For Potential Members

If you are considering membership in Blackbeard Sailing Club, you need to be aware of our requirements and process.

Blackbeard Sailing Club is a private club and restricted to a maximum of 200 members. Membership is by invitation only, and as we are a 'self help' club we do not have paid staff, dock master or maintenance people. Membership also carries an obligation to work at our two annual work weekends and to participate actively in club activities.

In order to receive an application for membership you first must be a resident of North Carolina (not just a property owner) and have two current members to sponsor you and agree to mentor your first year of membership. Do you know two current members well enough for them to agree to do that? If not, we encourage you to invite members to go sailing with you and cultivate their friendship. Be aware that our nomination process is a rigorous one and that we require our sponsors to have more than a passing acquaintance with the nominee. Potential members are also welcome to attend our workdays and/or a few social events where you will have a chance to meet some current members. If you plan to attend, please contact our Membership Committee so that they can assist you with introductions.

We typically have a waiting list of some 10 -20 applicants and fill vacancies twice a year (at each workday). With membership capped by bylaws we cannot promise when you would get in. However, the sooner you start the process, the sooner your application will be considered. Applications are only sent to the applicant AFTER the membership committee has received and approved both the sponsorship forms. Applications are considered in the order that the completed application form is received, not the order that the nominations are received.

Once an application is accepted by the Membership Committee and vacancies are available; the applicant’s names are posted in our news letter for membership comments and the Committee will schedule an interview. This is not an inquisition, but rather an opportunity for other club members to evaluate your interests and sailing skills, and what you can contribute to the organization. It is an informal session, usually taking about 45 minutes and is an opportunity for you to have any last minute questions answered.

Following the interview, a recommendation is made to the Board of Directors who are the only ones authorized to extend a letter inviting you to join the club. The letter will explain the joining process, which essentially is required attendance at the next workday. At that time, you will pay your initiation and annual dues, receive information about access to club facilities, have an opportunity to submit a slip application and learn other general and pertinent information about the club. Your physical work will be limited to serving a prepared lunch to the rest of the club members and is designed to give you an opportunity to meet many of them.

Please note; a membership does not guarantee a wet slip or dry slip space and only when you become a member can you apply for a slip. Slips are assigned depending on the boat size and availability. There is usually a lengthy waiting list! Wet slip cost is according to the slip size. We have a fixed annual fee for a dry slip.

We hope this information is helpful to you. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact a Board member, one of the Membership Committee members, or by E-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .