Member FAQs
Below find answers to most common questions. You can find the complete NSYC Club rules in our Member Handbook.
I'm a new member, what is required to use club equipment?
Because member safety on the water is our priority, all new members must pass a swim and water safety assessment, as well as specific boating skill classes and assessments, prior to use of club watercraft equipment such as sailboats, paddle boards and kayaks, as described below. New members are expected to attend our informative in-person or virtual New Member Orientation.
How do I sign up for an Introductory Boating Class or Schedule a time to pass the Swim, Water Safety and Skills Assessment for club-owned watercraft use?
Visit our website Calendar of Events for scheduled class times and sign up links during our summer season, June – Aug. Classes and assessments are offered to members for a fee. Pre-registration and payment for classes is required through our Membership site: Member Planet. New members who have passed the one-time required watercraft class(es) or assessment, will be given the equipment code for use under the NSYC Guidelines. All classes and skill assessments are subject to a final Pass, Fail, or Conditional Use outcome.
Classes & Assessments by Watercraft Type for members:
Kayaking
All members who wish to use club Kayaks are required to pass our Intro to Kayaking course Parts 1 & 2 (5 hours). Visit our Calendar of Events for the Intro to Kayak class schedule, cost, and a link to register at our Membership site: Member Planet.
Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
SUP Skills, Swim and Water Safety Assessments are available at no cost to members. Visit our Calendar of Events for the schedule of SUP Skills Assessments and use the link to register. Our Intro to SUP Basic Skills class schedule and cost is listed on our Calendar of Events with a link to registration at our Membership site: Member Planet.
Sailing
Our 7-week Adult Learn to Sail program for new sailors begins in early June, is held on weekend mornings, and is combined with online coursework. Visit our Calendar of Events for the schedule, cost and registration link.
Those with strong sailing experience can take our combined online class and in-person Dinghy Sailing Skills Assessment. The candidate must demonstrate proper Sunfish rigging and derigging, and on-water sailing maneuvers. Registration and cost for Dinghy Sailing Skills Assessment is on our Calendar of Events.
Hobie Sailing: Hobie users must pass the two-part in person Hobie Sailing Course. Members who have demonstrated a full season of strong Sunfish or Barnett sailing skills at NSYC may apply to take this course the following year. The course consists of two 3-hour sessions. Registration links and cost is on our Calendar of Events
Visit our High School Sailing Club for more information
What is required to pass the Swim Assessment?
Members using club equipment must demonstrate (one time only) the ability to swim in deep open water at least 50 yards, half wearing a secured approved life jacket, PFD, and half without. They are also required to tread water without a life jacket for two minutes. Once each year, we offer the opportunity to complete this test indoors in early June.
Once I've passed the class or assessment, what guidelines do I need to follow for use of Club Watercraft?
Detailed Guidelines are found in the Member Handbook. Every member is responsible for becoming knowledgeable and aware of these regulations before using Club watercraft.
Does NSYC have staff to assist me?
No, NSYC is an all-volunteer club operated by members who love boating and want to share equipment and expertise to make boating available to more people. ALL members are expected to contribute volunteer time toward club operations. This may take a variety of forms, depending on your interests: boating events, instruction assistance, administration, social activities, equipment maintenance, and many others, big and small.
How do I sign up for membership, classes, and events?
Member Planet is our secure Membership Hosting site where all new and renewing NSYC members register each year and are then able to register and pay for classes, lessons, regattas, and social events. Use the JOIN NOW link below. The joining family member should register the names of all household family members, including same household members under 26 yrs of age. Membership is good for the Calendar year and while weather dependent, our active boating season is generally June through October.
Are there any Minimum Age requirements for using club equipment?
Yes. Minors (under 18 years) should be at least 13 years old to use club equipment and must have successfully completed the Intro to Kayaking course, or SUP Skills Assessment. Exceptions for sailing equipment and paddleboards are made on a case-by-case basis and when specially designated kids's classes or events are held. Contact a sailing, kayak, or paddleboard leader for more information. In addition to the age requirement, minors must have adult supervision, at all times, while on the water. This is strictly enforced by NSYC.
Do I need to purchase a Parking Decal?
Yes, A designated parking decal is required for parking at Park Avenue Boating Facility (PABF) and the surrounding area. Parking restrictions and costs differ by day of the week, time of day, and resident status. Parking at PABF is managed by the Park District of Highland Park and enforced by the Highland Park Police Department. Annual parking rates and regulations are issued by and paid directly to the Park District of Highland Park. After joining the NSYC, Members will receive a code to apply for a discounted non-resident PDHP Parking Decal. Please allow several days before receipt of your parking decal.
I own my own watercraft, can I store it at the beach if I am a NSYC member?
Watercraft storage at PABF is managed directly by the Park District of Highland Park, not the NSYC. Many members do take advantage and storage often fills up early in the season. Terms and Costs can be found on their website under PDHP Boat Storage.
How do I join the Club's email and Communications distribution list?
The North Shore Yacht Club email list - nsyc-members@googlegroups.com is the primary communication tool for our members and activities. Note: the family member who completed your household's membership registration on Member Planet is automatically included in this email list within a few days of registering. Additional household members may opt to join the list via email to join@northshoreyachtclub.com. A confirmation email is sent by google groups.
What are the NSYC Hours?
Park Avenue Boating Facility (PABF) is open every day from early morning to dusk, generally April to late October. Member access to the clubhouse is available during the designated hours below, except during clubhouse scheduled events as listed on our Calendar of Events. Club watercraft may be used any time Park Avenue Boating Facility (PABF) is open (subject to weather conditions, events, and lessons), from early morning to dusk, generally June to late October. Club members have access to the NSYC locker room whenever PABF is open. For more information see the Member Handbook.
Saturday 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Sunday 8:00 am to 10:00 pm
Tuesday & Thursday 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
May I bring a Guest?
Members may invite a guest to use some club equipment for a nominal fee. Guests are allowed two visits per year. All guests must complete the on-water skills assessment and swim test prior to use of NSYC club equipment. Guests must be checked out and approved by a designated NSYC sailing instructor for sailboat use or a paddle leader for SUP use. Guests may not use Club kayaks. Members hosting a guest must make arrangements at least several days ahead for guest check out.
Guests and their member host must complete a Guest Day Pass Application found in the locker room bulletin board, for each visit. Completed forms and payment can be returned in a provided envelope to the blue lock box in the locker room by the bulletin board. Payment may be made by check, cash (placed in the blue lock box) or by Zelle, prior to guest's use of Club equipment.
More Questions? Please contact Info@NorthShoreYachtClub.com