Taking a Look at Island Yacht Club’s Boat Share Program

Island Yacht Club member Shelli Bohrer sent us a quick photo of the club’s Santana 22 sailing the Estuary. Since we’re big fans of small boats and individuals, and clubs and programs that help give more people access to sailing, we requested more information about it.

Shelli replied, “I help manage Island Yacht Club’s shared boat program. As you may know, the club doesn’t have a clubhouse anymore but we have two boats! One is David Buoy, our Whaler that is our mark-set boat for our year-round racing. The other is Island Girl 2, a Santana 22, lovingly refitted by members some five years ago after the original Island Girl was deemed totaled after a few too many incidents.”

“We offer Island Girl 2 to members who are looking to better their skills on the Estuary or want access to a small boat without boat ownership. The shared-boat members maintain the boat; the club covers maintenance costs, insurance, and slip fees.”

“For $50/month or $500/year, Island Yacht Club offers a great small boat to IYC members who want to practice their skills, or take family or friends out on the water,” Shelli continued. “We currently have seasoned and new sailors as members, including an airline pilot, a 50-ton captain, a stagehand, and other interesting folks. There’s more information on the IYC website.”

The Gary Mull-designed Santana 22 was first launched in 1966 and is one of many great boats that started numerous people sailing. Shelli mentioned that Hank Lindemann had recently written a piece for Encinal Yacht Club’s newsletter about his Santana 22, which he’s been sailing since he was 10, in 1969!

There are many ways to find your way onto the Bay. Island Yacht Club costs just $100 to join for a year (with no initiation fee), with access to sailing Island Girl 2 at just $50/month. Island Yacht Club members will be joining us, and many other sailors, for the Crew Party at the Golden Gate Yacht Club on Thursday, March 5. Reserve your tickets here.