UPPER BROAD CREEK on the NEUSE RIVER N35o 03.75    W76o 56.85
 
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 membership@blackbeardsailingclub.com

New website feature - Locate a Slip (or all available slips)

Check out the latest BSC News article to read about a new feature showing a picture of where specific slips are located along the docks and/or a picture of all AVAILABLE slips.

Nick - 02/18/2012

BIRD SHOW IS CANCELLED

After reviewing the changing weather forecast, we are forced to cancel Gay Whitney' s Bird Show. It is going to be way too cold for the birds. We plan on rescheduling for the April covered dish; scheduled April 14th. The covered dish will still go on, with a Valentines Day theme.

Dave Whitney - 02/06/2012

THE BIRDS ARE COMING FOR VALENTINES DAY!!

Come to the covered dish social on Feb. 11th and get a special treat. Gay Whitney, who raises exotic birds, will be bringing some of her flock for your education and amusement. So bring your Valentine date and join your fellow sailors for a fun night.

Dave Whitney - 02/05/2012

New Dock Policy Coming May 1st

At its January 13th meeting, the Board passed a new Dock Policy that will be become effective on May 1st. We have mailed a copy to each member. Please review this material as soon as it arrives. We encourage you to post your comments on the new Dock Policy to Sound Off [under the Members menu] or send your questions by email to DockPolicy@nc.rr.com

Bill Green - 01/26/2012

What Do You Think About the Possible Incorporation of Fairfield Harbour?

Please see the Fairfield Harbour Incorporation Study document available under Members | Sound Off and use that vehicle to discuss the pros and cons of this important issue.

The Club will want to take a position and your input is valuable to the Board of Directors.

Bill Green - 11/29/2011

Ship's Store Shopping

Looking for a special something for your special friends and relatives for the holiday season?  Don't forget to take a look at the Ship Store for one of a kind items for those who share your passion for sailing.  You may go directly to the Store at the following link (you need to be logged onto the website first):  

http://www.blackbeardsailingclub.com/ShipsStoreNow.php


Notice that we have several items on sale but in limited quantities. Shop online early to take advantage of these savings. 

Anne Karasek - 11/06/2011

Improve Your Ground Tackle Before the Next Storm Arrives

This very timely and informative message from Pete Thorn can help us all
---------------------------------
After a competitive search, I found a great price on steel anchor cable that will improve the performance of fluke anchors, like the Fortress or Danforth, in the muddy bottom of Upper Broad Creek.  The cable is used as an anchor leader, between your fluke anchor and your existing rode.    It allows the fluke anchor to quickly set deeper than an anchor with a chain rode.  The chain can pack with mud and create a thick chain/mud braid that prevents the anchor from setting well. 

The cables are 3/8” galvanized steel, 7x19 wire rope, 3/8” thimble with an eye at each end, swaged and 10’ long.  Breaking strength is about 14,400 pounds with a working load about 2,880.  IMHO, the galvanized cable is better than stainless for a few reasons:  1) it is stronger; 2) if it corrodes you can plainly see it.  It will not fail due to invisible crevice corrosion like stainless can, and; 3) it is less expensive.   Between storms, clean the cable in fresh water, let it dry and spray it with WD40 to keep water out of the cable.

These cables can be purchased at  www.webriggingsupply.com   The price quote was a bit less than $28, plus shipping.  Happy anchoring! 

Nick Karasek - 09/21/2011

Boat US Hurricane Preparation Guide

Hurricane Irene has taught us a lesson: We can never be too prepated for a major storm! Thirteen boats in the trees. Dock boxes and dinghy racks thrown around like matchsticks. We could have been better prepared!

Boat US publlishes Preparing Baots and Marinas for Hurricanes which can be found under "Tips | Hurricane Prep".

Every member should review this document!

Bill Green - 09/05/2011

Security at BSC

The gate should never be left open after dark! If you are not sure whether you’re the last person on site, then please assume you are and close the gate!

If you don’t know how to do this, please ask a Board member who will be happy to assist. The security of the Club’s assets (and every member’s assets) is the responsibility of each and every one of us.

Bill Green - 08/03/2010

Important Notice: Alcohol Must Be Under Your Direct Control

The Club's permit issued by the NC Alcoholic Beverage Commission is at risk if members do not comply with the ABC Commission rules. Every member who brings beer, wine or liquor on the premises must have the items under their control at all times.

If you bring alcoholic beverages to the club house, please bring them in a small cooler or bag with your name on it. DO NOT place alcoholic beverages in the refrigerators.  We have been given one warning in the past. Do not be the member that causes our permit to be revoked.

Bill Green - 08/02/2010

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website by Nick Karasek at TBKD