Membership

America's Boating Club® is the world's largest private and fraternal membership organization dedicated to the education of sail and power boaters. Membership in our local clubs is the foundation of our organization. We need a strong, active, involved membership to be able to continue our work in education, in promoting boating safety, and in service to the public to which we are dedicated.

Each of the 13 local clubs that make up America's Boating Club Souteastern New England need members to staff and attend our educational courses. We need capable, involved, and dedicated members to form and chair our committees and provide the leadership for all of our efforts to ensure a bright future for America's Boating Club.

The following paragraphs outline how to join one of our clubs and some of the many benefits of membership.

How to Become a Member

Becoming a member of one of ABC Southeastern New England clubs is quite simple. locate a club near where you live or keep your boat, contact the listed contact person, and submit your application. The only requirement for membership is a keen interest in boating related activities and an eagerness to meet like-minded people. You don’t need a boat to join.

If you have any questions or need help in finding a local club,

Benefits

Membership brings numerous benefits, both implicit and explicit. These include opportunities for self-education and personal growth, community service, information resources and defined discount programs, in addtion to the friendship and camaraderie of local, District and National events.

Education
One of the main goals of America's Boating Club® is “boating safety through education”. Educational programs include classroom courses and seminars, on-line programs and on the water training:

• America's Boating course is an in-depth boating safety course, intended for the boating public, that meets states basic boat licensing requirements and most boat insurance companies requirements for premium reductions
• Seminars that address specific topics and boating skills such as an introduction to GPS, VHF and VHF/DSC radio or Anchoring
• A range of courses on seamanship and navigation .
• Courses on boating related enhancement topics such maintenanace, weather and cruise planning

See our Educational program overview for more information on ABC courses.

Information
ABC members enjoy access to a wealth of information resources that help make boating safe, enjoyable and fun. Some of these resources are also developed and/or supported by members. A partial list:

• Sharing experiences with other members
• Port Captains program to provide local boating advice and assistance to members
• Publications: Ensign magazine and Compass monthly Newsletter

Discounts
America's Boating Club has expanded services for its members over the years. One of the most important enhancements to your membership today is our boat insurance program (See below). Other benefits include discounts

ABC Boat Insurance — Special terms, coverage for older boats, and personal service are just some of the benefits of the ABC Boat Insurance Program. Our exclusive boat insurance for members provides broad coverage at competitive rates with further benefits given with the more advanced boating education a member receives. Personal Watercraft Insurance is also available for our members as well.

For more information, check out the America's Boating Club Member Benefits Page

Fun
Last, but not least, membership is fun. We provide a variety of social and boating activities for our members. Squadron based activities include guest speakers, dinners, summer water rendezvous, picnics and cruises. At the district and national level, conferences provide opportunities for learning, sharing of experiences and social activities.