Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or just getting your feet wet, you know that you have more fun with friends. A sailing club is a great chance for you to share the adventure. So how do you pick the one that’s right for you?

Although a sailing club is a great way to save money while doing what you love, you still want to find a program that gives you your money’s worth.

Here is an example of membership benefits from one of Spinnaker Sailing’s programs:

Captain's Membership:

* Discounted Charters Rates (non-members add 50%!) * 1/2 Price Charter Week twice annually * Can sponsor one family or friend membership at $295 * 25% Discount on Sailing Instruction * 10% Discount on all Rendezvous' Charters & Activities. * Half Day Rates for Boats on Weekdays * Discounts on Caribbean Sailing Vacations * Free Spinnaker Sailing T-Shirts or Hats * Club Members may Charter Boats until 5:00 a.m. the Following Day at No Extra Cost * Free Night Boarding on two-day charters

Cost: $495 Initiation Fee, $40 Monthly Dues

As you can see, the membership can pay for itself even if you only go out a few times a month. But again, it will be worth your time to research the different types of memberships so you can be sure to find the best fit for you.

If you’re interested in becoming certified, you will want a program that will give you the best discounts on certification and instruction. These can be expensive, but they’re worth the expense.

If you’ve been sailing a while, you’ll want to look for a membership that offers the best discounts on chartering, whether you’re going out for the day or bare boating. These tend to be less expensive than the beginners’ memberships since they don’t offer training discounts, so if you’re certified and looking for a cost-effective sailing option, you will want to consider a club membership.

You can join a crew for some serious sailing or just swap stories and share your love of sailing. Beyond the mere financial incentives, the real reward of joining a sailing club is sharing a passion with others who also love sailing.