Reciprocity
Reciprocity is the
agreement between yacht clubs that provides use of the club facilities to
visiting yachtsmen and yacht clubs. Reciprocity in its purist definition means
that cooperating yacht clubs offer full use of their facilities and charge back
any expenses to your club. Your club then pays these charges for you and
charges your account. The exchange of reciprocity cards insures that these
financial arrangements are going to be honored. Many yacht clubs prefer to
directly charge the visiting yachtsmen and these charges can be paid for in
cash, by check, or on a credit card. Presentation of your yacht club card may
be required to establish reciprocal charges. In lieu of a yacht club card, most
clubs will accept a letter of introduction confirming that you are a yacht club
member in good standing.
The most common expenses
incurred while visiting a yacht club are bar and restaurant charges. Many clubs
also charge for use of a mooring and provide launch service gratis. Typically
the visiting yachtsmen have full use of all club facilities - pool, tennis
courts, shower, lounge, restaurants etc. - as long as they are respectful of
club rules. A number of yacht clubs have restrictions pertaining to use of
their facilities by visiting yachtsmen and other yacht club members so it is
best to contact clubs regarding restrictions prior to a visit or ask about
restrictions upon arrival.
Primarily, AHYC
exchanges reciprocity cards with yacht clubs along the North East Coast and the
Long Island Sound. Each year the reciprocity cards are posted in the Club and
during the cruising season the cards are kept in an album at the Club. The
Committee of Members is responsible for the exchange of reciprocity cards. The
committee uses the Register of American Yacht Clubs as its primary source of
information. A copy of the Register is kept at the bar. If you would like to
establish reciprocity with a yacht club that is not in the Register you can
supply the club name and address to the Committee of Members and they will post
a reciprocity card promptly for you.
In some cases, where a
yacht club member suspects restrictions on reciprocity, it is recommended that
you make contact in advance of your visit. An AHYC club member may request the
Commodore write a letter of introduction for them. Or, if you have questions
concerning your membership to a yacht club while visiting a club, you may place
a call to the Steward and ask for him to confirm your membership in good
standing.
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