The Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club is launching its annual membership drive in time for the upcoming boating season, offering a variety of membership types for active, provisional, student, and military members, and a full program of activities and social events throughout the year.
”We’re a bit like the old TV program, Cheers,” laughed Sue Mikaitis, acting membership chair for the active yacht club. “It isn’t necessary to own a boat, or even to know how to sail. What is necessary is an enthusiasm for having fun. At the Club, just as at Cheers, everyone knows your name.”
The Club, which meets in its clubhouse above the Shore Casino in the nationally known Atlantic Highlands Municipal Harbor, is also as much about helping others as it is in its numerous social and recreational events. For the past 18 years, it has supported as its primary charity, 180 Turning Lives Around, an organization that fights domestic abuse, and has raised more than $180,000 for that cause throughout that time. In addition, the Club offers a Special Olympics Sailing (S.O.S) program for children and adult athletes with special needs , a program the club designed and has sponsored for nearly three decades.. “We reap great pleasure from this annual program,” the membership chair said, “especially since some of the athletes in the program have been with us from the very start.”
Membership applications for the Yacht Club are available by visiting their website at https://ahcy.clubexpress.com to secure an application and learn more about the Club, its members and activities.
“Membership in this Club is very much like joining a second family,” the chair continued, noting there are members of all ages ,various interests and different walks of life. All share a love for enjoying social and recreational activities, helping others, and appreciating meeting new people. With more than 300 members, primarily from Monmouth County, as well as many who travel from northern New Jersey and New York to participate, there are numerous opportunities to share talents, conversations and new ideas.
In addition to the camaraderie of this unique club, other benefits include reciprocity with other yacht clubs throughout the country, as well as launch service for those with sailboats in the harbor, a robust race program, and the AHSEP, a special sailing education program designed for children. The Entertainment Committee plans at least one social event each month and the Club’s new chef has already garnered a reputation for having the most unique menu available among local fine restaurants.
In addition to the monthly social events planned on a regular basis, the Club traditionally celebrates with a Valentine’s Day party, Kentucky Derby Party, Irish Pub Night, Race Awards Party, pre-holiday cocktail parties and the Commodore’s Ball. It’s annual Blessing of the Fleet at the start of each season is one of the most popular events at this busy yacht harbor, complete with gun salutes, a boat parade and a military honor guard.
Persons wishing further information before contacting the website can contact Sue Mikaitis at 732-859-7269.
