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Membership (SEE PHOTO GALLERY)
Becoming a member of the Club offers many advantages:
Friendship and camaraderie - Make new friends who share your passion for boating. From time to time members share winter trips to the Caribbean or ski resorts.
Social events and food service - We enjoy social events throughout the year. On the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, the Club holds its Opening Day ceremonies and fleet review, followed by lunch. During the season breakfast and lunch are available in the galley on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, and there are cookouts on Wednesday evenings. Once a month during the season there's a Saturday buffet dinner with entertainment. The lunches held during the spring and fall work parties have become a special tradition. A festive dinner is held each December. There are also occasional pot-luck dinners during the off-season.
Sail racing - We have a low-key racing program for sailboats. Several members also race with the Midwest Open Racing Fleet (MORF) and in races coordinated by Area III of the Lake Michigan Sail Race Federation (LMSRF). Those who'd like to try racing are invited to learn by crewing for more experienced skippers. Skippers looking for a more relaxing experience enjoy cruising Lake Michigan with other JPYC boats.
Reduced fee mast stepping and removal - $30 per mast, each time, as opposed to the $3.50/foot non-members are charged. The savings on raising and lowering a 35' mast would cover almost a third of the annual dues.
Mast storage - For a small fee, members may store their masts during the winter on racks owned by the Club.
24-hour access - During the season, members have 24-hour access to the clubhouse, the workshop, and the ice machines. At other times access may be arranged by appointment. The facilities include restrooms, lockers, and showers. There is a TV/VCR unit in the dining room. The club is equipped with WI-FI, inside and outside. If you are on your boat in the summer you can use the wireless access. There is a one-time $25 fee. Register your computer at the time of payment for access. At times when the space is not being used for Club activities, members may use the facilities for private parties. There is a modest fee to cover maintenance.
Use of sailing dinghies - Qualified members may use the Club's five Flying Juniors. Frostbite sailing is organized when weather permits.
Reciprocal privileges - Through the Club's listing in the "Register of American Yacht Clubs" of the Yachting Club of America, our members are welcomed at over 200 yacht clubs throughout the United States. Visit a local club when vacationing or traveling on business.
Representation - Club representatives meet regularly with Westrec, the Chicago Yachting Association, the Chicago Police Marine Unit, and the Coast Guard. Members' concerns are voiced at these meetings
Help and Advice - Many members have broad boating experience and expertise. There's always someone to share knowledge and opinions about choosing a boat or marine equipment; operating or storing a boat, places to cruise, local shopping and dining opportunities, and things to do in the neighborhood and City in inclement weather.
The Club relies on volunteers for the many tasks needed to keep the Club operating efficiently and to keep dues at a reasonable level. There is one full-time employee, supplemented with part-time help as needed. The board of directors is elected at the annual meeting in December, and there are many committees to plan and execute the events which make for an enjoyable year. All members are encouraged to help with the governance and operation of the Club.