The Silva Bay Yacht Club (SBYC) is a relatively small but enthusiastic club with one of the largest and most diverse club cruising schedules of any BC yacht club.
We are active, with activities both on and off the water year round and enjoy the social aspect of our club, having fun while promoting safe boating! SBYC operates entirely by the volunteer efforts of many members who give of their time and talents to create the club opportunities that we all enjoy so much. We have no paid staff and no clubhouse. SBYC is a member of the Council of BC Yacht Clubs, and accordingly is recognized as equal within the fraternity of all the other BC Yacht clubs, big and small.
If this sounds like the type of yacht club that you would like to become an active member of, we encourage you to apply for membership. Priority is given to residents (full or part-time) of our local community on Gabriola Island as well as small neighbouring islands. Consideration is given for membership to nearby off islanders if they can show a strong commitment to active participation in the club.
The Marine Parks Forever Society was established by the Council of BC Yacht Clubs to assist in protecting recreational boating interests and it represents the recreational boaters in British Columbia. It is a nonprofit organization that secures and improves BC provincial marine parks whose funding comes from various entities, not the least of which is the members of the Council of BC Yacht Clubs. All members of all BC yacht clubs are asked to contribute $10/year to the Society. SBYC does this on a voluntary basis by asking prospective members to consider adding the $10 to their new membership fees or having existing members add the $10 to their annual membership dues.
Member Advantages
As a member, if you show your card to most marine supply stores, you will receive a special discount especially at the Harbour Chandler in Nanaimo.
Did you know that as a SBYC member, you will receive a fuel discount at the Petro-Canada Marina gas dock, Nanaimo Boat Basin. Note: minimum 100L purchase.
As a member you can proudly fly your burgee and receive reciprocal moorage throughout the Gulf Islands, Vancouver and the San Juans.
SBYC provides name tags to new members. With over 80 family memberships and growing, there are plenty of new people to meet, and lots of fun ways to share boating experiences.
FAQ’s
Do I need a boat to join?
No, there is no requirement for members to own a boat and if you have a boat, size doesn’t matter. An interest in boating is sufficient and there are many activities in the club for non-boaters.
If we don’t have a boat, can we still go boating?
Yes, day cruises are planned and our Fleet Captain can help you find a spot on a member’s boat for sample cruising.
Can I learn more about boating?
Yes, our general meetings have frequent guests who have cruised not only the Pacific Northwest but the world and they share their cruising adventures with us.
New Member Application and fees:
The New Member Application is available online
New Member(s) fees:
Initiation fee: $175.00
Annual Dues: $75.00
Total: $250.00
Optional:
Marine Parks Forever Society(*): $10.00
(*) Marine Parks Forever is a non-profit organization that secures and maintains provincial marine parks.
Total: $260.00
The payment entitles you and your spouse/partner to full membership and includes dependent family members. You will receive a Club burgee, name tags and an information kit in the mail.
NOTE: Payment must be received before an application will be considered for approval. See below payment options.