Most exclusive yacht clubs in the world

When the Curmudgeon isn’t mixing martinis (Titos, dirty) at Scuttlebutt Sailing Club, he can be found warming bar stools at the very fine San Diego Yacht Club. This winter, SDYC has undertaken a new guardhouse and front entry project (above), with hopes of completion before Opening Day.

Perhaps the new building is the missing link for this historic facility to rank among the most exclusive yacht clubs in the world, because Prestige Magazine looked elsewhere with their latest ranking. Then again, perhaps being excluded from this list is a good thing:

Snagging a membership at these best and most expensive yacht clubs in the world won’t just allow you the best spot to anchor your yachts; you also gain access to incredible amenities.

As an organization, a yacht club primarily serves as a social hub for high-flying individuals that have a proclivity for the nautical. The aforementioned facilities may be one of its biggest selling points, but there are also other perks that make the hefty initiation fee ultimately worth it. Yachties are often entitled to gorgeous marinas, stately dining rooms, and even private, members-only parties.

However, affluence isn’t the only factor that the most exclusive and expensive yacht clubs take into account. To gain entrance to this yachting utopia, one has to apply for it. Some venues even go as far as requiring a referral from current members to ensure their exclusivity. Others may require you to hunt down senior members’ signatures for you to even be considered.

Your application is then to be reviewed by the general committee. If you are approved, the following step would be an interview. If all goes right, you will be granted entrance into the yacht club. Otherwise, you may need to wait a few months before you can reapply.

As the rigorous application process suggests, they are extremely discerning when it comes to permitting entry to this sanctuary. When vetting a potential club member, ensuring the exclusivity of the club is of utmost importance to the general committee.

Sure, their main goal is to foster the sport of yachting, yacht racing, motor boating, fishing, and other sea-related recreational activities, but there are other attractive elements of this social club that can be irresistible to many.

For example, members have the opportunity to build business connections and expand their network aside from making new friends with similar interests, so the substantial fee can be viewed as an investment for some.

Through various outreach events, fundraisers, and charity galas hosted by the club, it also presents an opportunity for members to collectively contribute to the community. Here’s the list of the best and most expensive yacht clubs in the world to join today:

• Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club
• American Yacht Club (USA)
• Barbados Yacht Club
• Club Nautic Porto Cristo
• Cruising Yacht Club of Australia
• Dubai Marina Yacht Club
• Grand Bahama Yacht Club
• Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina
• Kieler Yacht-Club
• Real Club Nautico de Barcelona
• St Francis Yacht Club (USA)
• Yacht Club de Monaco

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