By Terry Anglin, CCM, CCE, ECM
In my role as Principal for GSI Executive Search, I have had the opportunity to place multiple executives at yacht clubs around the country. As the interview process unfolds, I always ensure that the potential candidates are fully briefed on the thing that matters most to these yacht clubs: culture.
Yacht clubs are a unique private club animal. More than just a members' organization, they are meeting places for a local community of sailors and boating enthusiasts. While a good share of yacht club members are in a higher tax bracket, some just see their club as a neighborhood hangout spot where they race boats. Oh, and they love their Dark-n-Stormies...
To succeed as a yacht club executive, it is crucial to understand the nuances that define these organizations. While no two yacht clubs are the same, there are some overarching themes in how most operate.
In this article, I will focus on three clubs as examples:
An identifying characteristic of successful yacht clubs is the tenure of its leadership. In an age when the average tenure of a club General Manager averages three years, yacht club managers tend to stick around for longer, creating a lasting bond with the club, its membership, and its volunteer leaders.
I completed 11 years as General Manager at San Diego Yacht Club, and that is a brief tenure compared to some of my colleagues.
Two characteristics that define yacht club leaders are their creativity and their calm demeanor under pressure. While yacht clubs are often filled with joy and camaraderie, these organizations also face unique threats like on-water tragedies and natural disasters.
The general managers of both AYC and TYC have experienced major fires at their clubs, one of which necessitated the temporary closure of AYC. At TYC, GM Scott Fairbairn has helmed that organization through multiple hurricanes. Keeping a level head in these circumstances has no doubt contributed to the success of these managers and others in the yacht club space.
Another more pleasant aspect of yacht club culture is the level of member involvement. Yacht clubs rely on the participation of their members, and smart general managers utilize this input not only to solicit ideas but also to "spread the word" of the goings-on at their club.
At SDYC, I had 30 committees ranging from Finance to Facilities to Social Activities and Racing. AYC boasts 26 committees and TYC operates 12 committees. At SDYC our committee involvement amounted to approximately 14% of our 2,100 club members.
A good yacht club leader is one who is willing to maintain a positive and friendly relationship with members and to see this level of involvement as a benefit and a strength, never a nuisance.
For decades, yacht clubs have relied on a spirit of volunteerism. A looming issue for many is that its member demographics are changing — specifically, the priorities of younger members don't align with the built-in need for volunteer power. The newer, younger members are more interested in enjoying the benefits of their club and participating in social and family activities; they are not as inclined to spend eight hours on a Saturday volunteering at their club.
Specifically, members are less inclined to volunteer on the race committee, a traditionally member-run group that ensures the safety and integrity of regattas, building the backbone of the club racing scene. This concern is brought up every year at the annual Yacht Club Managers Symposium at the CMAA World Conference. Many clubs report that, as a result, they are needing to hire more race-office staff compared to a decade ago to accomplish tasks that previously were performed by volunteers.
Junior sailing programs add an additional layer to yacht club culture. Yacht clubs see their junior sailing programs as a means to develop youth sailing skills while also investing in potential future membership. Additionally, a successful junior program can entice entire families to join the club. AYC, SDYC, and TYC each have successful and active junior programs. Recognizing the importance of these programs will go a long way in ensuring a successful career at a yacht club.
Finally, yacht clubs are involved in their communities. Many have charitable foundations that are operated as an outreach arm for the club and nearly all give back to their communities by offering on-the-water experiences to non-members. Many clubs expand beyond sailing and boating to host or contribute to military-related events like Wounded Warrior fundraisers or Toys for Tots drives.
SDYC, for example, has a program called Operation Helping Hand that raises money for needy military families each year.
Yacht clubs are proud of their place in their respective communities.
So, what sets yacht clubs apart from other private member organizations?
In my 40+-year career in the space, here are the major differentiating cultural characteristics I have seen repeatedly:
Working at a yacht club is an incredibly rewarding and unique experience. I would recommend this line of work to anyone interested. And by understanding, respecting, and embracing these cultural nuances, you can succeed in these clubs.
If you would like to know more, or if you are applying for a position at a yacht club and want additional insight, feel free to contact me at terry@gsiexecutivesearch.com or 901-550-9338.
