FAQs
Club Information
Do I need to own a boat or
No! About half of our members don't have boats, but are interested in boating and being on the water. Our members with boats invite people to go out with them.
Do I need to have any boating experience to join the club?
No! Our skippers are happy to take out people of any skill level--including beginners.
How does the club work?
We are a social club to bring people with interests in boating together. The club does not own any boats. The boat owners in the club offer to bring people out for our events. While you may receive some instruction while out, we don’t have any formal learn-to-sail programs.
What types of members do you have?
We have a diverse group of over 400 boaters. Sailboaters, power boaters, dinghy sailers, rowers, paddle boaters, etc. We have men and women both young and old, experienced and just starting out, located from New York to Maine.
Does the club cost any money?
We don’t charge dues to be a member of the club. Some events that we host have costs associated with them like meals and cookouts. Some sailing trips also incur costs. It’s up to the skipper how those costs are split with the boat. For longer trips you should always discuss this with the skipper ahead of time.
How can you run the club without charging dues?
The club relies on the generosity of its members. We make a small amount of money from paid events and from selling merchandise.
We also accept donations (through Meetup and PayPal) to help pay for the club’s costs.
How do I find out about events?
The official event calendar is on our Meetup page. We have a Facebook group where members interact. You can also join our mailing list to receive our regular email newsletters. See the Event FAQ below.
What's the difference between the Meetup site, the Facebook Page, the Facebook Group, and the email newsletters? Why do you use all of them?
The Meetup site is the official event calendar. We require Meetup RSVPs for events that we need to know who/how many people are coming, events we are charging for, or events that have a fixed maximum number of people.
The Facebook Page is our public website on Facebook. It is used for us to post things primarily for people to see who aren't already members.
The Facebook Group is a private place that members can interact. Anyone in the group can post comments, pictures, events, etc. We also try to publish all events here.
The email newsletter is a summary of what's going on in the club with links to RSVP to events.
We suggest you join all of them so that you don't miss anything!
We use all of these because we have a diverse group of members who interact with us in different ways. These methods have different functionalities, some of which are better suited for a particular event. We haven't found an all-in-one platform that can replace all of these.
Where can I go if I want to learn more about sailing?
Since we do not offer any formal instruction, here are some places you can try (these places are not affiliated with the YCC):
Boston Area: Sail Satori (Gay-owned), Community Boating, Courageous, Boston Sailing Center, Boston Harbor Sailing School, Black Rock Sailing School
Rhode Island: Community Boating, Black Rock Sailing School, Narragansett Sailing School
How do I volunteer to help the club?
Contact Us and let us know what you want to do. We are always looking for people to help out!
Event Information
What types of events do you have?
We offer many different types of events, but mostly boil down to three categories:
Land Events — Like a happy hour at a bar, a party at someone’s house, a cookout on someone’s boat, or an educational event about sailing. These are great spots to get to know other boaters to get out on the water.
Raft-ups & Daysails — These events are typically a couple of hours out on the water, either sailing around or anchored somewhere. Usually people will bring food and drinks to share.
Cruises — These are longer trips where boats sail to a destination (or multiple destinations) and have people staying on the boat in between.
How do I find out about events?
The official event calendar is on our Meetup page. We have a Facebook group where members interact. You can also join our mailing list to receive our regular email newsletters.
Where are most events located?
Our club has people and boats all over New England, so we try to spread events out over the region. Most events are in three main areas: Boston area, Provincetown, MA, and Buzzards Bay/Rhode Island.
Do events cost any money?
Some events that we host have costs associated with them like meals and cookouts. Some sailing trips also incur costs. It’s up to the skipper how those costs are split with the boat. Especially for longer trips, discuss this with the skipper ahead of time.
Who plans the events?
Anyone in the club can plan an event. Each event will have a host (or multiple hosts), who will plan the details and announce to the group. Anyone can be a host. The easiest way to to post an event in the Facebook Group, or contact us.
Why are the events attended by mostly men?
Everyone is welcome at all of our events. The club has had a tough time getting more women involved. If you’d like to help with that, please contact us.
Getting Out on the Water
Our events and sails are really fun, but all organizers are volunteers. To keep things easy for them, please follow 4Rs of the YCC:
Reservations: You must RSVP to all on-the-water events and get a confirmation to attend. Registering early can help you get on a boat. No unregistered guests are allowed and they may be asked to swim ashore 😀 . Your best way to get a spot is to attend some of our events on land to meet boat owners to make future sailing plans. For some trips, the organizer can try to match people with boat owners, but we can't guarantee spots for everyone.
Reliability: Be on time or cancel with as much notice possible. Boats will not wait for you and we have waiting lists.
Responsiveness: Watch your electronic communication channels and reply to your organizer and captain promptly. Boat and weather conditions can change rapidly. When organizing complex events we don't have time for phone calls.
Respect: Remember that you are a guest on someone else's private boat. Our skippers spend a lot of time and money to maintain their boats. Offer to help in any way possible regardless of skill level--even if just to clean up. Follow the skipper's instructions and do not put yourself or anyone else in danger. Check with the skipper before drinking alcohol and if you do, do it responsibly. Bring what you'd like to eat or drink (including ice!), and some extra to share. Do NOT bring any drugs aboard, including marijuana.
If I go out on someone else’s boat, what does the skipper expect in return?
In general nothing, though something to show your appreciation (e.g. a bottle of wine or a small gift) like you would if you went to someone’s house for dinner would be thoughtful.
For longer trips be sure to have a discussion with the skipper and other guests about payment for common expenses (moorings, fuel, food, alcohol, etc.).
What can I expect while on the water?
Sailing and boating can be unpredictable. Weather/conditions can change, boats can break down, it can take much longer to get places than expected. Be prepared by bringing appropriate warm clothes, food and drinks. Be flexible don't expect to leave or be back exactly on time. Follow the skipper's instructions and be safe. If you have any concerns, discuss them with your skipper.
Do I need to own a boat or
No! About half of our members don't have boats, but are interested in boating and being on the water. Our members with boats invite people to go out with them.
Do I need to have any boating experience to join the club?
No! Our skippers are happy to take out people of any skill level--including beginners.
How does the club work?
We are a social club to bring people with interests in boating together. The club does not own any boats. The boat owners in the club offer to bring people out for our events. While you may receive some instruction while out, we don’t have any formal learn-to-sail programs.
What types of members do you have?
We have a diverse group of over 400 boaters. Sailboaters, power boaters, dinghy sailers, rowers, paddle boaters, etc. We have men and women both young and old, experienced and just starting out, located from New York to Maine.
Does the club cost any money?
We don’t charge dues to be a member of the club. Some events that we host have costs associated with them like meals and cookouts. Some sailing trips also incur costs. It’s up to the skipper how those costs are split with the boat. For longer trips you should always discuss this with the skipper ahead of time.
How can you run the club without charging dues?
The club relies on the generosity of its members. We make a small amount of money from paid events and from selling merchandise.
We also accept donations (through Meetup and PayPal) to help pay for the club’s costs.
How do I find out about events?
The official event calendar is on our Meetup page. We have a Facebook group where members interact. You can also join our mailing list to receive our regular email newsletters. See the Event FAQ below.
What's the difference between the Meetup site, the Facebook Page, the Facebook Group, and the email newsletters? Why do you use all of them?
The Meetup site is the official event calendar. We require Meetup RSVPs for events that we need to know who/how many people are coming, events we are charging for, or events that have a fixed maximum number of people.
The Facebook Page is our public website on Facebook. It is used for us to post things primarily for people to see who aren't already members.
The Facebook Group is a private place that members can interact. Anyone in the group can post comments, pictures, events, etc. We also try to publish all events here.
The email newsletter is a summary of what's going on in the club with links to RSVP to events.
We suggest you join all of them so that you don't miss anything!
We use all of these because we have a diverse group of members who interact with us in different ways. These methods have different functionalities, some of which are better suited for a particular event. We haven't found an all-in-one platform that can replace all of these.
Where can I go if I want to learn more about sailing?
Since we do not offer any formal instruction, here are some places you can try (these places are not affiliated with the YCC):
Boston Area: Sail Satori (Gay-owned), Community Boating, Courageous, Boston Sailing Center, Boston Harbor Sailing School, Black Rock Sailing School
Rhode Island: Community Boating, Black Rock Sailing School, Narragansett Sailing School
How do I volunteer to help the club?
Contact Us and let us know what you want to do. We are always looking for people to help out!
Event Information
What types of events do you have?
We offer many different types of events, but mostly boil down to three categories:
Land Events — Like a happy hour at a bar, a party at someone’s house, a cookout on someone’s boat, or an educational event about sailing. These are great spots to get to know other boaters to get out on the water.
Raft-ups & Daysails — These events are typically a couple of hours out on the water, either sailing around or anchored somewhere. Usually people will bring food and drinks to share.
Cruises — These are longer trips where boats sail to a destination (or multiple destinations) and have people staying on the boat in between.
How do I find out about events?
The official event calendar is on our Meetup page. We have a Facebook group where members interact. You can also join our mailing list to receive our regular email newsletters.
Where are most events located?
Our club has people and boats all over New England, so we try to spread events out over the region. Most events are in three main areas: Boston area, Provincetown, MA, and Buzzards Bay/Rhode Island.
Do events cost any money?
Some events that we host have costs associated with them like meals and cookouts. Some sailing trips also incur costs. It’s up to the skipper how those costs are split with the boat. Especially for longer trips, discuss this with the skipper ahead of time.
Who plans the events?
Anyone in the club can plan an event. Each event will have a host (or multiple hosts), who will plan the details and announce to the group. Anyone can be a host. The easiest way to to post an event in the Facebook Group, or contact us.
Why are the events attended by mostly men?
Everyone is welcome at all of our events. The club has had a tough time getting more women involved. If you’d like to help with that, please contact us.
Getting Out on the Water
Our events and sails are really fun, but all organizers are volunteers. To keep things easy for them, please follow 4Rs of the YCC:
Reservations: You must RSVP to all on-the-water events and get a confirmation to attend. Registering early can help you get on a boat. No unregistered guests are allowed and they may be asked to swim ashore 😀 . Your best way to get a spot is to attend some of our events on land to meet boat owners to make future sailing plans. For some trips, the organizer can try to match people with boat owners, but we can't guarantee spots for everyone.
Reliability: Be on time or cancel with as much notice possible. Boats will not wait for you and we have waiting lists.
Responsiveness: Watch your electronic communication channels and reply to your organizer and captain promptly. Boat and weather conditions can change rapidly. When organizing complex events we don't have time for phone calls.
Respect: Remember that you are a guest on someone else's private boat. Our skippers spend a lot of time and money to maintain their boats. Offer to help in any way possible regardless of skill level--even if just to clean up. Follow the skipper's instructions and do not put yourself or anyone else in danger. Check with the skipper before drinking alcohol and if you do, do it responsibly. Bring what you'd like to eat or drink (including ice!), and some extra to share. Do NOT bring any drugs aboard, including marijuana.
If I go out on someone else’s boat, what does the skipper expect in return?
In general nothing, though something to show your appreciation (e.g. a bottle of wine or a small gift) like you would if you went to someone’s house for dinner would be thoughtful.
For longer trips be sure to have a discussion with the skipper and other guests about payment for common expenses (moorings, fuel, food, alcohol, etc.).
What can I expect while on the water?
Sailing and boating can be unpredictable. Weather/conditions can change, boats can break down, it can take much longer to get places than expected. Be prepared by bringing appropriate warm clothes, food and drinks. Be flexible don't expect to leave or be back exactly on time. Follow the skipper's instructions and be safe. If you have any concerns, discuss them with your skipper.
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