HomeMember Benefits

Why Join the Winthrop Harbor Yacht Club

The Winthrop Harbor Yacht Club (WHYC) is all about building friendships and enjoying boating on beautiful Lake Michigan! For our members, the Club is the the perfect compliment to slipping or storing a boat in North Point Marina, or just as a way to connect with other boating enthusiasts.

Camaraderie • Club Amenities • Education • Cruises • Social Events • Reciprocity

Camaraderie

Getting to meet new boating friends is part of the lake life, and at the WHYC, you will find friends for life.

While it's easy to get to know your dock mates or those near your boat in dry stack, becoming a member of the WHYC means finding your community.

With access to the Club building and grounds 365 days of the year, you have the opportunity to use the Club in a variety of ways. From hanging out at the Canoe Bar or sitting in a rocking chair on the deck overlooking the harbor mouth, to attending an education class or helping the Garden Club, the Club makes the perfect place to get to know your fellow members and connect over our shared love of boating while also doing activities you love.

Plus, for those days when the weather isn't cooperating, use the Club as your home away from home, with the extra space for you and your friends and family to spread out.

Building, Pavilion and Grounds Amenities

From a full kitchen and members-only bar to fun and games, the WHYC has everything you need to make your time at the harbor even more enjoyable.

Use of Clubhouse, including Great Room and classroom spaces for you and your guests.
- Includes gas fireplace with cozy seating area and books/magazines to read.
Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and cable TV with all sports channels while in the building.
Canoe Bar open on Fridays and Saturdays from April through October and selected holidays.
- If Canoe Bar is not open, you can bring your own alcohol to drink!
Pool table, foosball, darks, air hockey, and various board games for indoors, plus ladder golf and baggo boards outside.
4 Weber gas grills in the Pavilion with picnic tables in and around the courtyard space.
Kitchen includes microwaves, refrigerator, freezer, popcorn machine, pizza ovens, crockpots, electric skillets, and toaster, plus all the cooking and eating utensils.
Ice machines with free make-and-take ice program.
Firepit and lawn chairs.

Education

We all want to get the most out of our boating experience, which is why the WHYC Educational Seminars are so important to our Club.

Topics range from boating safety, seamanship, navigation and weather, planning a cruise, emergency situations and how to handle, boat maintenance and management, and how to fish Lake Michigan for the best results.

Past classes have also included CPR certification, first aid, and the Illinois Boating Safety Course.

All classes are conducted by either certified instructors or passionate Club members with years of experience on a given topic.

Classes are typically free to members unless otherwise noted.

The WHYC can also recommend captain's classes for those interested in earning their captain's licenses or provide names of captains for those wanting to take lessons.

Cruises

Whether you prefer power, sail, or performance boating, our cruises are made with you in mind!

Our Rear Commodore of Cruising takes into account all members' skill levels and types of boats when organizing our cruise schedule.

Throughout the summer, cruises are organized to various ports, with short trips to places like Reefpoint Marina in Racine, WI, going further up or down the coast to Port Washington, WI, or the many harbors of Chicago, to crossing the lake for a weekend in Michigan.

Cruises are open to all members to attend.

The WHYC also does "off season" cruises where we travel by car to meet up and have fun.

Interested in planning your own cruise? Let the Rear Commodore of Cruising know and they will be able to recommend others who have visited the same harbors or provide advice on how to plan your trip.

Social Events

Looking for something to do? There is always something happening at the WHYC!

Events are held all year, including the winter months. During the boating season, there are two themed parties each month with delicious appetizers, main entrees, and desserts. Live entertainment, DJs, or music is also included.

We also offer several clubs such as the Garden Club, who maintain the flowers and plants throughout the WHYC grounds, and Book Club, who meet monthly to discuss a pre-selected book.

As we're a social organization, you will often find members have an impromptu Happy Hour open to all who attend, gatherings to watch football, baseball, or hockey games, or even a wine tasting.

Want to host your own private event at the WHYC? Members can rent the Club and grounds for a heavily discounted fee as part of their member benefits.

Reciprocity

Joining the WHYC means more than access to just your Club; you now can visits hundreds of other yacht clubs!

The WHYC is part of the Yachting Club of America and the Lake Michigan Yachting Association. As members of these organizations, WHYC members are entitled to what is known as reciprocity, or the privilege to visit other member's clubs.

Your membership card allows you entry into any of the over 700 registered yacht clubs in the United States and U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as other yachting organizations across the globe.

The WHYC Office can also provide you with a Letter of Introduction which is sometimes required by other yacht clubs prior to entering their premise.

Ready to Join?

If you're ready to join the WHYC, please click the button below to access our online application. Once completed, please email to membership@whyc.club.

Fill Out Your Application