Share-a- Boat Fleet
In 2025 a group of NBC members lovingly restored a Catalina 25 and rechristened her Phoenix, the first boat in NBC's Share-a-Boat Fleet (SaB). The Club chartered the SaB Fleet as a home for boats that are owned and operated together by 5 or more members. Boats in SaB are owned privately by members (they are not Club boats) and fleet members and shared boat participants organize the use, maintenance, finances, and terms of participation among themselves.
Why Share-a-Boat? Take Your Next Step in Sailing
Many members of the Boat Club know how to sail but don't own a boat. Some want to try cruising but have never operated or maintained a small cruising boat. If this sounds like you, we invite you to join the NBC Catalina 25 Share-A-Boat Fleet. It's the perfect next step — an opportunity to learn new skills, expand your horizons, and connect with like-minded members. Most of all, you'll have access to a well-equipped Catalina 25 that you can sail from Nyack for day sails, evening cruises, short overnights, and even Club races.
A True Family Sailing Opportunity
Share-A-Boat is designed for families: Catalina 25s sleep up to five people, have a head and a galley, and are ideal for a day on the river or a weekend getaway. This is a great way to involve the whole family in sailing and build lasting NBC memories.
Requirements to Join
- Membership: You must be a full or provisional member of the Nyack Boat Club and know how to sail. Thorough grounding through Ideal 18 Learn-to-Sail, Sunset Sailing, or private lessons may make you and "ideal" candidate.
- Member-to-Boat Ratio: Limited to 10 members per boat to ensure plenty of sailing time for everyone.
- Online Course: Complete a comprehensive 1215 hour NauticEd online course (approx. $40) at your own time and expense.
- On-the-Water Lessons: Five practical lessons (included as part of your SaB Fleet fee) covering close-quarters maneuvering, anchoring, picking up and leaving a mooring, and rigging/sailing a Catalina 25.
Programs & Activities
- Competency & Crew
Anyone may join the fleet, but you must demonstrate competence before skippering a Catalina 25. Since no one sails alone, there are frequent opportunities to crew for others—perfect for building the needed competence. - Group Activities
- Evening dinner sails and raft-ups
- July 4th fireworks sail and overnight at Bowline Point
- Moonlight and weekend cruises upriver
- Group cruises on long weekends (once we have three or more boats)
- Maintenance and Participation
Members are encouraged—but not required—to help maintain the boats (sanding, painting, varnishing, etc.). These activities are a great way to learn practical skills and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow fleet members.
Cost
The annual cost to participate varies depending on the number of shared-boat participants, among other factors. For 2026, the Fleet is targeting a cost between $1,200 and $1,800 per shared-boat member for the season.
Read the Latest Newsletter to Find Out More about Costs and Joining the Share-a-Boat Fleet!
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Last updated 3:50pm on 9 October 2025