Shelter Bay Yacht Club is s unique yacht club situated in the very friendly community of Shelter Bay on Fidalgo Island in Skagit County, Washington. Our club activities enhance the enjoyment of boating and promote the strong bonds of friendship that connect our membership. Our members enjoy organized cruises, monthly events and a wide range of resources and benefits. Our club hosts monthly dinners during the winter months and monthly barbecues during the warmer months.

Our members enjoy Reciprocal Moorage allowing them to enjoy reduced fees for moorage at more than 80 participating yacht clubs in Washington, Oregon, British Columbia and other locations.

Membership is open to all residents in the Shelter Bay Community and to those who moor their boats at the Community Marina as well as at private docks within Shelter Bay. Prospective member who do not own a boat suitable for participation in the Club’s on-the-water activities are eligible to join as Associate Members.

The annual dues for regular and associate members is $80.00, payable at the beginning of the calendar year. For new members, there is an initiation fee of $100.00. Annual dues for new members are prorated depending upon how late in the calendar year the membership is approved. The membership covers both members of a two person household or one individual member when there is not a spouse/partner in the household.

Members are encouraged to contribute a $20.00 annual fee to participate in the Recreational Boaters Association of Washington (RBAW) which lobbies on behalf of all recreational boaters in the state.

The Shelter Bay Yacht Club has intentionally kept the costs of membership affordable. Unlike some clubs, we do not have expensive facilities to maintain nor do we have paid staff. We are a hands on club and members are expected to volunteer their time and resources to make the club the vibrant organization that it is. During your first year of membership, you will be assigned to volunteer to help with one event. You will be given a list of three volunteer opportunities to choose from. In addition, be sure to check out the Volunteer Opportunities section on the club website. We have all discovered that part of the fun of being a member is working with other members for the success of our club.

Prospective members who want to join the Shelter Bay Yacht Club may apply by entering information the online application form. Each membership application is reviewed at the monthly meeting of the SBYC bridge.

If you own or have a shared interest in a qualifying vessel, you may apply for a Regular membership. If you meet all the requirements for membership but do not own or have a shared interest in a qualifying vessel, you may apply for Associate membership. A “qualifying vessel” is a vessel suitable for participation in the Club’s on-the-water activities.

To complete the application, you must upload a photo of yourself for use in the club's online and printed directory and for inclusion in the club newsletter announcing new members. The photo will not be available to the board members reviewing your application.

In rating your reasons for joining, 1 is the highest and 4 is the lowest.

Membership Application