cost to join sarasota yacht club

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.

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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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Moriah Taliaferro

Living in Sarasota Luxury

Sarasota’s BEST CLUBS for Membership

Joining a membership club in sarasota.

One of my favorite things about living in Sarasota is all of the great things to do here! And that includes the clubs that offer special amenities for tennis, golf, aquatics, boating, and more .

Sarasota's membership clubs offer amazing things to do. My absolute favorite club is the Longboat Key Club , but I also love the Sarasota Yacht Club, Ritz-Carlton Beach Club, and one of our newest clubs, Waterworks.

Joining a membership club in Sarasota is a wonderful way to enjoy our local amenities and to add to your social calendar . There are many options, from beachfront dining and award-winning golf courses, to clubs that are specific for boaters.

Reciprocity is a special advantage to consider , especially if you enjoy leisure in other markets. If you have questions about joining a Sarasota club or would like an introduction to one of my club contacts, please let me know!

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Non-boating events include Travel Talks, Wine Tasting Events, Fitness Classes, and even a weekly Trivia Challenge

The club is run entirely by club member volunteers. VSS organizes races, cruises, and monthly potluck dinners, which include informative programs related to sailing.The latter are held on the second Wednesday of each month from October through April. Our May meeting is our Change of Watch or "COW". This is a picnic meeting where we recognize racing and cruising achievements, the election and induction of new officers and board members and hold the all-important “gutter boat” regatta. The Squadron owns no real estate, so the overhead costs are kept very low.

Membership is open to anyone with an interest in sailing, sailboats and boating in general. We do have members that are former sailors and are now power boaters. Anyone with an interest or affinity for sailing is welcome. For more information check our Membership page

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Sarasota Boat Clubs Are Booming

Photography by Allison Forsyth March 5, 2021 Published in the March-April 2021 issue of Sarasota Magazine

Image: Everett Dennison

What’s better than spending the day on the water in your boat? How about spending the day on the water in someone else’s boat? That’s the appeal of boat-sharing clubs, which have been doing stupendous business since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Freedom Boat Club , for example, has seen unprecedented growth over the past year. The company, which was founded in Sarasota 30 years ago and has clubs all over the U.S., Canada and Europe, with 37,000 members, grew from 209 locations in 2019 to 253 last year, a 21 percent surge. In the past year, the company booked more than 400,000 boating trips.

“Individuals and their families are attracted to our business and have been calling and visiting us nonstop to see what we are all about,” says Scott Ward, the vice president and general manager of Freedom’s Sarasota locations.

Overall, Freedom owns 3,100 boats, including more than 60 in Sarasota and 50 in Bradenton. Since last March, each of those local boats has been used regularly.

Members call ahead of time to reserve a date, time and type of boat, but, lately, they have been put on a waiting list or have been forced to schedule their trips weeks in advance. Ward says that because of the spike in interest in the club, Freedom is looking for new locations and moving to buy more boats.

The cost of memberships at Freedom varies. There is a base entry fee of $7,000, then, for $389 a month, you can boat as much as you like all year long. Other Freedom plans are less expensive, but may restrict use on holidays and weekends. There are no extra fees, but you do pay for the fuel you use.

Freedom isn’t the only local boat-sharing club. The boating and social club Waves on Siesta Key ($4,900 join-up fee, with monthly fees varying depending on the length of commitment) and the national boating club Suntex , located at Marina Jack (a 12-month membership that includes holidays and weekends is a $3,000 one-time fee, then $375 a month), both offer half- and full-day boat rentals in various locations.

Like Freedom, these clubs offer a variety of boats to choose from, allowing you to select the perfect ride, depending on the day.

Ward attributes Freedom’s growth to the Covid-19 pandemic. Families and friends who have quarantined together can enjoy the sunshine and the water without having to dodge crowds or wear masks. They can also bring their own food and drinks, which lets them avoid indoor settings. The club has taken extra measures to sanitize boats after every trip, including introducing contactless processes to keep members and staff safe.

Boat-sharing is particularly attractive to people who enjoy boating but who don’t want to deal with the hassle of storing and maintaining a vessel. Multiple family packages are available, and separate parties can share the cost of a single membership. Members also receive unlimited complimentary lessons from licensed captains, during which they are taken through classroom and on-the-water training, to make sure they feel confident operating a boat.

According to Ward, the most popular boats at Freedom in Sarasota this year have been pleasure-cruising boats like pontoon and deck boats. Farther south and on the east coast of Florida, offshore center console fishing boats have been requested more frequently.

Ward says that whatever type of adventure you’re seeking, you can expect smooth sailing. “You can be sure to arrive to a clean boat with a full tank of fuel each time,” says Ward. “Whether you are going on a fishing trip with the boys or spending a day tubing and relaxing with the family, a boat will be ready for you.”

Sarasota Yacht Club

Organized in 1907 and established in 1926, Sarasota Yacht Club is a Distinguished Elite Club, a Platinum Club of the World, and a Platinum Club of America. The Club offers impressive amenities including indoor and outdoor dining, a pool and pool bar, a 110-slip marina, and a fitness center, all with panoramic views of Sarasota Bay.

Enjoy the quintessential Sarasota experience by taking advantage of our kayak and paddleboard rental fleet, enjoying a poolside cocktail, or indulging in an artfully prepared meal with the perfect sunset view. Whether you’re seeking adventure or craving an award-winning culinary experience, Sarasota Yacht Club prides itself on exceeding expectations for both members and reciprocal members.

• Swimming Pool

Waterfront casual and formal dining with banquet capacity up to 500 persons 110-slip marina Swimming pool Fitness Center Watersports Rentals Including: Kayaks and Paddleboards

• Dress Code Casual and formal dining.
• Age Restriction -No Age Restriction
• Dogs -In Designated Outdoor Areas Only
• Smoking -In Designated Outdoor Areas Only

Opening Hours

• Clubhouse & Front Desk:

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: Closed (May – September

Tuesday – Sunday: 9:00am – 7:00pm

• Porthole & Waterfront Terrace Dining:

Tuesday: Closed (May – September)

Tuesday – Sunday: 11:30am – 2:30pm & 5:30pm – 08:30pm

• Spinnaker Bar & Grill:

Tuesday – Thursday & Sunday: 11:30am – 7:30pm

Friday & Saturday: 11:30am – 08:30pm

• Happy Hour:

Wednesday & Sunday: 4:00pm – 7:00pm

Friday: 5:30pm – Close

More Information

Additional Charges Service charge: 20%, sales tax: 7%.

Parking Covered and Uncovered Parking Available, Tesla Charging Stations on-site

• Tel +1 941 3654191
• Fax +1 941 3730121
• Web http://www.sarasotayachtclub.org
• Mail [email protected]

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Bird Key Yacht Club

Phone: (941) 953-4455

Email: [email protected]

Address: 301 Bird Key Drive Sarasota, Florida 34236

Website: https://www.birdkeyyc.com

Our members come from throughout the U.S. and around the globe, their common thread a lifetime of dynamic experiences that contribute and enhance the diverse fabric of our Club. Our motto, Anchored in Friendship, is alive and well and demonstrated every day. And although our name describes our geography, don’t assume it restricts our membership: whatever your address, you are welcome at Bird Key Yacht Club. Our members enjoy all types of boating from our protected, bay front marina. They explore the world around them through ongoing activities including a wide range of social events, fashion shows, luncheon speakers and wine tastings.

Our Club Members

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Naples Yacht Club

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