Question:
Why should I join?

Answer:
Two main reasons -- First, because you'd like how you feel looking in the mirror at... someone who's helped teach kids how to swim, potentially saving their lives; ... at someone who's helped wives and moms know how to safely take command of the family boat if something befell its captain; ... and at someone who's helped vacationers return home safely, having been able to navigate back to their tent or cabin after a night out on another lake on the chain.  Second, because you'd like the opportunity to meet other similar-minded people at either of the member dinners - spring and fall (held at members' modest expense) - and thereafter have many more nice people to say 'Hi' to, or discuss issues with around town.  We've found those to be a couple of pretty good reasons.

Question:
How do I get involved?

Answer: 
First, join the club.  Ways to do that are here:  Membership Options.  Second, take initiative.  Upload your picture onto your member page (or look for our club photographer at a dinner; she'll usually have a camera with her and you can get a nice picture that the club will upload for you).  Familiarize yourself with other members, many of whom have pictures in the Member Directory (open to members only).  All the board members are pictured here: Board of Directors and several have area businesses where you can introduce yourself when you are nearby.  Another way: come to a board meeting.  There are two formal board meetings each year, one in May and one in September.  They're usually held on the second floor of The Wharf on a Saturday morning and are open to all members.  Check the Events Calendar for specifics: Events Calendar.  Yet another way is to stop by the WCYC booth at either the Classic and Wood Boat Rendezvous (held in June at Moonlite Bay) or at the Cardboard Boat Race (also at Moonlite Bay, in August) and introduce yourself to whomever is handling the booth (usually a board member or an equally-dedicated member).

Question:
What is the Reciprocity Card program?
How do I request my Reciprocity Card?
Where do I find a list of Yacht Clubs that offer reciprocal privileges?

Answer:
The answer to all of these questions is on the Reciprocity Cards page.

Question:
I am a woman with a teenager and a child.  I would like to learn how to handle a boat, my teenager would like to get a Watercraft Operator Permit, and I'd like my child to learn swimming. 
Do I need to be a club member? 
How do I sign up?

Answer:
First, you do not need to be a club member to enroll in our water safety courses;  we do these as a public service.
Second,
- To receive notification about boating classes for you or permit classes for your teenager, go here:  Boating Safety programs  and
- To receive notification about swimming lessons for your child, age 5 and up, go here:  Swimming/Water Safety programs .

Question: 
I am careful about whom I donate money to.  Is WCYC really a legitimate charity?

Answer:
The answer is a resounding YES.  We have been properly registered as a 501(c)(3) since 1998 and have our IRS Determination Letter on file. In addition, we are registered with two major forces in non-profit analysis: Guidestar (part of Candid), and YourCause (part of the Global Good Network).  Although YourCause does not rank non-profits, Guidestar has granted us its Bronze Seal of Transparency, placing us - according to them - in the top 2% of the 2.7 million non-profits it reviews.