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.
2024 Intermediate Membership Fees
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. See Regulations and Conditions under Winter Storage.
Keelboat owners contact LPMA for for more information regarding the advantages of renting a slip at the Lassalle Park Marina.
Additional Options:
Join keelboat racing on Burlington Bay, alongside the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Members must update PHRF rating and Sail # to join club racing. Fees apply.
Dinghy racing on Burlington Bay are held on Wednesday evenings and open to all sailors in the compound.
Intermediate Membership
Intermediate Members participate in the Mentored Sailing Program (MSP). The 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 and led by our skilled volunteer members. Two years participation in the MSP program eliminates the one time only joining fee for Senior Membership. There is a volunteer requirement.
2024 Intermediate Membership Fees
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. There is a volunteer requirement.
2024 Associate/Paddler Membership Fees
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.
2024 Student Membership Fees:
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.
2024 Social Membership Fees
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.
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 3:55pm on 20 September 2024