Bellingham Yacht Club members hail from both Whatcom County and everywhere else summer members originate. While we enjoy boats and the company of each other, neither boat ownership nor sponsorship is required. We are a social bunch and work at welcoming new members, such as offering a new member orientation.
Racing and Regattas: Over 45 adult races including Wednesday Nights, Around the County, Anacortes Race Week, WOW (Women on the Water), Dale Jepsen One-Design Regatta, regional PITCH Regatta, and more
Cruising: Mixed power and sail cruises, weekend and week(s)long to the San Juans, Puget Sound, Canada, and Alaska for both beginners and experienced cruisers
Inati Bay: Lummi Island BYC Outstation exclusive use for members
Annual Boat Parades: Holiday Lighted Boat and Opening Day
Youth Programs: Sailing camp basics through racing programs for ages 8-18
200-foot guest dock: In front of BYC for day moorage at no cost and limited longer-term rentals
Reciprocity privileges with yacht clubs around Puget Sound, BC, and more
As a volunteer club, members run activities from regional, national, and international regattas, cruises around Puget Sound, Canada and Alaska and hold numerous social events at our clubhouse on Bellingham Bay. We value serving our community and host fund-raising events for various charities. Volunteering is encouraged and a great way to meet fellow members and entirely up to you.
BYC bar regular hours Wednesday through Friday
After races and regattas bar open and food available
Friday Night Steak Dinners once a month
Commodore’s Ball annual dinner- dance
Jazz Dinners featuring local and regional jazz bands
Opening Day party, blessing of the fleet, and “parade of boats”
Educational programs with speakers and videos
Fridays at Five with refreshments
Rental discounts for Marina Room, Ward and Commodores’ Rooms
Dues are reviewed by the Board of Directors at least once per year. We strive to keep our initiation fee and yearly dues affordable while still offering the benefits of membership. Dues are currently structured by age and and function. See the current dues an initiation fees in the Dues and Initiation Fees section below. We offer junior (up to 18), junior 19-20, intermediate (21-29), active, senior and non-resident membership classes. Of these classes, only active members have the privileges to vote and to hold office. Senior memberships are available only to current members who have reached 70 years of age, been active members for at least one year, and apply for Senior status.
To become a member, complete the online application, and submit it through the website. We strongly recommend you elect the Auto-Pay Enrollment option to simplify your initial fees and future monthly charges you may make at the club. Our board welcomes new members monthly, as we vote on applicants at our board meetings on the 3rd Thursday of each month.
Boat ownership is not required to become a member. All that is needed is an active interest in boating. We have members with varied interests, including social, cruising, racing and education. We think you’ll find that we are a diverse and welcoming club.
No, we welcome all non-resident (residing greater than 50 miles from the club) members to apply.
An Active membership is for members age 30 or older for local residents who reside within 50 miles of BYC. A Non-Resident Membership is for members age 30 or older where the applicant attests that they have a residency located more than 50 miles away which they occupy for more than six months per year.
Active and Non-Resident memberships pay a one-time initiation fee.
Junior Memberships: We offer two types of Junior memberships based on age. The first is a Junior membership for youth up to 18 years of age. The second is for young adults between 19 and 20 years of age. Junior members do not pay any initiation fees.
Intermediate Memberships: An Intermediate membership is for members aged 21 through 29.
Senior membership is available for active members aged 70 years or older, who have been Active or Non-resident members in good standing for a minimum of one calendar year. Senior members, however, are not eligible to vote for club officers, trustees or for by-law changes. To submit for Senior membership status after a minimum of one year as Active or Non-resident, please contact the BYC Commodore or Membership Chair.
| Membership Class | Initiation Fee | Annual Dues |
| Active (Resident) | $310 | $683 |
| Non-Resident | $310 | $456 |
| Senior: Active member, age 70+ | N/A | $512 |
| Junior: Through Age 18 | N/A | $27 |
| Junior: Age 19-20 | N/A | $54 |
| Intermediate: Age 21-29 | N/A | $205 |
Club-Year and Dues Proration:
Note, our club-year runs Oct. 1 through Sept. 30. First-year dues upon joining is prorated quarterly depending on when you join. Prorating is as follows by joining month: Sep to Nov = 100%; Dec to Feb = 75%; Mar to May = 50%; Jun to Aug = 25%. So if you see a dues charge that is different than the full annual dues noted, it is due to prorating. The full annual dues is then charged to all members at the beginning of the club-year in October.