Yacht club or boat share club – what’s the difference?

The new way to go boating – joining a boat club

A ‘club’ is usually formed to bring together people with a shared passion, and this has long been true of traditional yacht and sailing clubs. However, a new kind of boat club is emerging, offering a more accessible way to enjoy the water. Unlike traditional clubs that revolve around boat ownership, these new boat clubs provide something different: boat sharing.

What is a Boat Club?

These modern boat clubs allow members to enjoy boating without owning a boat. Traditionally, yacht or motorboat clubs require you to own a boat and then join the club, which can be a costly starting point for prospective boaters. In contrast, the new generation of boat clubs operates on a different model called ‘membership boating,’ where you share access to a fleet of boats rather than owning one yourself.

Membership Boating – A Flexible Subscription Model

In traditional yacht clubs, you typically pay an annual fee, and in some cases, you may even need to be recommended by an existing member. There might also be an upfront joining fee. With clubs like Boat Club Trafalgar, the process is much simpler and more affordable. Instead of hefty upfront fees, you pay a monthly subscription to become a member. This subscription grants you access to the club’s fleet of boats, allowing you to enjoy boating without the financial commitment of ownership.

Access to Multiple Boats, Not Just One

One of the key advantages of a boat club is that, unlike owning a single boat, your membership gives you access to a variety of boats. You can choose the boat that best suits your needs on any given day, whether you’re planning a relaxing trip to the beach with friends, a day of fishing, or an overnight stay on the water. This flexibility makes boating more enjoyable and versatile.

Maintenance and Berthing – All Taken Care Of

Traditional yacht clubs may offer berthing, either on moorings they own or in their marinas, but more often, you’ll need to arrange your own docking at a nearby marina or harbour, paying commercial rates. Additionally, as a boat owner, you’re responsible for maintaining your boat, trailer, and mooring tackle, which can be time-consuming and expensive. With a boat club, all of these worries disappear. The club is responsible for maintaining the boats, covering insurance, and ensuring they are ready for you to use. You won’t need to worry about maintenance, storage, or other operational aspects – you simply enjoy your time on the water.

How Boat Clubs Work

While all boat clubs share a common passion for the water, the way they operate can differ significantly from traditional yacht clubs. For instance, at Boat Club Trafalgar, members can easily book their boat via a mobile app. When they arrive, the boat has already been prepped, fuelled, and launched, ready to go. This means you can skip the time-consuming aspects of boating, like setting up and preparing the vessel, and instead jump straight into your adventure. This model lets you maximize your time on the water and minimizes the hassle.

Focus on Fun, Not on Duties

Many traditional yacht clubs have additional requirements for their members, such as volunteering to help with social events, running the bar, or even driving rescue boats. While these can foster a strong sense of community, they also take up your valuable personal time. In contrast, boat clubs like Boat Club Trafalgar have no such requirements. The club organizes regular social events and on-water trips for members, but there’s no pressure to volunteer. Everything is laid on for you, so you can simply enjoy your time boating.

The Future of Boating – Convenience and Flexibility

Boat clubs represent a new, hassle-free way to enjoy boating. You get all the fun of being on the water without the responsibilities and costs that come with boat ownership. By offering flexible memberships, access to a range of boats, and taking care of all the maintenance and logistics, boat clubs are making it easier than ever to enjoy the freedom of boating. Discover a better, simpler way to get on the water, and focus on what really matters – having fun!