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?

  1. All members must pass a swim, water safety and boating skills assessment prior to use of club equipment. Lessons at an additional cost may also be required prior to use of club equipment and all members who use club Kayaks are required to take Intro to Kayaking.


  2. Boaters MUST use the Buddy System: At least two adults in the same type of watercraft (i.e. two sailboats, two kayaks, two SUPs) must be on the water and within shouting distance of each other. Anyone on the water must be properly wearing a secured US Coast Guard approved Life Jacket / Personal Flotation Device (PFD) at all times. The club offers plenty of opportunities to meet and connect with other boaters with like watercraft interests and skill levels.


  3. Club watercraft may not be used during Small Craft Advisories (SCAs), in heavy surf, high wind conditions or when reserved for club sanctioned events, i.e. classes.


  4. Equipment must be returned to its proper place, in clean condition, and locked. Club watercraft (sailboats, kayaks, and SUPs) may be used any time Park Avenue Boating Facility (PABF) is open (subject to weather conditions, small craft advisories 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 and forms

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. Members help each other out. ALL members are expected to contribute volunteer time toward club operations.This may take a variety of forms, depending on your interests: events,instruction assistance, administration, equipment maintenance, and many others.

Only after passing our swim, water safety and boating skills assessment conducted by a designated NSYC sailing instructor for sailboat use, or SUP leader for SUP use, prior to use of club equipment. Kayakers must take our 2-part Intro to Kayaking class.  All new members are also required to attend our brief and informative in-person or virtual Orientation Session.

During our boating season, June – Oct., visit our website Calendar of Events for scheduled times and sign up links. All classes and lessons are offered to members at an additional cost and pre-registration is required through our Membership site: Member Planet. Once new members have successfully passed the one-time required class(es) or Assessment, you will be provided with the locked equipment code for use under the NSYC Guidelines. For a detailed description of our classes visit the individual boating pages of our website.

SUP Assessments and Classes:   Visit our website Calendar of Events for scheduled times. SUP Skills, Swim and Water Safety Assessment times are available at no cost to members and are held on designated weekends and weekday afternoons. Sign up for a scheduled assessment by emailing sup@northshoreyachtclub.com. Our 2-hour Intro to SUP class is available on some weekends for an additional cost and registration is done through our Membership site: Member Planet.

Kayaking Classes:   All members who use club Kayaks are required to pass our Intro to Kayaking course Part I & II  (5 hours), prior to use of club equipment. Visit our website Calendar of Events for the Intro to Kayaking class schedule and register at our Membership site: Member Planet.

Sailing Lessons or Assessments: Our 7-week Adult Learn to Sail program begins in early June and is held on weekends. For more information see Learn to Sail.  Experienced sailors may request to arrange for our Swim, Water Safety and Sailing Skills Assessment (this includes the ability to independently demonstrate proper rigging, on water sailing and derigging) by emailing: SailingDirector@NorthShoreYachtClub.com High school students interested in sailing can learn more about joining our High School Sailing Club.

No, each Membership Category includes your household boating and social members, including your dependent children living in your home up to the age of 26.  You must register all family members when signing up for your NSYC Membership.
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 swim and on-water skills test. Exceptions for sailing equipment and paddleboards are made on a case-by-case basis and when specially designated kids’ 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.
Yes, A designated parking decal is required for parking at 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 - Parking Decal, Lakefront Parking Guide. After joining the NSYC, Members will receive a special code to apply for a discounted non-resident parking decal. Please allow several days before receipt of your parking decal.
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.

Members may invite a guest to use 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, a kayak leader for kayak use, or a paddle leader for SUP use. Members hosting a guest must make arrangements at least several days ahead for guest check out.

Guests and their host must complete a Guest Day Pass application, located in the locker room bulletin board, for each visit. Completed forms can be returned to the blue drop box in the locker room by the bulletin board.

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 able to register and pay for classes, lessons, regattas and social events. The joining family member should register 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 May/June through October.

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More Questions?
Please contact Info@NorthShoreYachtClub.com