membership

Frequently Asked Questions About BRYC

Do you have to own a boat to belong to BRYC?
No. About one-third of our members own boats. Some who don’t own their own boats serve as crew on members’ racing boats. Many of our members belong to the Club so that their children can join in outstanding the Bass River Sailing School programs for beginning and intermediate learners. Grandchildren may participate in the Sailing School at member prices.

Adults can participate in the Adult Sailing and Social program to learn – or help teach other adults -how to sail and to enjoy the after-sail picnic suppers.

Do you have to live in Yarmouth to belong to BRYC?
No. We have members who live in of all parts of the Towns of Yarmouth, Dennis, and Barnstable, as well as some who live in Harwich, Sandwich, and Hatchville. We also have many members who live off Cape and are part-time or summer residents.

Can I use Club boats?
Yes. The club has a fleet of club and member owned boats and offers many opportunities to sail. In addition, some paddleboards and kayaks may be signed out for the day.

How much does it cost to join BRYC?

Details on membership costs are available in the membership application. Regular membership consists of a primary member, with or without another adult in the household, and their children under 26 years of age. Applicants between the ages of 18 and 25 may join the Club with reduced dues and no initiation fee. Members from 26-35 years old pay full dues but no initiation fee.

Can I get a mooring?

You will have to join the waiting list for one of the few Club moorings or try to find one from the Towns of Yarmouth and Dennis. We have a dinghy rack and in-water dinghy space for members, first come, first served. Racks for kayaks and paddleboards are also available, first come, first served.

Can members bring guests to the Club?
Yes. Members are welcome to bring guests, are responsible for them, and must accompany them. Guests may be brought to all social programs throughout the year, with the exception of Commissioning and the Governors Reception which are members-only functions. Many guests particularly enjoy coming for lunch during the sailing season when the Snack Bar is open.

WHAT GOES ON AT BRYC?

The Snack Bar serves lunch daily during the sailing season except on Sunday, when brunch is served from ten to two. Hotdogs, hamburgers and sandwiches are augmented by daily specials which include Chef Richard’s famous lobster rolls on Thursdays. Prices are reasonable, and you can have lunch on the porch with a view of the river. If you are so inclined, a corn hole game awaits you on the lawn.

You can swim from our little beach or watch the kids play while you soak up some sun on a reclining chair by the seawall.

Mondays in the summer you can find a yoga class on the lawn. Tuesday nights, the Junior Yacht Club provides a variety of activities. Wednesday evenings you can take part in the Adult Sailing and Social group and/or a Fire & Ice picnic supper. (The Club provides the view, tables, chairs, a bucket of ice and a lighted grill.) You provide your food, utensils, plates, etc. and maybe something to share with others. Wednesday night family sailing often offers a Beetle Cat race.

Social events are held every weekend of the summer – either a dinner or an Informal cocktail party where members bring wonderful hors d’oeuvres and desserts to share. One or two of the dinners is a clambake, complete with lobster and all the fixings. With a few exceptions, social events are BYOB. Throughout the rest of the year, except for January and February, there is ordinarily at least one dinner and one Informal every month.

Youth sailing lessons are available at our highly regarded Bass River Sailing School by the week or for the whole season for children aged 6 to 18. Our Youth Sailing program includes racing for the more experienced sailors at several other clubs as well as at our annual Invitational regatta.

The Club runs races for Beetle Cats and Wianno Seniors almost every weekend during the season. Less frequently, we hold races for additional classes such as Lasers and other Catboats. Our cruising committee sponsors a short cruise in July or August.

Members can rent the Club for private parties before Memorial Day and after Labor Day, on dates when the Club has no event planned. Rentals for weddings and other occasions are occasionally available for non-members, but at a higher rate.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of our Club, whose only employees are sailing instructors and stewards.
All others who keep the Club operating successfully are volunteers. Among other tasks, volunteers help at spring and fall cleanups after which they receive a hearty noon meal, thanks to another group of volunteers. While doing work that makes the Club the special place we take pride in, members have fun working together with friends new and old.