A meeting place for friends on Bellingham’s beautiful waterfront.
Who We Are. The Bellingham Yacht Club is made up of a variety of people from all around Bellingham and beyond who love boats and/or boating. In fact, it's likely that you know many of us already. We're people who enjoy the company of others and like to share good times. Through our programs and sponsorship of periodic local events open to everyone, the Bellingham Yacht Club serves our community. By hosting regional, national, and international boating regattas, we help showcase our city and county to others world-wide. While the focus of the Club is on recreational boating activities, we have many social activities which appeal to boaters and non-boaters alike. Owning a boat is not a membership requirement at the Bellingham Yacht Club. All you need to belong is a desire to have fun and get acquainted... it’s that easy!
A Well Financed and Organized Club! The BYC is a membership association incorporated in Washington. Governance includes the Club’s Officers and a Board of Trustees elected by the membership. All Club activities are run by volunteers (except our Junior Sailing coaches) and by committees appointed annually. We own the large waterfront clubhouse, and substantial equipment including a junior sailboat fleet and several "mark boats" for racing and cruising events. We have substantial income from the rental of part of our building to a large catering company which has allowed us to dramatically increase our net worth in recent years, as the building mortgage … our only borrowing … gets paid down long before due. Many BYC members believe that soon, our success will dictate a substantial initiation fee so that new members "pay their share", another reason to join now!
Boating Activities.
- Adult sailors participate in a variety of over 45 races from spring thru fall including Wednesday Night Racing, Around the County Race, Whidbey I. Race Week, and the regionally known P.I.T.C.H. Regatta.
- The Power and Sail Fleets offer boaters a regular schedule of cruises around the local area including the San Juans and Canadian Gulf Islands, and even as far as Alaska, Desolation Sound, and beautiful Princess Louisa Inlet.
- Inati Bay on Lummi Island is the Bellingham Yacht Club Outstation where members can relax in a beautiful setting just a short trip away.
- Boaters join in the annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade and Opening Day for fun, prizes, and to entertain the city.
- BYC's Junior Sailing Fleet teaches sailing skills to youngsters, and helps them polish these new skills in junior racing programs. One of the highlights is the very competitive One-Design Regatta in September with boats from all over Puget Sound.
- We have a 200-foot guest dock located immediately in front of the Yacht Club. We are able to provide day moorage at no cost to the members, and have limited space for members who do not have permanent moorage in the harbor.
- Members have reciprocity privileges with yacht clubs around Puget Sound, BC, and most other places around the world. Show your BYC card and use their facilities!
Social Activities.
- The newly-redecorated Portside Lounge is a private, volunteer-staffed facility serving legal beverages and light snacks for Members only.
- The formal/semi-formal Commodore's Ball is our annual dinner- dance honoring the incoming commodore.
- Opening Day celebrates the beginning of summer with a wonderful party, blessing of the fleet, a "parade of boats" and more!
- Evening programs, speakers, and videos on a variety of topics are scheduled.
- Fridays at Five events are twice/month social gatherings for members to meet and chat in a convivial atmosphere, with refreshments and an informal program.
- Our Ward and Commodores’ Rooms for private functions are available to members at no charge for business or social events.
Other Advantages of BYC Membership
- The Jib Sheet, our monthly newsletter, keeps members informed of Club news, activities, and special events.
- The BYC Yearbook and Roster is a comprehensive guide published annually with members, vessels and more.
- Non-boater Members enjoy reciprocal social privileges at other clubs, too!
How Can You Become Part of the Bellingham Yacht Club? For more information on membership or any additional questions you may have, give us a call at 360-733-7390 and leave a message. Club volunteers will be happy to tell you all you need to know. We know you'll enjoy your BYC membership and we look forward to your joining us. Our Website provides for up-to-date information about Club activities, upcoming events, and the Jib Sheet text. Once you become a member, the BYC is your Club. If there are events you would like to see, let us know. The number and types of activities depend on member interest and participation.
BYC Online Membership form
Down load Membership form (pdf format), print and mail
Bellingham Yacht Club 2625 Harbor Loop, Bellingham WA 98225 360/733-7390 fax 360/733-3601. Web: http://www.byc.org
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