difference in advance.

Are There any Additional Costs Besides the Membership Fees?

Unfortunately, the membership fees are not the only cost associated with joining a yacht club. Most of the clubs in the United States also have a one-time initial fee that tends to cost thousands of dollars. Many will range from $1,500 to $5,000 depending on the location and the exclusivity of the yacht club.

This one-time fee should be the only additional money you pay except for fuel. Most yacht clubs do not cover the cost of the fuel used in the ship during your rental if renting is an option. Be prepared for what this could cost you.

If you cause damage to the ship, you can also expect some out-of-pocket costs. Insurance should cover the damage, but you will likely be asked to cover the cost of the deductible.

Be sure to inquire about how much you may be on the hook for before you sign up for any particular yacht club. Accidents can happen, even to the most experienced sailors. Make sure that you can afford the mishap in advance.

Is a Yacht Club Membership Right for You?

Understanding what the real cost of a yacht club membership is can be the first step toward determining if this is right for you. Many people love the luxuries available through the more expensive yacht clubs, but they may not be able to afford it. Consider what is most important in a club to you before deciding to sign on the dotted line for an annual membership.

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Yacht Club Membership Fees

• Thread starter doug748
• Start date 11 Jan 2019
• 11 Jan 2019

Well-known member

Our comrades in the Motor Boat section are discussing Yacht Clubs and one contributor suggests that the San Diego club manages to do rather well. It's yearly fees seem to be in the order of 3,000 dollars but the good news is that that includes a set $600 of food or drink - thus making sure that the bar and restaurant are kept busy. This is the clincher - there is a initiation charge, they don't put your head down the bog but do operate a sliding scale - from nothing if you are under 26 rising, by great big lumps, to $24,000 if you are over 60. :nonchalance: There must be some serious high rollers there. My club is 66 quid a year with £20 joining fee. But you do have to pay for your own pies, unless they run out of course.  

My yacht club's annual membership fee is, I think, only about £33. But, although it has moorings it does not have a clubhouse. "Our clubhouse is our cockpit".  

I was just looking at the Chichester Yacht Club membership fees before opening this thread... At £450 per annum, it would make a very expensive private pub and restaurant - and I know that that is the only use I would make of it. A pity really - it's a nice site and I would like to join, but I simply can't justify that sort of price for access to a bar.  

capnsensible

Poignard said: My club's yacht club's annual membership fee is, I think, only about £33. But, although it has moorings it does not have a clubhouse. "Our clubhouse is our cockpit". Click to expand...

• 12 Jan 2019

doug748 said: Our comrades in the Motor Boat section are discussing Yacht Clubs and one contributor suggests that the San Diego club manages to do rather well. It's yearly fees seem to be in the order of 3,000 dollars but the good news is that that includes a set $600 of food or drink - thus making sure that the bar and restaurant are kept busy. This is the clincher - there is a initiation charge, they don't put your head down the bog but do operate a sliding scale - from nothing if you are under 26 rising, by great big lumps, to $24,000 if you are over 60. :nonchalance: There must be some serious high rollers there. My club is 66 quid a year with £20 joining fee. But you do have to pay for your own pies, unless they run out of course. Click to expand...

Our local sailing association costs £5/year. We have regular meetings and summer events but no premises.  

Yearly fees are very similar to Marina fees..... although the initiation fee sounds a bit ouch.  

£120/year, with free tea & coffee though!!  

jamie N said: £120/year, with free tea & coffee though!! Click to expand...

Praxinoscope

As an OAP my £20 annual membership (£30 for members under retirement age) is great value to use the clubhouse and facilities. The club owns the freehold premises in a prime position on the seafront with views over the harbour and sea. Unfortunately the local council control the moorings. I used to belong the The Little Ship Club, (did my Ocean YM shorebased there) but as I rarely get to London nowadays I sadly can no longer justify the fees.  

Lightwave395

I've sadly just quit the Island Sailing Club with our renewal arriving at £445. We ate half a dozen very nice meals there last year and that was that. I'd have been happy to be a 'social' member but they don't have those so that's it.  

Lightwave395 said: I've sadly just quit the Island Sailing Club with our renewal arriving at £445. We ate half a dozen very nice meals there last year and that was that. I'd have been happy to be a 'social' member but they don't have those so that's it. Click to expand...

maby said: I was just looking at the Chichester Yacht Club membership fees before opening this thread... At £450 per annum, it would make a very expensive private pub and restaurant - and I know that that is the only use I would make of it. A pity really - it's a nice site and I would like to join, but I simply can't justify that sort of price for access to a bar. Click to expand...

When I got my first boat I joined a club to get a mooring. There were those who went to the bar and those that went sailing, If you don't live on the doorstep then it's hard to do both. I've never bothered with a club since then.  

My club's £50 annual sub has bought me many friendships amongst a very nice sociable bunch of people, all enthusiastic and active sailors. I went to the San Diego YC once, many years ago. Didn't seem that special.  

• 13 Jan 2019

Some of us suspect that high joining fees are/were merely a way of keeping out the riff raff and not for covering cost of any administration, why anyone should get reduced membership subscriptions , simply for being old, is also a mystery. Any discounts should be going to youngsters and beginners to encourge them in. ?  

oldgit said: Some of us suspect that high joining fees are/were merely a way of keeping out the riff raff and not for covering cost of any administration, why anyone should get reduced membership subscriptions , simply for being old, is also a mystery. Any discounts should be going to youngsters and beginners to encourage them in. ? Click to expand...

Orion Jim said: Membership, as does golf club memberships, opens a lot of doors to the rarified air of the upper echelon of the business community. Consider membership a business investment Click to expand...

Resolution said: The case for reduced subs for (very) elderly members is that once your active life has diminished to a sad reclusive dribble, keeping up a full rate subscription is an easy expense-cutting target. By offering to discount subs for the elderly many will just keep on paying long after their ability to come and enjoy the club has reduced almost to zero. Click to expand...

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San Diego Yacht Club (SDYC)

by Marie Rogers | May 19, 2023 | Yacht Club Members

San Diego Yacht Club (SDYC) sdyc.org 1011 Anchorage Lane San Diego, CA 92106 (619) 221-8400

Total: 2000 members – 40% power, 60% sail.

Facilities: Bar open daily 1000 to 2100. Dining room open daily 0730 to 2000. Snack bar open during summer/spring vacation. Pool. Tennis courts, jacuzzi. Member berths. Dry storage. 5000 lb. & 8000 lb. hoists. Sabot launch ramp. Guest docks. Reciprocal amenities: Banquet Rooms, Showers, Sauna, Guest Docks, Sabot Launch Ramp and 6000 lb. Hoists. SDYC member only amenities: snack bar, pool, jacuzzi, tennis courts, gym, wet slips, and dry storage.

Membership: Accepting applications. 2 sponsors plus 6 references. Initiation: sliding scale based on age. None for juniors.

Monthly dues: $150/flag, $75Jr Flag, $23/ Juniors. $150 quarterly food and beverage minimum.

Junior program: Exceptionally strong year round program for members.

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How Much is a Yacht Club Membership? 3 Common Price Ranges

The cost of an annual yacht club membership can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the location of the club, the amenities offered, the exclusivity of the membership, and the size of the yacht being accommodated. We’ve compiled a set of guidelines below to help you estimate what you can expect to pay for an annual yacht club membership.

Local or Less Exclusive Yacht Clubs

These clubs might offer basic amenities such as docking facilities, a clubhouse, and some social events. Annual fees can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Membership fees could be as low as $500 to $2,000 per year.

Mid-Range Yacht Clubs:

These clubs may offer more extensive amenities, including high-quality dining facilities, repair and maintenance services, fitness centers, and a busy calendar of social and boating activities. Annual fees for these clubs can range from $3,000 to $10,000 or more.

Prestigious or Exclusive Yacht Clubs

The most exclusive yacht clubs, often located in prime locations with extensive facilities and services, can have annual membership fees that are significantly higher. These can range from $10,000 to $30,000 or more per year, with some of the most elite clubs costing even more. Additionally, these clubs might have initiation fees that can range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

It’s also important to note that many yacht clubs have additional costs beyond the annual membership dues. These can include initiation fees for new members, monthly minimum spending requirements at the club’s facilities, and additional fees for docking, storage, and maintenance services.

Additional Considerations

Some yacht clubs require yacht ownership as a prerequisite before being accepted into the club. Hence, while the yacht club membership itself might only be between $500 and $2,000, the true price of a yacht club membership might be tied to the cost of ownership of your yacht as well.

Bottom Line: Simply Ask If Interested

If you’re interested in joining a yacht club, make a list of yacht clubs that you might be interested in joining, and reach out to them via email or phone to get the most accurate and up-to-date information. Most yacht club members are quite friendly and are willing to help those who are interested in joining.

We wish you good luck in your yacht club search, and hope that you were able to find this article helpful.

Listing your boat with Yachtlify provides several unique benefits, including:

• List once, post on multiple platforms (Yachtlify.com, Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, and others).
• Schedule showings and sea trials with our calendar and reminders.
• View listing engagement analytics across platforms.
• eSign, state forms, and Coast Guard forms to manage closing documentation in once place.

• Membership Fees

Enrollment: You and your spouse can become members of HYC for a one-time enrollment fee of $399 . Membership is on a month-to-month basis, and there is no annual committment. Membership includes the US SAILING Basic Keelboat group class for one person.

Membership Program Choices : To ensure that you will get the most out of your club membership, we currently offer 2 membership program options that you may choose from designed to suit your sailing preferences:

OPTION 1: Monthly Minimum Program

This membership program is designed for the sailor who plans on sailing every month. With this program, we collect $45 on the first of the month , all of which may be applied towards the cost of a boat rentals in San Diego during that month. The $45 does not roll over to the next month.

OPTION 2: Sailing Bank Accrual Program

This membership program is designed for sailors who may not be able to rent a boat every month. With this program, we collect $45 each month – $20 in dues and $25 of which may be applied towards rentals in San Diego. If you don’t use that $25 credit towards a sail with us that month, that money will roll over to the next month, accumulating in your sailing bank until you use it. We limit the sailing bank accumulation to a maximum of $300, which is a year’s worth of credits. So, as long as you go sailing at least once a year, you’ll never miss out on any of your monthly sailing bank contributions.

Change Your Mind? If you are enrolled in the club with either Option 1 or 2 and later decide to change programs, you may do so one time by notifying the club in writing.

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INSTRUCTION

• Basic Keelboat (Beginner)
• Basic Cruising (Intermediate)
• Bareboat Cruising (Advanced)
• 3 Day Liveaboard – Intermediate
• 3 Day Liveaboard – Advanced
• 5 Day Liveaboard (Beginner & Intermediate)
• 5 Day Liveaboard (Intermediate / Advanced)
• San Diego Fleet Rates
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• Multi-Day Pricing
• Submit Sailing Resume

Lakehouse Resort Rolls Out Sail Club Membership

Amid the 80-acre Lake San Marcos, Lakehouse Resort is excited to unveil the launch of its newest offering, Sail Club.

Designed to provide an exclusive lake experience in Southern California , Sail Club invites resort guests and locals alike to enjoy adventures on the water!

“Sail Club represents the epitome of our commitment to creating memorable experiences for guests and the San Marcos community,” said Michael Savastano, President, Hospitality at Lakehouse Resort.

“With offerings ranging from boat rentals and fishing passes to stand-up paddleboarding and pontoon boating, we’re proud to introduce Sail Club to the community for a lake experience that is rare to find in Southern California.”

This exciting addition, alongside the recent debut of Brickmans , the resort’s newest on-property dining destination, reinforces Lakehouse’s role as a cornerstone of the local community.

Lakehouse Resort Sail Club: Membership Tiers and Perks

Offering three tiers—the First Mate Tier, Captain Tier, and Admiral Tier—each boasts an array of exclusive benefits, allowing you to tailor your experience. Exclusive discounts and savings across the resort are also available with each membership level.

First Mate Tier:

Available for $350 per month with a $500 initiation fee. Benefits include:

• Four hours per month of duffy or pontoon usage
• 15 hours per month of weekday kayaks and paddleboards
• Four buckets per month of range balls at The Links
• 10% off at Brickmans Restaurant & Bar
• 10% off hotel rooms at Lakehouse Resort
• 10% off additional rentals at Sail Club

Blackout dates apply.

Captain Tier:

Available for $550 per month with a $1,000 initiation fee. Benefits include:

• Eight hours per month of duffy or pontoon usage
• Unlimited kayaks, paddleboards, and pedal boats
• 12 buckets per month of range balls at The Links
• 15% off hotel rooms at Lakehouse Resort
• 15% off additional rentals at Sail Club

Admiral Tier:

Available for $800 per month with a $2,000 initiation fee. Benefits include:

• One hour daily duffy or pontoon usage
• One hour per month of captained charter
• Unlimited range balls at The Links
• Resort pool access four times per month for up to four guests
• Unlimited access to the fitness center
• 10% off Brickmans Restaurant & Bar
• 20% off hotel rooms at Lakehouse Resort
• 20% off additional rentals at Sail Club

No blackout dates.

See you there!

If you’re just visiting the resort, a membership is unnecessary to enjoy the full-service marina. Head out on the lake with several rental options available, including pontoons, duffy boats, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, pedal boats, fishing gear, and more.

With its array of membership tiers and exclusive perks, Sail Club promises to be an amazing place for adventure on the water and a sanctuary for those looking to unwind in the beauty of Lake San Marcos.

For membership registration and additional details on Sail Club, visit here .

See you there, San Diego!

There San Diego

Club + Resort Business

Shifts In San Diego’s Private Club Market Highlighted

By Joe Barks | October 21, 2013

More “forward-thinking, contemporary” management approaches that involve “running [clubs] with a little more business sense” reflect movement away from “your father’s country club,” notes a special report that includes insights from GMs of The Farms GC, La Jolla CC and The Santaluz Club.

While there are indications that business is beginning to turn for the better at many of the 20 private clubs in San Diego County, a report in the San Diego Union-Tribune noted, it has become clear that even the most established and stable clubs in the region are “remaking themselves by necessity to adapt to a complicated lifestyle” and a buyer’s market.

In a year that saw Escondido Country Club shutter its doors after 46 years and 51-year-old StoneRidge Country Club in Poway, Calif. get foreclosed upon and purchased off the auction block, other clubs in the county are still running on a razor-thin financial edge, the Union-Tribune reported, and those on the best footing are still taking note of how they need to change to succeed in the future.

“These are not your father’s or grandfather’s clubs anymore,” Jim MacDonough, General Manager of The Santaluz Club in Carmel Valley, Calif., told the Union-Tribune . “They’re more forward-thinking, more contemporary. Clubs are being more sensitive to current trends and market conditions to stay ahead of the curve, instead of maintaining staunch traditional values.”

Those concessions include jeans in the dining room and cell phones on the grounds, and have also led to significant changes in the cost structures of San Diego’s saturated private club market, the Union-Tribune noted.

When The Santaluz Club opened in 2002, it was noted, it cost $140,000 to join, but the initiation fee is now $50,000, which represents an increase from $43,000 last year. The Farms Golf Club in Rancho Santa Fe once fetched more than $100,000 but now is offering memberships for $20,000, with a one-year “test drive” of paying only monthly dues, the Union-Tribune reported. And The Bridges in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., which the Union-Tribune termed “The Louvre of the North County private clubs,” opened with an initiation fee of $350,000, but is now asking $125,000.

Even La Jolla Country Club, the envy of every club with a waiting list of several years to get in at more than $100,000, now modestly trades one outgoing member for one incoming, to keep its full complement of members, the Union-Tribune reported.

“There’s sensitivity to running the club with a little more business sense,” La Jolla CC General Manager Mike Mooney told the Union-Tribune . “We scrutinize things carefully. It used to be if the members wanted it, we’d do it. Now we look at what makes the most sense.”

Bruce Bennetts, General Manager of The Farms GC, told the Union-Tribune that while some of his members once belonged to four clubs, they have cut that to one in the last five years.

“We’re out of the recession, really, but we’ve still got the oversaturation,” Bennetts said. “We’ve just got too many golf clubs. We need more of them to close, and then everybody would be healthier. But I don’t see that happening either.”

Bennetts and The Farms are in the heart of what the Union-Tribune called “a private club smorgasbord” in Rancho Santa Fe, with nine courses within about a 20-minute drive — a density matched in California only in the Palm Springs area. The Union-Tribune highlighted a membership initiative at The Farms that has offered a yearlong preview with only monthly dues ($966) that include cart fees and no food-and-beverage minimum, as an example of “creative” approaches prompted by the financial downturn. Bennetts told the Union-Tribune that 100 new members joined through the program in 2010 and 90 percent of them eventually paid the $20,000 initiation fee and became permanent members.

At StoneRidge CC, to attempt to overcome the negative publicity of the auction sale, the Union-Tribune reported, initation fees have been waived until the end of 2013, according to General Manager Ron Gorski, and monthly dues have been set at $595 for an entire family.

At The Santaluz Club, The Union-Tribune reported, there were rumors of trouble as the club stuck with a six-figure initiation fee and its developer, DMB, stayed on longer than intended. But in the eventual transition to management by the homeowners, the initiation fee was sliced to $40,000, and McDonough said the club has added 25 members this year to get to a total of 340 golf members, 60 shy of the cap.

Steve Cowell, a member at Santaluz since 2006, told the Union-Tribune that when he has heard a few members grumble about the loss of equity in their initiation fee, he has reminded them of the dire alternatives. Cowell, 64, a retired biotech CFO, said he does not compute a per-round cost based on the dues of $1,235 per month.

“My wife and I bought into a lifestyle,” he said. “I didn’t buy a membership at this club to make money.”

About The Author

Joe Barks contributes to Club & Resort Business magazine working out of Wayne, Pa. (suburban Philadelphia). He has been covering the club and resort industry since the launch of C&RB in April 2005 and during that time has written cover-story profiles of over 150 club and resort properties, as well as many additional articles about specific aspects of club management and profiles of leading club managers. Barks has been a writer and editor for specialized business publications for over 40 years, covering a wide variety of industries and professional disciplines over the course of his career. He is a four-time winner of Jesse H. Neal Awards from the American Business Press, known as the “Pulitzer Prizes” for industry trade publications. He has also been a freelance contributor to many leading national consumer and business publications, and served as Marketing Manager for the Hay Group, a leading worldwide management consulting firm. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania.

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New Memberships

PLYC’s members are very active in yacht racing as a member of Southern California Yachting Association and San Diego Association of Yacht Clubs and PHRF racing fleet. We believe as a member, you will also participate in racing with your own boat or as a crew on one of the many club boats. We host the most races of any other club, including: the Doyle Duck Derby (every Friday night during daylight savings time), The Bob Kearns Memorial Race in May, The Jimmy Rogers Memorial Race in June, The Crew of Two Race around the Coronado’s in July and The Big Boat Charity Race in August. There is a special trophy for points in these races and a Club party following each. We also host the International Order of the Blue Gavel (IOGB) Charity Race in September.

For our Cruising members, we multiple cruises to Catalina, the Channel Islands, and Mexico. We also host raft-ups on Memorial Day in La Playa Cove, 4th of July in Glorietta Bay and Labor Day in Mariner’s Cove-Mission Bay. These events are well attended by PLYC members and are a great opportunity to meet other boaters.

Our club has many events that its members can enjoy. Some of those include but not limited to: Woody’s Whale Watching in January, Opening Day in April, Commodore’s Ball in November and the Holiday Party in December. Events not to miss are FFHH (Final Friday Happy Hours) at different locations monthly.

Join us and you will enjoy the world of boating. We will welcome you aboard and share the Corinthian Spirit of yachting and Point Loma Yacht Club with you.

• Option 1: Your membership costs $360 per year if paid in full. (You save $72)
• Option 2: You can also choose to pay $36 monthly.

If you Email the application, please follow up with a Signed Copy. We accept payment by check for Membership Initiation and Membership Fees.

Download Your Membership  Application in word doc

Download Free Adobe Reader

call us…write us…we’ll get one to you Call Us: (619) 800-0178

Become a Member

Southwestern Yacht Club is continuously welcoming new applicants for membership who share boating interests, want to socialize or enjoy themselves as part of our active community. We have a variety of memberships that allow for everyone, individuals, couples and families, to have fun at Southwestern Yacht Club. Take a virutal tour of the Club!

As you fill out the  application , some questions may arise. We hope this will help clarify matters for you.

• Flag membership is available to any person 21 years of age or over who owns a boat not less than 14 feet overall in length. A Flag member is eligible to vote at meetings of the membership, hold elective office, and enter his/her boat in Club races.
• Regular membership is available to any person 21 years of age or over who does not own a boat. Regular members are not eligible for elective office nor shall they be entitled to vote on proposals other than dues and assessments.
• If you do not fall into either of these categories, please contact our Membership D irector   at 619-222-0438 x 111.  We can help you determine your membership category.
• Date of birth, employer and Social Security number are needed for the person in whose name the membership will be held.  We would like you to know that every attempt is made to keep your personal information private. Before your application is submitted to the Membership Committee or posted on the Club bulletin board, your date of birth and Social Security number are removed. SWYC will obtain a credit report as part of your application. Only the Club Manager, Club Treasurer and Membership Chair will review this report.
• Personal reference should be someone who is not a member of Southwestern Yacht Club.
• Yacht Club Sponsors must be two members in good standing, at least one of whom must hold a separate Flag, Regular or Life membership. They are required to fill out a confidential Southwestern Yacht Club Sponsor Form for you.
• Finally, you will get to the fun part - on the last page, circle the activities that interest you. Please include a short letter describing your boating experience and your interest in SWYC. Upon approval of your application, you will be placed in a Conditional membership for 12 months. Initiation fees must be paid in full when you are approved for Conditional Membership. During this first year, you must meet certain requirements, including involvement in two Club activities. You can meet this volunteer requirement by contacting the activity chairs who will be happy to involve you in their functions.

We hope the process goes smoothly for you. The Membership Committee looks forward to meeting you and processing your application. We wish you fair winds and following seas!  Cora Curry , Membership Committee Chair

Fee Schedule

Southwestern Yacht Club Bylaws require a 2/3 vote of the Flag members to raise its fees. Please see Article V, Section 15: A. Charges.  All initiation fees, dues, assessments, surcharges, dry storage fees, slip rental fees and locker rental fees shall be established by the Board of Directors, subject to approval by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Flag Membership, except that the Regular Membership may vote on dues and assessments only. A special meeting must be called for this purpose.  SWYC Fee Schedule

Sea Trial Program

For a limited time only, you can take a “Sea Trial” at Southwestern Yacht Club to see if membership is for you.

That’s right! A NO RISK TRIAL as our guest for six months with virtually all the benefits and pleasures of membership. You’re invited to partake of all the wonderful activities outlined in the New Member Information Package and, in addition, you’ll have the run of the bar and galley, the small boat hoist, use of the guest dock for your boat and the opportunity to meet all of the wonderful people who call Southwestern their “boating family”.  When your Sea Trial ends, we are sure you’ll want to continue to enjoy all that Southwestern has to offer. At this point you may convert your six month Sea Trial as our guest to Full Membership at Southwestern Yacht Club.  SEA TRIAL FLYER For more information contact the Membership Director about our Sea Trial Participant Program at 619-222-0438 ext 111 or by  email . 

To start the application process, please complete and send in the following membership application with two completed confidential sponsor forms.  

• PROSPECTIVE MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
• SPONSOR FORM & GUIDELINES
• 2024 SCHEDULE OF FEES
• MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES
• SEA TRIAL PARTICIPANT INFO
• JUNIOR MEMBERSHIP

• SGYC History
• Meet the 2024 Officers and Staff
• Hours of Operation and Galley Menus
• Olive Events – Catering Request
• San Diego Weather
• Reciprocal Clubs
• Contact SGYC
• Visiting SGYC
• Captains and Crew Signup
• Race Boats needing Crew
• People wanting to Crew
• Cruising Fleet
• Fishing Fleet
• Power Fleet
• Music and Dancing
• Banquets and Parties
• Fun and Fitness
• Silver Strings
• RSVP for an Event & Dining RSVP
• Main Event Calendar
• Bar and Galley Calendar
• Racing Calendar
• Volunteers Needed
• SGYC Member Amenities

Membership Categories and Privileges

Apply for Membership

Membership Dues-Fees and Rights

Flag/joint flag member.

• Owns a boat when joining SGYC • Has full use of the club facilities and can participate in all club events and activities • Has use of the club’s Fun and Fitness Fleet of bicycles, paddle boards, rowboat, kayaks & the SilverGater runabout • Enjoys voting rights • Can be listed on the slip waiting list • Can be assigned a slip or dry storage space, if available • May serve as an officer, director or committee member • Can sign for food and beverages • May use the Club ballroom for private parties

Junior Flag/Joint Junior Flag Member:

• Has full use of the club facilities and can participate in all club events and activities • Has use of the club’s Fun and Fitness Fleet of bicycles, paddle boards, rowboat, kayaks & the SilverGater runabout • Can be listed on the slip waiting list • May serve as a committee member • Can sign for food and beverages • May use the Club ballroom for private parties

Associate Member:

• Has full use of the club facilities and can participate in all club events and activities • Has use of the club’s Fun and Fitness Fleet of bicycles, paddle boards, rowboat, kayaks & the SilverGater runabout • May serve as a committee member • Can sign for food and beverages • May use the Club ballroom for private parties

Junior Member:

• Minor children of Flag, Junior Flag or Associate Members

Other persons:

• Welcome if under 21 years of age • Sponsored by a Flag Member who shall serve as a Mentor to the Junior Member • Membership must be renewed annually • May be assigned one dry storage, subject to availability and payment of applicable fees • Please use this link to our Junior Member Application: www.sgyc.org/about-sgyc-membership/apply-for-membership/

Requirements and Rights

Flag/Joint Flag: Must own a yacht; may vote; may serve as an officer; director or committee member; may be on the slip waiting list; may be assigned one slip or dry storage space (subject to availability); has full privileges to use club for social purposes.

Jr. Flag/Joint Jr. Flag: Shall have an appropriate interest in yachting; may be on the slip waiting list; may serve as a committee member; has full privileges to use club for social purposes. Associate: Shall have an appropriate interest in yachting; may serve as a committee member; has full privileges to use club for social purposes.

Junior Member: Under 21 years of age; must renew annually; may be assigned one dry storage space (subject to availability)

Applicants 29 or younger pay 1/2 of the initiation fee for the applicable membership category. Refer to SGYC By-Laws, Rules and Policies for full disclosure of requirements and rights of these categories. The above are merely excerpts from the By-Laws, Rules and Policies are meant to be used as general guidelines.