Conference unifix::sailing

1689.0. "Share a J-24 Membership?" by EMASS::GANZ () Sun Mar 17 1991 21:47

I've been a member of the Boston Sailing Center for 5 years and have taken
a number of notes readers out sailing with me.  I have had a soling and sonar
membership during this time.  I'm currently thinking about upgrading to a
j-24 and possibly finding someone to share a 'family' membership with me.

A regular 7 day j-24 membership costs $1500 and with the pro-forma 10% discount
the net cost is $1350.  This does not include privileges to take the boat 
overnight.  The sailing center has 'family' rates that decrease the cost
substantially.  The way this works is that the first member pays the regular
cost and each additional person pays 30%. The only stipulation is that the
'family' can only take out 1 boat at a time.  BTW the term 'family' is really
a misnomer because the individuals in the membership do not have to have any
relationship.For 2 people sharing a j-24 family membership the cost would
be between 880-970 per person (I'm not sure how they handle the 10% discount).

I don't have to tell you that this is an extremely inexpensive way to enjoy
sailing without the HASSLE and WORK of ownership.  Boat availability is pretty
good and you also have use of the 25 solings and 3 sonars.  On the downside
the conditions of the boats aren't the same as if you were personally taking
care of it.  

I'd like to talk to anyone who is interested in this type of arrangement.  I
average about 2 nights and 1 weekend of sailing per week.  If I had a shared
membership I would envision sometimes going sailing with my partner and some
times making arrangements to take the boat myself/themselves.

Russ