Join the club

The purpose of the CYC Guest Member program is to allow potential members to meet other members and get a feel for how the club operates. It also provides them a chance to determine if joining the club is something they want to pursue. These rules govern the admission of guest members, who may be considered for full membership into Catawba Yacht Club.

Guest Members will have all the rights and privileges of full members, except for voting on items brought before the membership. There will be no guarantee of space to store a boat whether in the wet slip, dry slip or boathouse.

The rules of Guest Membership

1. 01Any member in good standing, along with two co-sponsors, may propose a person for Guest Membership.
2. 02The applicant should complete the Guest Member application found on the website and submit it to the Membership Chair.
3. 03If approved by the Membership Committee, and prior notification is given to the Board, the applicant shall be admitted to Guest Membership status for no longer than one year.
4. 04When the applicant is approved for guest membership and dues and fees are paid, the Membership Chair will provide a copy of the application and/or pertinent information to the Secretary to update the club roster.
5. 05The sponsoring member should review the By-Laws and Club Rules with the Guest Member. The Guest Member and Sponsor must sign the application stating that they have received the By-Laws and Rules. The Guest Member signs that they have read and understand the documents. The Guest Member should address any questions to the Membership Chair.
6. 06A Guest Member must abide by all the rules of the Club. The sponsor shall act as a “mentor” to the Guest Member.
7. 07The Guest Member will receive a key and the gate code when dues and fees are paid.
8. 08Prior to consideration for full membership, the Guest Member must attend/participate in: one club sponsored social function; two club sponsored boating activities (such as rowing practice, or sailboat racing as skipper or crew in at least half of any club sanctioned race series, or other activity determined by the Fleet Captain(s)); one workday; and one Membership meeting.
9. 09Guest Members and/or their sponsors should notify the Membership Chair upon completion of each required activity/function.
10. 10In addition, the Guest Member's sponsor should introduce them to Board members and members across interest areas.
11. 11Prior to the end of Guest Membership and after completing all requirements, the member will be contacted by the Membership Chair to determine their desire to pursue full membership. If they wish to become a full member, the Membership Committee will review their request. If approved, the total voting membership will be given an opportunity to provide feedback on the Guest Member. The Membership Chair will make a motion to the Board to approve the Guest Member for full membership.
12. 12Once approved, the Membership Chair will notify the Guest Member and their main sponsor of their acceptance. A copy of the notification will be sent to the Treasurer and Secretary. The Treasurer will discuss initiation fees, etc. Upon payment of fees, the Guest Member will become a full member.
13. 13Upon approval for full membership and payment of fees and dues, the Membership Chair will notify the Secretary so the club roster can be updated.
14. 14If the Guest Member rejects membership, then all privileges, including unaccompanied access to the club, shall cease and the club key returned. In addition, the Guest Member shall remove all personal property from the premises within fifteen (15) days or said property becomes property of the Catawba Yacht Club.
15. 15The Board of Governors reserves the authority to terminate Guest Membership at any time, for any reason, upon a majority vote of the Board.

Sponsor responsibilities

1. 01Informing the Guest Member of membership requirements.
2. 02Reviewing By-Laws and Rules with the Guest Member.
3. 03Introducing the Guest Member to other club members. It is helpful if they meet the Board members and others outside their main area of interest.
4. 04Inviting/reminding the Guest Member of upcoming club sponsored events.
5. 05Reporting Guest Member participation in required events/activities to the Membership Chair.
6. 06Supporting the Guest Member so the transition to full membership is seamless.