Sailing the Northwest

Boat ownership can be an expensive proposition.  Monthly moorage, regular upkeep of your boat, the unexpected repair bills for the engine, insurance, and the general worries everytime the weather kicks up.  And for what?  Most boat owners spend less than 14 days a year actually enjoying their investment of time and effort. 

Sailing Clubs are a great way to actually enjoy your time on the water without all the hassles of boat ownership, and the Seattle Sailing Club is a great organization to start (or continue) your experience with sailing.

Located at Shilshole Bay Marina, the Seattle Sailing Club maintains a fleet of 22 to 36 foor Sailboats.  As a member, you have the opportunity to use any of the fleet boats for daysailing or charter (there is an additional fee for overnight charters), through one of their three membership options:

• The Northwest Club
  ($190/month + $395 setup)
  This club plan limits your boat availability for daysailing to any of the 22-25 foot sloops.  For many people, this is a great way to have fun on the water as the smaller boats typically provide higher levels of excitement than the larger boats.  And with a great selection of boats from a Capri 22 an J-22 to a group of J-24s, you’re sure to find one to fit your style.
• The Seattle Club
  ($295/month + $395 setup)
  This is the traditional membership that the Seattle Sailing Club was known for over the years.  You have access to any of their 22 to 36 foot sloops, with unlimited daysailing, and low rates on overnight charters.  It is unclear whether this membership also allows access to the JClub boats (their site says “all 22 to 36 foot boats”).
• The J Club
  ($330/month + $395 setup)
  The club membership designed for sailors interested in racing.  You are able to race the club’s J/105s and J/80s which are from the “Sprit Boat” series from J/Boats.  Great boats for racing and also outfitted for weekend overnight cruises.

Contact the Seattle Sailing Club to get further information on which Club Membership might be the best option for you.  I remain friends with some members who have stayed on for over 10 years (even after they have purchased their own boat in Anacortes) because of the convenience and affordability of the Club option.

You can reach the Seattle Sailing Club at:

Seattle Sailing Club
7001 Seaview Avenue NW, Suite #125
Seattle, WA 98117
info@seattlesailing.com
http://www.seattlesailing.com/
(p) 206.782.5100
(f) 206.782.9751

** Disclosure **  I managed the Seattle Sailing Club from 1992 to 1995 under previous ownership.  In addition, my Merit 25′ was a Club boat for close to 10 years.  I no longer have any financial relationship with the Sailing Club, and it has transferred ownership to Sail Northwest (no relationship to this site either, despite the name similarity).