The Membership Model, a financial, environment and social tool for change.

4 years ago when we set out to create a revolutionary new way to enjoy boating and the ocean, we had no idea how prescient we were. Today, we are faced with a trifecta of challenges; environmental, financial and social change is not only inevitable, but welcome. In every aspect of our lives we need to address our impact to our culture, environment and bottom line, including recreation.

	The Environmental Considerations From an environmental perspective we are literally changing the landscape. Communities are restricting development along our coasts causing water access to be out of reach for most. The EPA and other federal agencies are limiting access to waterways, sportfishing, commercial fishing, mining, drilling and more. The technology in boat engines, materials and manufacturing processes are reducing the affects of yachting on the environment. Operation of a watercraft requires a near-professional understanding of proper waste management and hull-to-shore impact. All of this is to preserve and enjoy our incredible coastlines and offshore wonders, not too limit the access and opportunity to celebrate the sea.
	The Financial Considerations Perhaps the most alarming impact on boating is financial. Boats are the pursuit of men and women with financial freedoms and today, many of us are unsure of our financial picture. Meantime, the industry reels. Manufacturers, service providers, marinas and almost everyone in the industry is feeling the effects. Layoffs, closings, scale-backs and other jarring events are commonplace. Certainly, the quality of product will suffer. But, as with almost all aspects of this correction, this is probably for the better. Tens of thousands of new yachts are manufactured and launched each year, yet the average boat sees less than couple of dozen trips per year. Do we need millions of boats tied to docks for a couple of hundred days a year?
	The Social Considerations Boating, a truly American past time, is going through a restyling not known before. Typically the boat industry has been subject to financial or fashion-related ebbs and flows, but today, members of the coastal set are wanting to enjoy the sea without the overhead. Sailboats are no longer for cruising, but day-boating, yacht clubs have fleets of Optimus Prams, perhaps the simplest sailboat ever imagined, powerboats are quiet, efficient and with today’s technology, easier and safer than ever before. Communities are organizing public boating organizations and youth programs. One no longer needs to devote one’s life to yachting in order to take advantage of the benefits.

Innovation and change are underway across the Globe and we are doing our part to keep our way of life without our way of life’s by-products. The Mariners Club model is sound. In fact, sharing is sound, from DVD’s to Private Jets, men and women throughout the world are not hoarding assets, but managing access. We did not invent sharing, but we are honing in on the best way to share luxury yachts in world class destinations. The best way includes a socially responsible, financially-possible, environmentally-improved, incredibly fun business model.

Our members enjoy a yacht and lifestyle that aligns with their social and environmental responsibilities and goals, at a price that is reasonable and prudent in the current economic climate.

So, what’s the catch? Well in return for a beautiful, professionally-operated Hinckley, that comes at a socially, financially and environmentally-friendly price-tag, you have to look at a calendar and pick a yacht. Just let us know when and where, we’ll do the rest.