Join Our Club

For 132 years, Columbia Yacht Club has been a haven for those who love the water. Join Today!

Our unique Club Ship sets us apart from other clubs, but Columbia is known for much more than this; we are known as more than a sailing organization, as more than a stunning dining experience. Columbia is celebrated as the club that fosters a deep sense of pride and camaraderie among its members, officers, and staff.

Owning a boat isn't necessary to be a member at Columbia. With a broad scope of backgrounds and interests, our members are drawn together by their love of the lake, whether racing, cruising, or simply enjoying the view.

From elegant dancing-under-the-stars celebrations on the aft deck to casual parties on the dock; from quiet sunrise breakfasts to sunset dining; from the bustle of crews readying for races to quiet nights aboard your boat moored at the Club docks, Columbia Yacht Club captivates.

During the sailing season, from April through October, Columbia offers many opportunities for racing and cruising. In addition to running several key regattas each year, Columbia sponsors the Beer Can Races each week.

For those who enjoy a more relaxed pace, the Cruising Fleet organizes several port-to-port voyages along with parties during the summer. Both sail and power boaters join in on these journeys, with others traveling by “land yacht” to be a part of the festivities on other shores.

The good times continue well after the boating season ends, with year-round activities for all ages. Even the most frigid winter days bring members together for meals and parties in the well-appointed dining room or for special parties and celebrations.

Winter, spring, summer, and fall, Columbia Yacht Club offers parties and events for everyone. Countless summertime dock parties make for a robust social calendar. Children and families delight in visits from the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus at holiday parties, and everyone enjoys dressing up for the annual Kids' Halloween party. Additionally, each month the Club hosts trivia night, wine tastings, themed dinners, book club discussions, and more.

Columbia Yacht Club has earned a reputation for a dining room and wine list that are second-to-none. Our chef and staff pair local harvests with exotic flavors to prepare distinctive and dramatic dishes. If a simple meal in a hurry is more to your liking, the crew can grill an awesome burger or tempt you with a homespun dish in quick order. The bar at Columbia offers a great seat for watching televised sports or visiting with friends new and old.

Our Sailing School offers classes for every age and skill level. From our five-year-old Shark Bait classes to our adult keelboat certification course, Columbia can help you hone your skills on the water.

Unique among yacht clubs, Columbia members take an active role as volunteers. Member-run committees oversee everything from the House Committee, which addresses facilities needs, to the Membership Committee, which interviews and guides new members, to the Activities Committee, which plans all parties and events. Truly, whatever your interest, there is a way for everyone to become involved in Columbia Yacht Club.

Regular Members

Applicants for membership in Columbia Yacht Club for those who own any interest in any yacht moored within a 35 mile radius of the Club Ship or is a member of a boat share program and who are at least 21 years of age, shall apply for Regular Membership. Only Regular Members are entitled to vote and use the Club's dock.  Applicants for Club membership who do not own any interest in any yacht are strongly encouraged to apply for Regular Membership.

Associate Members

Any person applying for membership who is at least 21 years of age and does not own any interest in any yacht moored within a 35 mile radius of the Club and is not a member of a boat share program has the option to apply for Associate Membership. An associate Member shall be entitled to hold the office of Director.

Junior Members

(complete online Junior application here)
Young adults under the age of 21 who apply for membership in Columbia Yacht Club may apply for Junior Membership. Junior Members are entitled to exercise all Membership Privileges (provided that the right to have credit extended to him or her shall be conditioned upon the receipt of a written guarantee from the parent or sponsor) and such other privileges as may from time to time be made available to or for Junior Members. 

Each applicant for any class of membership must be of good moral character.

Membership shall be granted on a non-discriminatory basis. No person shall be denied membership because of race, religious affiliation, or sex. The application form shall require such information of all applicants as shall be designated or requested from time to time by the Membership Committee pursuant to rules promulgated by the Membership Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. All information contained in the application shall be deemed confidential.

THIS PROCESS TAKES 4-6 WEEKS ON AVERAGE.

Application Form

Submit a fully completed application form to the Office. Complete the form in the link below or request a printed version by emailing [email protected].

Sponsorship

You will need three sponsors of membership, two of which must be Regular Members. If you cannot supply your own sponsors, the Membership Committee will be happy to arrange introductions during your orientation. You are not required to have sponsors listed to submit your application.

Initiation Fee

Applications are not considered final until the initiation fee is charged. After reading the credit policy HERE, complete the online payment form HERE. This fee may be paid in the form of a check, credit card, or ACH direct debit.

Orientation

Each new applicant must meet with the Membership Committee for an orientation. Scheduling is based on your availability and the availability of our volunteers. If you have not supplied your own sponsors, you will be introduced to members at this time. You will also receive your membership card. With this card, you have provisional use of the club with a credit card.

Posting

Once an application with sponsors is received and you've attended orientation, the Office will process your application and post your name on the Membership Notice Board for a period of no less than fifteen days prior to the Board of Directors meeting.

Presenting

Having been recommended by the Membership Committee, applications will be presented to the Board of Directors at their monthly meeting. The Board of Directors shall determine by majority vote whether such applicant shall be elected to membership, shall be further investigated, or rejected.

Please see the application form here - 2024 Columbia Yacht Club Application

Getting Involved at Columbia Yacht Club.

Standing Committees

Columbia's By-Laws created the following committees and are considered standing:

ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE

Shall provide and take charge of all entertainment or events held or sponsored by the Club, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors. It shall arrange for and manage such dinners, dances, and other social functions as in its judgment will be conducive to the welfare of the Club and the pleasure of the members. Email Activities Committee

BAR & GRILL COMMITTEE

Advises the Board of Directors and Stewards Committee in the successful operation of the bar and dining room. The General Manager and staff run the day-to-day operation and the committee consults with and advises the General Manager about ways to enhance the bar and food service for the club members. The Bar and Grill Committee works with the staff to provide an enjoyable experience for all the members. At the meetings they discuss suggestions, improvements, and issues as well as sometimes sampling Chef’s Cuisine. Email Bar and Grill Committee

BY-LAWS COMMITTEE

Advises the Board of Directors on issues arising and the updating of the Club’s By-Laws. The By-Laws Committee will meet from time to time as it becomes necessary to change the By-Laws due to a changing world. The By-Laws committee will report to the Secretary with suggested changes so that the Board may vote on the changes prior to bringing the changes to the general membership. Email Commodore

DOCK COMMITTEE

Responsible for all matters concerning the general management and maintenance of the docking facilities. The Dock Committee, along with club management and the Dock Attendants, keep the docking facilities organized for the best use of the available space both with moored boats and storage of Penguins, Lasers, Vanguards, Optimists and dinghies. Furthermore, with the management and maintenance staff of the club, the Dock Committee maintains the safety of the docking facilities through replacing boards screws, and other general upkeep. When a problem arises from the misuse of the docking privileges, the Dock Committee has the power to impose penalties for violation of the Dock Rules. Email Dock Committee

FINANCE COMMITTEE

Has supervision over Club finances. It shall originate and prepare plans both for financing the current activities of the club and for the Club’s fixed and capital assets and obligations. It shall supervise the Club’s accounting and assure the property maintenance fees, and segregated funds or receipts, are segregated, reserved and used for the purposes for which they have been set aside. Email Finance Committee

HOUSE COMMITTEE

Responsible for the general management and control of the Club Ship, including all equipment, furnishings, fixtures and physical properties of the Club, and shall maintain the same in good operation condition and adequate to the needs of the members. It shall enforce rules for the conduct of the members and their use of the Club property. It shall receive and redress complaints regarding matters coming under its jurisdiction. Email House Committee

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

Has the duty and such powers as may be necessary or appropriate to enable the Membership Committee to investigate the qualifications of all applicants for membership in the Club. The Membership Committee shall investigate and pass upon the qualifications of all candidates for membership, or reinstatement to membership and report their conclusions to the Board of Directors through the Secretary. It shall be the Committee’s duty to stimulate and encourage members to secure new applications for membership in the Club and to promote and manage all drive for new members. Email Membership Committee

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Nominates at least one candidate for each elected office and position on the Board of Directors, the term of which will expire at the next annual meeting of members or for which a vacancy exists. The Nominating Committee shall make a report of its nominations at the October Regular Meeting of the members.

POWER FLEET COMMITTEE

Has complete charge of open houses, rendezvous, cruises, predicted log contests and power regattas. It shall submit, at a meeting of the powerboat owners, a schedule of events. It shall assume charge of all events scheduled for the powerboat owners of the club, providing the necessary judges and other offices. It shall enforce such rules and regulations as the boat owners may, from time to time adopt and shall decide all questions arising there under. Email Power Fleet

PRIZE & TROPHY COMMITTEE

Has charge of all matters relating to the procurement and disposition of prizes. It shall annually arrange to engrave the winners names on the permanent trophies and shall maintain them in good repair, procuring suitable medals, replicas, miniatures or other devices to be awarded to such winners for their permanent possession.

PUBLICITY COMMITTEE

Has charge of all matters relating to publicity and the Club magazine and shall endeavor to obtain effective cooperation of the local newspapers, media and yachting periodicals in the cause of yachting, or for the welfare of the Club. Email Publicity Committee

RACE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Has complete charge of sailboat races. It shall give reasonable consideration to recommendations of the power yacht and other sailing yacht committees as to the terms, conditions and conduct of all races, the eligibility of yachts and the recognition of division of rating groups, classes and fleets for purposes of competition and offering of prizes and trophies, including groupings for time prizes. The Race Management Committee shall be responsible for appointing a protest committee to decide protests concerning all races. Email Race Committee

SAIL FLEET COMMITTEE

Is composed of Columbia’s various fleets, which are active in their individual areas and also interact on occasion with joint ventures such as cruises, regattas, and parties. The Sail Fleet Captain oversees all fleets, particularly those involved in the racing aspects of sailing. Each One Design Fleet has a Fleet Captain to coordinate their specific activities. Columbia also has a Cruising Fleet and Power Fleet, each with a Fleet Captain who organizes the activities for their members and guests throughout the year. Email Sail Fleet

Additional Committees

• Area III Race Committee
• Associates Committee
• Beer Can Race Committee
• Boats Committee
• Conservation Committee
• Counter Sales Committee
• Fleet Review Committee
• Judge Advocate
• Sailing School
• Library Committee
• Long Range Planning Committee
• Mast Stepping Committee
• Marine Education
• Protest Committee
• Safety Committee
• Skipjacks
• Stewards Committee

Member Clubs

• Cruising Fleet
• Book Club
• Wine Club
• Beer Club