If you’re not a hip-hop mogul or the son of a wealthy financier, odds are you don’t own a yacht. Don’t fret, though: You can still join a yacht club and gain access to a rarefied world of seafaring lassies, waterfront boozing – and, perhaps, a bit of sailing.
Young, Tanned and Female
A stone’s throw from Liberty Village, the National Yacht Club allows non-boat owners to crew race nights. Non-sailing drinkers can head to the post-race BBQ on the expansive waterfront patio, and mingle with tanned crewing goddesses, who outnumber the males. 1 Stadium Rd., 416-260-8686, From $345/year (plus initiation, from $100).
The Country Club
More country club than yacht club, The Boulevard Club offers tennis, badminton, a gym, pools, golf, lawn bowling and croquet. Score an invitation to Slip ‘n’ Sip night, and you can come on deck for cocktails…and cougar-hunting. 1491 Lake Shore Blvd. W., 416-532-3341. From $756/year (plus initiation, starting at $2126).
Old School
The old money crowd has been enjoying denim-free summers at the Royal Canadian Yacht Club – Canada’s oldest – since 1852. Cocktail at the Yorkville clubhouse year-round, or take the private ferry to the island, home to magnificent views of the city skyline, and – at “roaring 20s” parties – irresistibly snobby trust fund babes. Island Clubhouse, 263 Queen’s Quay E., 416-967-7245. From $335/year (plus initiation, from $2900).
Sailing for Sailing’s Sake
Ashbridges Bay Yacht Club attracts a relatively mature crowd looking for leisurely sails more than competitive racing. Non-members can join the crew-bank for daytime sailing or racing nights; non-sailors can join raucous pub nights on Wednesdays. 30 Ashbridge’s Bay Park Road , 416-698-4498. From $150/year for first year, from $350/year thereafter.
Image courtesy of purplepick on Flickr.
What did you think of this story? Comment below for your chance to win a membership at the National Yacht Club for the rest of the season. Membership includes parking, clubhouse access and the ability to sign up for the crew bank.
wow……finally, the story i’ve been looking for without having to search all this info. This is a great story and very informative. Thank you and look forward to more intersting stories like this one…………….desi
great story … it’s unfortunate that we’ve only had a couple nice days each month for our summer … hopefully we have a nicer summer in 2010 making it worthwhile to join a yacht club …
You missed the best and most active yacht racing club on Lake Ontario. The Port Credit Yacht Club, many of the major regattas start here such as the Lake Ontario 300 and the Susan Hood Race. Club racing just about everyday, and Regattas just about every week-end. Crew Memberships start at $300 check the site for more info.