Questions often arise about issues of reciprocity between yacht clubs and the role of PICYA with respect to this matter. It is worth some time and space here to try to clarify this subject.
There are 95 yacht clubs and boating organizations in PICYA, each unique in size, structure, membership interests, and facilities. Therefore, it must be the responsiblity of each club to develop its own program of activities and its own policies and procedures about reciprocity with other clubs.
There may be a misunderstanding by some, that membership in PICYA automatically confers reciprocal privileges among all clubs. Clearly that cannot be the case. While we believe that all our member clubs have a spirit of sportsmanship and friendliness toward other boaters, we support every club's right and responsibility to establish its own policies with respect to visiting privileges.
In order to improve communcication and understanding of the limits of recipricity, here are 5 recommendations that some clubs have implemented:
- If your club does not already have a policy on reciprocity and non-member privileges, work with your Board to develop one. In addition to the courtesy that extends to both your members and your guests, it may be important for complience with requirements of taxing authorities and the Alcoholic Beverage Control if you sell such beverages at any time.
- Advise your own members of your club's policies on reciprocity. They will be better able to be gracious hosts to those who are your guests and more tactful messengers to those who are not. If your members do not know the clubs policy and the rationale behind it, surely those who may wish to be your guests do not.
- If you use "invitation" or "reciprocity" cards to invite other clubs to visit, post the comparable cards that you receive from them so that mutual arrangements can be made between port and fleet captains or individual members. Be aware of the requirements of the ABC in this regard.
- Remind members to call or write in advance of a visit to another club whenever possible. It's a small courtesy that can prevent embarrassment and dissapointment.
- Consult the PICYA Club Facilities charts that are the gold-page centerfold of the Yachting Yearbook for club facility information. You can learn about club house facilities, docking, days open and facilities nearby. Officers' names, club phone numbers and addresses are in the general listing of clubs.
