Membership at Galveston Yacht Club

Join a growing community of sailors dedicated to offshore adventure, seamanship, and the spirit of the Texas Gulf Coast.

Membership Benefits

Why join Galveston Yacht Club? Membership offers access to a variety of sailing opportunities and community experiences:

Become Part of the GYC Sailing Community

Galveston Yacht Club membership offers exclusive access to our unique boating experiences, learning the ways of the sea and social gatherings energized by the day’s activities and challenges. Members become part of a welcoming community of boating enthusiasts, enjoying premium facilities and little-known hideouts along the Texas coastal waterways, shared experiences on the water and opportunities to build lasting connections through a common passion for the sea.

Joining Galveston Yacht Club is easy; and, while many of our members do sail our own boats, boat ownership is not required – just a shared commitment to camaraderie and involvement in Club activities. Simply connect with one of our Club Officers, either directly or through a friend or member of the Club, and a New Membership Application Form will be made available where we can learn a little bit about your interests, your passions, your involvement, and your commitment.

2026 Annual dues are $300, which include registration in our featured Galveston Yacht Club Open Regattas at no additional charge and an invitation to you, your family and invited guests to our Galveston Yacht Club Invitational Cruises, Raft-ups, and social and educational events. New members receive a Club Burgee, a name tag, and a “dockside” shirt emblazoned with the Club Logo and Burgee identifying you as a proud member of Galveston Yacht Club and a Friend of the Sea.

The People Behind the Sails

At Galveston Yacht Club, sailing is about more than boats. It’s about the people, the friendships, the shared adventures, and the community that bring sailors together both on and off the water. Our new, streamlined business structure and member-driven Club calendar planning speaks to these values.

Meet the Officers of Galveston Yacht Club

Commodore Greg Way – I’ve been around boating, thinking about sailing, and dreaming of seafaring adventures ever since I was a kid in Detroit, Michigan growing up onboard family trawlers, friends’ sailboats, and little home-built sailboats of my own. When my wife and I relocated to the Houston/Galveston area, our first order of business was to explore every corner of our new-found boating playground that we would soon learn to call “home.”

As Commodore of the Galveston Yacht Club, I want to share our passion with like-minded seafarers; and I have worked diligently to support a program that offers something for our membership and sailing community to enjoy. I’ve been thrilled to see our local sailors sharing our enthusiasm and joining in on the fun!

Vice Commodore Kristen Michaelson – I grew up on the shores of Long Island Sound, where the water was as much a part of my childhood as the sand beneath my feet. Those early days—watching boats tack across the horizon, feeling the salt in the air—sparked a lifelong love of the sea. I soon discovered the thrill of harnessing the wind, and ultimately earned the quiet confidence that comes from navigating open water, and that passion carried me far beyond the Hudson. I’ve sailed through the turquoise coves of Puerto Rico, explored the rugged coastlines of Croatia, island‑hopped across Greece, and charted courses through the British Virgin Islands. Each trip deepened my appreciation for the sport and the community it creates.

I am committed to help grow a vibrant sailing culture here in Galveston—one that welcomes newcomers, connects seasoned sailors, and celebrates the incredible waters that surround this island

Fleet Captain Simon Sexton – I began dinghy sailing at the young age of seven. After joining Sea Scouting at age thirteen, I progressed to bigger boats, bigger crews, and bigger waters.

I discovered my love for teaching youth how to sail, a passion I have carried into adulthood.  I now carry the rank of Sea Scout Quartermaster, credentials as an experienced Sailing Instructor, and enjoy the role of Fleet Captain of the Galveston Yacht Club, where my goal is to grow the sport of sailing in Galveston so it can continue to positively impact the local community and beyond.

Secretary Jeremy Merli – I’m from Peckville, Pennsylvania, but now call Galveston home. I’ve always had an interest in watersports. My fascination with sailing started as I listened to friends and colleagues tell of their childhood adventures with sailing and Sea Scouts. I thought I’d give it a try, and I was hooked! Since then, I’ve sailed anything I can get my hands on, from small beach cats to larger monohulls. I am now the proud owner of a Catalina 30 named Lone Star.

What I value most about the Club is the people. We’re all here for the right reasons: to improve ourselves, support one another, and give back to the community. Galveston Yacht Club has given me the chance to be more involved and to give back. I look forward to the new challenges that lie ahead, and I’m excited about yet another great year with my great friends at the Galveston Yacht Club!

Treasurer – Our Club Treasurer has recently stepped down due to personal concerns. Please keep his family in your prayers.

Past Commodore Rick Arguelles – Along with a small handful of sailor-friends that shared the desire to be a part of a local, motivated sailing organization with a focus on building a welcoming and active sailing community along the Texas coast, I saw the opportunity the Galveston Yacht Club presented. My sailing experience, my local outings on Galveston Bay, my offshore passages crossing the Gulf, and my enjoyment of both racing and cruising on a variety of boats, has been a huge plus here with my friends at Galveston Yacht Club.

My time on the water has shaped in me a practical, hands-on approach to sailing with an emphasis on seamanship, safety, education, and teamwork. I remain committed to helping others get involved in sailing, growing our skills, and enjoying everything the Galveston sailing community has to offer.

Honorary Club Chaplain Reverend Michael Gienger – Michael has been at Galveston Central United Methodist Church since his appointment there in 2014. He has helped start several organizations and initiatives there, including Galveston Housing Plus and Grace Clinic. He loves his wife, Moriah, cooking, and his dog, Crouton. You will often find him playing drums with the worship band on Sunday mornings.

Begin Your Sailing Journey Now!

Be part of a club that celebrates sailing, seamanship, and the Gulf Coast maritime tradition.
Join Galveston Yacht Club and experience a community built around adventure, learning, and friendship on the water.

A Club for Sailors and Sea Enthusiasts

Galveston Yacht Club welcomes individuals from all backgrounds who share an appreciation for sailing and the coastal lifestyle.
Membership is ideal for:

Offshore Sailors

Competitive regattas and Gulf-focused racing are designed for sailors who crave open water.

Cruising Enthusiasts

Coastal adventures, raft-ups, and organized cruises, including our signature Surfside Sleighride.

Racing Crews

Practical training and safety-focused programs that promote responsible sailing.

Aspiring Sailors

Practical training and safety-focused programs that promote responsible sailing.

Whether you sail regularly or simply enjoy the culture of the sea, there is a place for you at GYC.

A Year of Sailing & Community

The GYC calendar includes a full schedule of activities throughout the year, including:

Offshore regattas
Coastal cruises
Educational programs
Seasonal gatherings
Signature events like the Blessing of the Fleet and the Surfside Sleighride Cruise

Members enjoy both on-water adventure and social camaraderie.