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Chesapeake Boating Club at J/Port
Sailing Sharing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)



What is the J/Port Sailing Club?

The Club was originally created in 1992 and was called the J/Port Sailing Club. It was conceived as a way to provide easy access to sailboats for the graduates of the J World Sailing School and other sailors who needed an affordable way to go sailing on short notice and at a fraction of the cost of ownership. In 2002 we added powerboats and changed the name to Chesapeake Boating Club.

How does the club work?

We are set up like a health club – annual membership allows use of the boats whenever you like. You get unlimited spontaneous use and the ability to make reservations up to 2 weeks in advance. And yes, we operate year-round unless the bay freezes over.
Try our Demo Member Account to see how the flex scheduler works.

Why should I join the club?

The Club works because we have great members, great boats, an easy format, and, economical pricing when compared to boat ownership. As a member, you have access to our fleet of boats for your private use, as well as Racing opportunities (as skipper or crew), Cruise/Rally events, Frostbite Racing (November-March), and lots of other Club Social events.

Is the Club like a timeshare?

Not really, the Club allows you access to our fleet of boats instead of being a part owner of just one boat, giving you much more availability and variety.

How much does it cost to join the club?

Annual membership compares closely to the cost of a slip and insurance alone, if you already owned the boat.
We offer day sailing and cruising programs, as well as combination sail and power options. 
One time initiation fee: $1000 
S1 annual fee: $2665   Unlimited use of J/80’s and Harbor 20’s
S2 annual fee: $5840   Full S1 privileges, plus unlimited same day use of all club boats, plus 14 days of advanced reserve time aboard J/105’s and J/32’s      

Who are the club members?

Our club members are from the tri- state area with varying boating experience. Some are just getting started, while others have owned their own boats for years. We would be happy to provide with a list of members that you can speak with.

How many members do you have?

We have limited memberships per Membership Level. Our ratio is 10 members per boat figured on a yearly average. As more boats are added to our fleet, more memberships become available.

When is the best time to join the club?

All memberships are valid for one (1) year from contract start date. That means anytime is the best time to join and start having fun.

Do I need to know how to sail?

All members must have at least a Basic Keelboat certification or equal experience. Level 2 members must have some cruising experience to include navigation, etc. Many members have taken advantage of J/World and scheduled private lessons on our J/105s and J/32s.

Can I get sailing lessons?

J/Port is also home to J/World Annapolis Performance Sailing School, named 'Best' sailing school in America! We have introduced many new sailors to the sport and have grown to encompass corporate sailing programs as well as local racing teams. The Club is a perfect opportunity to keep up and expand your sailing skills after you complete one of J/World's certification courses.

Who can I bring? Do I have family membership?

You can bring family, friends, business associates, anyone you choose.

Whoever signs the contract and completes the boat checkouts is the official member and must be onboard at all times.

Does the club provide an opportunity to race?

The Chesapeake Boat ing Club offers racing programs so that members can meet each other and become better sailors. Racing is a great way to improve your skills, learn about the spinnaker and meet other club members. Here are some opportunities the club offers: 

Summer Thursday Night racing is the most popular and competitive racing series of the year. The series runs from May thru August. The boats leave the dock around 6PM for a short sail out to Horn Point. Three short races are scheduled, with spinnakers, and the racing is usually very exciting. The club organizes crews and Skippers. And you can plan to return by sundown to a social at J/Port sponsored by us and J/World. 

Friday Night races are sponsored by Eastport Yacht Club. This series is a good time to try skippering a boat for racing as practice for the Thursday Night series. EYC schedules about 10 evenings in this summer series. Members pay EYC registration fee and schedule their own boat and crew. 

Does the club offer social events in addition to sailing?

The Club organizes year round social activities open to all Club members and their family and friends. J/Port is an excellent meeting place to make new friends, find a crew, skipper or drinking partner, and expand your boating knowledge. All activities whether on land or on the water are publicized thru the website 'Recent News' Updates and emailed directly to all members. Most events are free of charge to all current members. Here is a list of past and future events to look forward to:
• Open Houses & Demos
• Sunset and Full Moon Cruises
• Clinics and Seminars (Spinnaker Handling, Rules seminars, Racing and Cruising seminars)
• Holiday parties and parade participation
• Flotilla Vacation Cruises in islands

Where is J/Port?

J/Port is conveniently located on Back Creek on Eastern Avenue between 2nd and 3rd Street in Eastport…just a stones throw from the Severn River/Chesapeake Bay and great local watering holes for after boating activities!

What boats will I have access to?

Level 1 members have unlimited access to our J/80's and Harbor 20’s. The J/80 is a 26' sport boat equipped with outboard engine , roller furling jib and asymmetrical spinnaker,. Great for family casual day sailing or one-design racing. The Harbor 20 was chosen for its ease of use, comfortable seating, great sailing and classic good looks. This boat is fantastic for anyone who wants to grab a few friends and go for a tour of Annapolis harbor and the Severn River under sail.

Level 2 members have unlimited access to the J/80's and Harbor 20’s in addition to three J/105's - J/Boat’s legendary fast and responsive 34'er perfect for day sailing or over-nighting on the Chesapeake; and three J/32's - the ideal cruising "J" for couples and families with exhilarating performance and ease of sailing

What is a "Check Out" ride and how long does it last?

Before members have access on-line to boat in reservation calendar all members are scheduled for a 'Check Out'. This process covers all the systems of the boats, docking procedures and policies as well as gives you some expert pointers in boat use

Can I single-hand or solo sail the boats?

Level 1 boats can be solo-ed with prior approval. The roller furling jib and steady helm allow members to sail short-handed. Also, the J/80s sail great with just the main when windy or your hands are busy with cheese and crackers!! New members take advantage of 'Sailing Partner' Directory to find willing and capable crew.

Can I learn to use a spinnaker on the boats?

The Summer Race Series is a great opportunity to learn and improve your spinnaker skills. Our talented staff is ready and available to check out you and your crew when you're ready to try it on your own. Any spinnaker damage is not covered under the insurance policy and member is 100% liable for repair or replacement.

Are there different levels of club membership?

J/PORT offers two different levels of membership to fit your skill level, sailing intentions and budget. Level 1 Membership is designed for daysailing and racing J/80's and Harbor 20’s. Level 2 Membership gives you access to our larger cruising boats; J/32's and J/105's.

* LEVEL 1: Year round unlimited sailing
* Reservations are divided in to 3 slots per day, 7 days a week.
* Session Sailing times are:

Slot 1 (Dawn to 1pm),
Slot 2 (1pm-5pm),
Slot 3 (5pm to Dusk)
* On midweek days you can choose 1, 2 or all 3 slots.
* On weekends and holidays only 1 slot can be reserved each day.
* Reserve boats up to seven days in advance

* LEVEL 2: Unlimited Sailing, Plus Members have the option of using their 14 days of 'Advanced Reserved' time on Level 2 boats to plan cruises to further explore and enjoy the Chesapeake.

* Unlimited Standby days (reservations made within 24 hours of sailing for full day reservation or by Monday of same week for J105 midweek session).

* Level 2 Members also have access to J/80's and Harbor 20’s, (Level 1 reservation policy applies).

* Level 2 members should have Basic Cruising certification or equivalent training/sailing resume.

Are discounts available for J/World Annapolis alumni?

Graduates of the J/World Performance Sailing School qualify for special discounts. Ask us about our current offer!

Can I start a membership at mid-season?

All memberships are valid for one (1) year from contract start date/check out. Any time is a good time to start!

When is the sailing season at J/Port?

J/Port operates all year long. 

• J80s and J105s are in the water throughout the year. The J105s' water and head systems get winterized generally December thru March.

• There is a re-winterization fee of $25 for utilization of J105's after the engines have been winterized for extreme cold temperatures.

• J32s are winterized and off-the-schedule generally December thru March as weather permits.

• The J/Club fleet will be limited to the dock if there is any ice on the Creek. Contact the office if you have any doubts.

Are there any fees beyond the club dues?

There are no other usage fees other than your annual membership fee for usage.

*Fuel usage on Level 2 boats is based on the Honor System - Please fill the tank after substantial consumption. No Level 2 boats' fuel tank should be returned left under ½ full.

Can I cruise for more than two weekends per year?

Level 2 Members can use the boats more than 2 weekends. The 2 weekend limit is for reservations made more than a week ahead of time. If a Level 2 Member reserves a boat for the weekend, anytime starting from the Monday preceding that weekend, then it will not count towards the 2 weekend restriction. (It will count as one of your 14 days of reserved time.)

Am I covered by insurance while sailing?

J/Port, Inc. agrees to provide the following insurance: JPSC yachts, charter boat owners, its' agents, members, guests, officers, directors, employees and volunteers, shall be insured against fire, marine, and collision risks with $1,000,000 protection and indemnity coverage. MEMBER agrees to indemnify and save J/PORT ant its' agents harmless for any liabilities occasioned by the negligence or default of the MEMBER except to the extent that such liability is covered by insurance. 

Watercraft and Equipment. Coverage for damage to the yacht and its equipment. The deductible amount is: J/80 & J/28 - $500, J/105 - $1,000, J/32 - $1,500 and Albin 28 - $1,000. 

Liability. The MEMBER is liable for the full amount of the deductible toward which the security deposit will be applied, and agrees to pay damage in excess of the security deposit up to the deductible amount within fourteen days of the insured loss. In the event of loss, accident, breakdown, or disaster the MEMBER shall give immediate notice to J/PORT. The MEMBER is responsible for the consequences of any unauthorized repair.

Can I talk to existing members?

Feel free to check out some testimonials from club members listed on our website. We can arrange for you to contact some of our members.

Can I upgrade to a Level 2 membership at mid-season?

Yes. We will credit any unused portion of your L1 membership.

I have never used an outboard engine...

No problem. Most new L1 members do not have motoring experience. Our staff will work with you and your team to assure your confidence under power. L2 members can schedule private auxiliary power helmsmanship lessons with J/World or a private captain.

How do I reserve a boat?

The club has a very extensive on-line reservation system that is very easy to understand and allows you to have complete control over when you want to sail.
Try a demo account to see how it works!

Can I reserve a boat over the phone?

Give us a call at 410.280.8602 and one of our full time staff will be at your service.

What if I need crew?

Take advantage of the Member Online Sailing Partner Directory (for members only). Both Level 1 and Level 2 members have been finding crew to 'play hooky', practice spinnaker handling, and even share cruising experiences. Whether you are a skipper looking for another hand and/or member looking for an opportunity to learn, the online Partner Crew List is your answer. 
It is an easy way to find a sailing partner quickly via emailing the entire Crew List with one click and a simple message: Let's Go Sailing! 
You make the boat reservation 
• Send email with details/time

• Interested crew respond via email or phone

• Review respondents bios and select your crew

• Meet at J/Port

Go sailing with willing AND capable crew!
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Chesapeake Boating Club at J/Port     410.280.8692     213 Eastern Avenue, Annapolis, Maryland 21403    Contact Us