A Members Club is a club run by the membership to promote sailboat racing and cruising, as well as providing a meeting place for the sailing community.

A Sailing Club is different from a Yacht Club in that the members mostly sail other people's boats, at a much lower cost than owning a boat.

Membership is a combination of people who sail as crew, and boat owners. Members decide the objectives to satisfy the membership and to attract other members.

Most clubs will have racing program and may host regattas, ranging from informal local events to larger events on a national level. Often clubs have a weekly evening racing schedule and weekend racing. Many yacht clubs have teams competing against other clubs in team racing.

There are also some specific boat models and lengths which have their own club. These boat ownership clubs often hold single design races for their members.

Clubs with adult sailing programs will often offer junior sailing programs as well, for children from ages 8 to 16. These junior sailing programs often also teach children rowing, kayaking, general seamanship and navigation.

A Commercial Club is owned by individuals or an organisation to provide a service and generate profit. Often they are associated with a particular marina or port.

Yacht Clubs in the UK

Hamble River Sailing Club - Hamble River Sailing Club is located on the west bank of the River Hamble, upstream of Hamble Point Marina and downstream of the public jetty. The club has changing rooms, catering facilities, a bar and a history of regional, national and Olympic successes.

The Royal Burnham Yacht Club - Founded 1895 and receiving Royal Patronage in December 1927, The Royal Burnham Yacht Club is at the heart of sailing and related activities on the River Crouch.

Lough Neagh Antrim Boat Club - Located on the sheltered north east shore of Lough Neagh Antrim Boat Club sits in woodland just a short walk along the beach from Shanes Castle. Most of its events take place in Antrim Bay giving a safe area of about six square miles while at any time never being out of sight of land.

Avon Sailing Club - Founder and current members are proud and passionate of the Avon Sailing Club which was founded over half a century ago, such was there enthusiasm that the club retained it name when it moved from the River Avon to The River Severn in the 1960's.

Tynemouth Sailing Club - Since 1880, members have sailed and raced many different types of boat on the Tyne estuary and North Sea, continually developing to the present day. They have a proud heritage, having produced world champion sailors, staged national and world championships, and also won the WLYC 24-hour race in 1981.

Tynemouth Sailing Club is located on the North side of the entrance to the River Tyne, in the shadow of Tynemouth Priory.

Perth Sailing Club - Perth Sailing Club offers a friendly club environment some 10 minutes drive from the Queens Bridge in Perth. From April to October, tides permitting, they sail at weekends and some evenings. From office/home to on the water in under 40 minutes is quite feasible.

Merthyr Tydfil - Sailing Club We are a very friendly dinghy sailing club with one of the most beautiful settings in the whole of the UK, based on the large Pontsticill Reservoir in the Brecon Beacons National Park. With this location even non-sailing members of your family can enjoy a lovely day out, with a gentle stroll around the reservoir or up into the hills, simply enjoying the views.