Coasters Harbor Navy Yacht Club

Updated February 2013: The following clubs have officially extended reciprocity to our members:

• Beverly Yacht Club (Marion, MA)
• Bristol Yacht Club
• Conanicut Yacht Club
• Edgewood Yacht Club
• Newport Yacht Club
• Sag Harbor Yacht Club
• Tiverton Yacht Club
• Wickford Yacht Club

Edgartown YC will extend visitor privilege's for 3 days if you show your CHNYC membership card.

What about this year? Do we have a list for 2012?

Donna, You had it in you column in the April Telltale..... One benefit to CHNYC members is reciprocity with other local yacht clubs, such as: Edgewood YC, Hull YC, Saunderstown YC, Sag Harbor YC, Conanicut YC, Wickford YC, Bristol YC, and Newport YC. There may be other Clubs that also accept our members so calling ahead and asking about reciprocity is advisable.

I have visited Point Independence Yacht Club in Onset Harbor several times. They have been most welcoming and hospitable.

What exactly is "reciprocity"? Does this imply we can dock/moor at reciprocating yacht clubs? If so for how long? I have visited Newport Yacht Club for drinks, what is the protocol for the number of guests I can take there?

David, Reciprocity allows members to use other facilities as guests, usually at the prevailing rates for the particular club. It's best to contact the particular club and see what their individual policy / rates are. I have moored Rhapsody at other club facilities when cruising and paid for dock space / moorings. It also allowed me to use the club facilities (e.g. restaraunt, bar, pool, etc.)

Now, in this era, it's all about access. In the past it also included billing, where no cash was exchanged, and any charges incurred were billed back to your home club. This was convenient but the combination of the rise of acceptance of credit cards, plus some abuse of charging privileges led to most clubs adopting a policy of immediate payment with credit cards. It makes it easier for all concerned. The access is a privilege at a private club not always available to the general public. Visiting yachtsmen are representing their home club when they are away and it's always a good idea to fly the CHNYC burgee as such.

When you visit many YCs you'll notice on their bulletin boards small cards emblazoned with YC burgees. These are invitations, from the Commodore of that club, to members of the YC receiving the card that they are welcome to visit and use their facilities. CHNYC has posted those clubs which have issued such invitations to our members. For other clubs which you may visit you, as a courtesy, should contact them in advance for access & procedures. A brief letter signed by the Commodore or Secretary of CHNYC which introduces you to other clubs will usually work, and many clubs just request to see your membership card.

The Yachting Club of America (founded 1963) maintains a Register and Reciprocity Guide which contains info. about all the American YCs http://www.ycaol.com/ and their various details. Some YCs may have a guest surcharge for certain items, but most will charge you the same rate as they do their members....but, always best to check first. Perhaps a copy is available with our club secretary?

Tripp

Thanks folks!