Member Login

MEMBERSHIP

The Southwestern Yacht Club is delighted to welcome new applicants for Membership who share our passion for boating, socializing, and being part of our vibrant community. We offer a range of Membership options tailored to suit individuals, couples, and families, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the unique experiences our Club has to offer.

Ninety percent of prospective Members typically fall into one of the following two categories:

·         Flag Membership: This Membership is available to individuals aged 21 and older who own a boat of at least 14 feet in overall length. Flag Members are eligible to vote at Membership Meetings, hold elective office, and enter their boats in Club races.

·         Regular Membership: This Membership is open to individuals aged 21 and older who do not own a boat. While Regular Members are not eligible for elective office, they can vote on matters related to dues and assessments at Membership Meetings.

Become a Member

To become a Member of Southwestern Yacht Club, please follow our application process, typically completed within one month:

  1. Application: Complete the Membership application form.
  2. Introduction Letter: Submit a brief letter (one paragraph to one page) introducing yourself to the Membership Committee, detailing your yachting experience, and explaining why you wish to join the Club.
  3. Sponsorship: Obtain sponsorship from two active Members by having them complete the sponsorship forms.
  4. Application Fee: Pay the $100 application fee, which will be applied to your initiation fee (view the fee schedule).
After submitting these materials to the Membership & Communications Director, an interview will be scheduled with a representative from our Membership Committee.

The Membership Committee meets on the third Wednesday of each month to review applications and make recommendations to the Board of Directors. The Board then makes the final decision on the fourth Thursday of each month.

Sea Trial Program

For a limited time, discover the Southwestern Yacht Club through our six-month Sea Trial Program, where you can enjoy nearly all the benefits of full Membership—without needing sponsors or paying the initiation fee upfront. This trial is designed to help you get involved in our community, meet potential sponsors, and start to experience Membership at SWYC.

During your Sea Trial, you’ll have access to:

  • The bar and galley
  • Small boat hoist
  • Guest dock for your boat
  • All Club activities
  • The chance to connect with our vibrant club community
At the end of your Sea Trial, we’re confident you’ll want to continue enjoying everything Southwestern Yacht Club has to offer. When you're ready (at the end of the six months or during the six months), you can easily transition to Full Membership as a Flag or Regular Member.

Become a Sea Trial Participant

Application: Complete the Membership application form.

Introduction Letter: Submit a brief letter (one paragraph to one page) introducing yourself to the Membership Committee, detailing your yachting experience, and explaining why you wish to join the club.

Application Fee: Pay the $100 application fee, which will be applied to your initiation fee when you join a Flag or Regular Member (view the fee schedule here).
 
After submitting these materials to the Membership & Communications Director, an interview will be scheduled with a representative from our Membership Committee.

The Membership Committee meets on the third Wednesday of each month to review applications and make recommendations to the Board of Directors. The Board then makes the final decision on the fourth Thursday of each month.

View Sea Trial Program

View Our Prospective Member Documents
A Note from the Chair of Membership Committee
During the application process, we do have to ask some confidential information about you.
  1. 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.
  2. Personal reference should be someone who is not a member of Southwestern Yacht Club.
  3. 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.
  4. 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
Contact the Membership & Communications Director
Contact Membership & Communications Director, Avery Gildner, with any questions you have regarding Membership and the application process.
 
Email: [email protected]
Call: (619) 222-0438 ext. 111