Chances are, even if you don’t own a yacht or boat of any size, you’ve visited a yacht club. They have become hubs for the type of small events that draw the frayed threads of a community together.

Of course, that’s only true in an area that has docks. If there’s anything the greater Kitsap Peninsula area lacks, it is not boat access.

From the Eagle Harbor Yacht Club on Bainbridge Island to the Fox Island Yacht Club and all ports of call in between, people from all walks of life can meet.

Though they vary widely in history, size of buildings and moorage, the yacht clubs all offer opportunities for Rotary Club meetings, birthday parties for retired fire chiefs, wedding receptions and random celebrations. And, above all, they offer the ability to embark on far-flung journeys, even if only temporary flights of fantasy.

In general, each offers the same basic necessities. But, they also have a built in comradeship of members familiar with the idiosyncratic secrets of each club.

Nothing negative comes to mind when one thinks of the phrase, “yacht club.” Instead “plush,” “friendly,” “luxury” and “by the beach” fall from lips nicely.

Give a call to a club, ask about availability and see if you can fit in. There will be member and non-member prices, with almost all accepting non-members for event hosting. Some clubs, for instance the pavilion at the Brownsville Yacht Club, have many weekends booked throughout the year already. But the days open are scattered like chum.

Like any other place, think ahead and plan out the event. Yacht clubs offer clear, spacious areas, but little else as far as catering or help with set up. Prices admirably reflect that.

The Gig Harbor Yacht Club rivals any other place as far as numbers it can accommodate. As many as 250 people can revel in the building with the nautical view typical of the yacht clubs. Just call Pat, and get fixed up.

(Editor’s Note: Temple A. Stark is a free-lance writer living in Port Orchard. Reach him at writer@harbornet.com.)

Local Yacht Cubs

Kingston Cove:
1-360-297-3371
Fox Island:
253-265-6099
Gig Harbor:
253-858-2437
Poulsbo:
360-779-3116
Bremerton:
360-479-2662
Brownsville (Brem.):
360-692-5498
Port Madison (B.I.)
(Bainbridge Island):
360-842-4866
Eagle Harbor
(Bainbridge Island):
206-842-4202
Port Orchard:
360-876-9010