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.

BSBC offers various membership options to cater to different needs and interests:

• Senior membership
• Intermediate membership
• Social membership
• Student membership

The features and benefits of these memberships are detailed below.

Senior Membership

Senior Members enjoy a welcoming social environment with various events such as raft ups, regattas, games night and more. As a member you receive a vote at the Annual General Meeting. Senior members typically have either a keel boat in the marina or a dinghy in the compound. Keelboat members take advantage of a vibrant racing community out on the bay and reciprocal cruising opportunities around Lake Ontario. Those with smaller vessels store their boats in a locked compound and have easy access to the BS&BC 'club -use only' ramp. The compound clubhouse, workshop and BBQ area is conveniently located and open for use. There is a volunteer requirement. Senior members have may have access to seasonal and economical winter storage.

Winter Storage

The club offers economical winter storage for keelboats. However, winter storage spaces are limited. When space becomes available they are offered to members based on seniority indicated by their membership number. 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.

Senior Membership Fees

• Joining fee: $400
• Membership fee: $535 per year
• Volunteer requirement: 20 volunteer hours

Slips/Berths

Keelboat owners please contact LPMA for more information regarding slip fees at Lassalle Park Marina.

For smaller boats the following summer dry sail compound fees apply:

• Dinghy/Monohull: $95 per boat
• Multihull: $105 per boat
• Canoe / Kayak/ Paddleboard: $50 per boat (rack storage)

Club Racing

The Club organizes keelboat racing on Burlington Bay, Tuesday and Thursday evening, in cooperation with the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club. The cost is $85 for the season consisting of PHRF Certificate $35 + Racing Fee $50. Members must update PHRF rating and Sail # to join club racing.

For the dinghy enthusiast, join us on Wednesday evenings for some fun dinghy racing on amongst  your peers

Intermediate Membership

Intermediate Members participate in the Mentored Sailing Program (MSP). This 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.

Intermediate Membership Fees

• Joining fee: included
• Membership fee: $535 per year
• First mate: $350 per year
• Volunteer requirement: 10 volunteer hours

Ready to apply? Scroll down to "How to Apply" to read about the application process, or click here to apply for membership

Associate/Paddler Membership

Associate Paddlers form our paddling class consisting of kayakers, canoeists and paddle boarders who have access to a secured compound, as well as use of facilities for changing, lockers and a bbq area.

The "club use only" launch ramp and dock are just outside the compound gate, making getting your boat in the water a breeze. Kayaks, canoes and paddle boards are stored on racks and members are 18 years of age and over.

Associate/Paddler Membership Fees

• Joining fee: not applicable
• Membership fee: $278 per year
• Volunteer requirement: 10 volunteer hours
• Compound Rack storage : $50

Ready to apply? Scroll down to "How to Apply" to read about the application process, or click here to apply for membership

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 do not have a full-time, year round employment income.There is a volunteer requirement. There is a volunteer requirement.

Student Membership Fees

• Joining Fee: Not Applicable
• Membership Fee: $100
• Volunteer Requirement: 10 volunteer hours.

Ready to apply? Scroll down to "How to Apply" to read about the application process, or click here to apply for membership.

Social Membership

Social membership is designed specially for former members of the club who no longer own a boat or others specially invited by the Board to join.

Social Membership Fees

• Joining Fee: Not Applicable
• Membership Fee: $75
• Volunteer Requirement: 10 volunteer hours.
• $75 Membership dues plus 10 volunteer hours

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.

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.If you have any questions about membership of BS&BC, then please contact our Membership Director Monique Van der Leden, membershipbsbc@gmail.com.

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":

Now fill in your name and contact details, and choose a password. Then click on "Create Account".

When the account is created, then apply for membership by selecting Membership Type and filling in the questions and click "Apply":

You will receive an automatic email with your login details.
When you have completed your application, please head over to www.burlbay.com and click "Login" in the top-right.
Please complete all relevant information, in particular in the sections "My Boats", 'My Profile" and "My Qualifications".
This is especially important if you are a boat owner and interested in winter storage, or summer storage on the dry compound for boats under 18 feet (e.g. dinghy, canoe, paddleboard etc.)
For winter storage we require the name, length, beam and weight of the boat. For summer storage please list every boat with relevant details.

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.

Adding Information to the Portal

New members are encouraged to complete their information on the portal. This may include:

• Profile Picture
• Boat details
• Qualifications
• Logbook

Based on your interests and skills you may volunteer for a variety of jobs, some with specific requirements, such as Electrical, Marketing or Smart Serve. It is therefore important to ensure 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. Email: membership@burlbay.com.

Last updated 8:21am on 22 February 2025