The Bay Shore Yacht Club offers several classes of membership, which include Regular Membership (Family and Single), Honorary Membership, Intermediate Membership, Nonresident Membership, and Sailing Membership. Below are a few answers to our Frequently Asked Questions.

• How do I propose a candidate for membership?
• What should I say in my letter of recommendation?
• What happens after the Membership Committee receives those four documents?
• How long does the membership application take to complete?
• What happens if the membership or the Board of Governors doesn’t approve my candidate?
• How much will membership cost my new member?
• What are other requirements for membership?
• What is the procedure for a member to resign from the club in good standing?
• How does a newly approved member get acquainted with the Yacht Club?
• How am I to keep track of the two year probationary volunteerism period of my new member?
• How do I get involved with the club's activities once I am approved?

Q: How do I propose a candidate for membership?

A: You must be a member for at least two years, and may sponsor or second a total of two canditates per calendar year. Request a “Proposer-Seconder Memorandum” form and an application for the candidate. These are available from the Membership Committee. Submit the (1) completed Memorandum form along with the (2) completed application, and the (3) sponsor’s and (4) seconder’s letters of recommendation, to the Membership Chairperson. The prospective candidate should keep the club brochure and this information sheet. The sponsor should keep this sheet after sharing it with the seconder.

Q: What should I say in my letter of recommendation?

A: Length of time acquainted, whether the relationship is social or business and the reasons you feel the applicant (and family) will be worthwhile additions to the club and how their talents will fulfill the volunteerism requirement.

Q: What happens after the Membership Committee receives those four documents?

A: The Membership Committee will review the sponsor and seconder recommendations and application and then submit the names to the Board of Governors. The entire membership will then be advised by letter of the name of each candidate and of his or her sponsor and seconder. The letter requests that members advise the Membership Committee of ANY pertinent information concerning the candidates, positive or negative. The applicant’s name may then be submitted to the Board of Governors for election to the membership.

Q: How long does the membership application take to complete?

A: The process takes from two to six months.

Q: What happens if the membership or the Board of Governors doesn’t approve my candidate?

A: It will be the sponsors’ responsibility to inform their applicant of this action.

Q: How much will membership cost my new member?

A: One time initiation fee: $150; Five year assessment fee: $150/yr. (for five years); Regular membership dues: $500. Payment must be made within 21 days (tax will be added).

Q: What are other requirements for membership?

A: New members will have a two year probationary period in which they are required to volunteer on a minimum of two committees or activities annually. Also during this two year period, there will be certain club privileges to which the new member will not be entitled.

Q: What is the procedure for a member to resign from the club in good standing?

A: Resignations must be made in writing and delivered to the Secretary. Resignations are not effective until accepted by the Board of Governors. If the circumstance for resigning should change, then the member can be fully reinstated.

Q: How does a newly approved member get acquainted with the Yacht Club?

A: The easiest way is for the sponsor and/or seconder to invite their applicant down to the club to work on a mutual committee or party and/or enjoy an activity or party together.

Q: How am I to keep track of the two year probationary volunteerism period of my new member?

A: Work with them and/or keep in touch with them and report their volunteerism completion to the membership committee annually.

NOTE: The proposer and seconder shall share the responsibility of mentoring the new candidates for the first two years and for monitoring the volunteerism requirement.

Q: How do I get involved with the club's activities once I am approved?

A: Your sponsor and/or seconder should invite you to work with them to get you involved. You may also contact any committee chair person listed in the yearbook and volunteer your services if they haven’t already contacted you. Visit the Club anytime there is an activity that interests you.