Membership Requirements & Process
Membership in the Sarasota Outboard Club is open to married couples who own boats and wish to be part of a vibrant, engaged community. Being a member offers access to club events, voting rights, clubhouse facilities, the private boat ramp, and the opportunity to contribute to the Club’s growth and governance.
The Sarasota Outboard Club holds its general membership meetings on the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. These meetings provide members and prospective members with an opportunity to stay informed about club activities, connect with fellow boating enthusiasts, and participate in the ongoing stewardship of the organization.
Prospective members who wish to learn more about the Club and meet current members are encouraged to attend our two annual public fundraising events. These gatherings offer an excellent opportunity to get to know the Sarasota Outboard Club community, ask questions, and begin forming the connections that may lead to sponsorship. Club members are always happy to share information about our activities, traditions, and the steps involved in becoming part of our organization.
Membership is limited to 115 families, so there is typically a waiting period before new members can be sponsored. Sponsorship occurs only when openings become available and the current waiting list has been exhausted. Once that list is complete, a new waiting list is started, usually reviewed at the August meeting.
When the list opens, sponsoring members are responsible for submitting the application with the required initiation fee. Each application must have two sponsors in good standing, and at least one sponsor will introduce the applicants (husband and wife) to the Board of Directors.
Approved applicants become temporary members and are introduced at a general meeting, beginning a 60-day probationary period. After this period, new members are typically installed at our annual Change of the Watch party in December, officially welcoming them into the Club.