Membership and Application
BS&BC is a closely knit group with the bulk of our members residing in the Burlington /Hamilton area and docking at LaSalle Park Marina. As a not-for-profit club we're not fancy and pride ourselves on being the only self-help club in the area. This means we work a little harder, pay a little less, help each other more and make an effort to get to know one another! Whether you are interested in racing, cruising, learning to sail, larger boats, smaller boats or paddling...we have something to offer.
As a member of the Burlington Sailing & Boating Club (BS&BC), you gain access to an array of exclusive benefits designed to enhance your boating experience. Members also receive support and training through programs like the Mentored Sailing Programme, ensuring everyone, from novices to experienced sailors, can develop their boating skills and enjoy being out on Lake Ontario.
Types of Membership
BSBC offers various membership options to cater to different needs and interests. These include:
Senior Membership
Senior Members enjoy a welcoming social environment with various events such as raft ups, regattas, and games night and more. Senior members typically have either a keel boat in the marina or a dinghy in the compound. Senior keelboat members take advantage of a vibrant racing community and reciprocal cruising opportunities. Dinghy owners keep their boats in a locked compound and have easy access to the BS&BC exclusive use ramp. The compound clubhouse, workshop and BBQ area is open for use. Senior members have access to seasonal and economical winter storage. See Regulations and Conditions under Winter Storage
2024 Senior Membership Fees:
- $535 Membership dues plus 20 volunteer hours
- 1st-year Senior Members: $400
Slips/Berths
- Keelboats owners please contact LPMA for slip fees.
- Smaller boats owners can select the summer dry sail compound fee that applies:
- Dinghy/Monohull: $95 per boat
- Powerboat: $95 per boat
- Multihull: $105 per boat
- Canoe / Kayak/ Paddleboard: $50 per boat (rack storage)
Additional fees:
- Keelboat racing on Burlington Bay, Tuesday and Thursday evening, in co-operation with the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club $85 (PHRF Certificate $35 + Racing Fee $50).
- Members must update PHRF rating and Sail # to join club racing.
- Dinghy racing on Burlington Bay, Wednesday evenings - no fee
Intermediate Membership
Intermediate Members participate in the Mentored Sailing Program (MSP). Our Mentored Sailing Program is a hands-on 16-week on-the-water sailing program designed to guide you through all aspects of sailing including boat ownership and maintenance.
2024 Intermediate Membership Fees:
- $450 Membership dues plus 10 volunteer hours
Associate/Paddler Membership
Associate Paddlers form our paddling class consisting of kayakers, canoeists and paddleboarders who have access to the locked dry-sail compound in the summer and the "club use only" launch ramp. These boats are stored on racks in and members are 18 years of age and over and have limited rights within the club.
2024 Associate/Paddler Membership Fees:
- $278 Membership dues plus 10 volunteer hours
- Canoe / Kayak/ Paddleboard: $50 per boat (rack storage)
- *limited to one boat per member
Student Membership
Student membership is designed for full time students who are 18 to 26 years of age and are in full-time attendance at a recognized school or university and does not have a full-time, year round employment income.
2024 Student Membership Fees:
- $100 Membership dues plus 10 volunteer hours.
Social Membership
Social membership is designed specially for former members of the club who no longer owns a boat is invited by the Board to join.
2024 Student Membership Fees:
- $75 Membership dues plus 10 volunteer hours
* Note: HST is not included.
Volunteer Hours and How It Works
BS&BC operates as a self-help entity, heavily reliant on volunteer efforts. Members are encouraged to contribute volunteer hours to support the club's operations and events. Volunteers can submit their hours through the club's online portal, which tracks contributions and recognizes active participants. Hours not completed will be charged at an hourly rate of $20 in addition to the annual membership.
Winter Storage
The club offers economical winter storage for keelboats. Winter storage spaces are limited. When space becomes available they are offered to members based on seniority indicated by their membership number. Please indicate your interest in winter storage on the application form. BS&BC can only offer storage facilities for boats that comply with size and weight specifications, and reserves the right to refuse winter storage on the basis of availability and vessel specifications.
How to Apply
You can apply for membership by completing the online application form available on the website. Please click "Join" in the top-right. Then click "Create an account":
When the account is created, then apply for membership by selecting Membership Type and filling in the questions and click "Apply".
When submitted, the membership director will review your application and get in touch with you for any additional questions. Your application is then forwarded to the board for approval.
What Happens After Your Application is Approved
Upon approval, new members will be sent an invoice. Once paid, members will receive a welcome email with detailed information on how to get started, including access to the member portal, upcoming events, and how to connect with other club members.
Members may pay their dues and any additional fees by credit card directly on the portal. Detailed instructions for payment are provided in the invoice sent upon approval of membership.
The Ambassador Programme
BS&BC offers an Ambassador Programme where experienced members assist new members in getting acquainted with the club, its facilities, and community. This program fosters a supportive and friendly environment, ensuring new members feel welcome and integrated.
Adding Information to the Portal
New members are encouraged to complete their information on the portal. This may include:
- Boat details
- Logbook
- Qualifications
There are many volunteer opportunities for the varying skills of the membership. You will have the ability to volunteer for certain jobs with specific requirements, such as electrical, marketing, motor maintenance and Smart Serve. It is important to make sure your information on the portal is correct and complete.
If you have any questions about membership of BS&BC, then please contact our Membership Director Monique Van der Leden, membershipbsbc@gmail.com.
Last updated 11:04pm on 14 September 2024