South Whidbey Yacht Club leaders have set their sights on reserving a slip in the South Whidbey Harbor.

Known as a reciprocal slip, it would allow for members of other yacht clubs around the region to moor in Langley at a discounted rate. According to Bruce Morris, the South Whidbey Yacht Club’s immediate past commodore, the club has participated in reciprocal programs in the past.

Harbormaster Kathy Myers presented the proposal to Port of South Whidbey commissioners during a meeting this week. Negotiations are ongoing about the cost; Morris declined to comment on the exact fee the South Whidbey Yacht Club would pay.

Myers told the commissioners that a 36-foot slip, A-1, is being considered. The slip is currently used by transient boaters. According to the South Whidbey Harbor’s fee schedule, transient moorage costs $1.35 per foot of length per night for vessels up to 24 feet, and $1.50 per foot per night for boats longer than 24 feet. Day usage costs $7 for five hours for dinghies, $7 for two hours or $12 for five hours for vessels up to 29 feet, $12 for two hours or $22 for five hours for vessels between 30 and 49 feet, and $20 for two hours or $30 for five hours for boats longer than 50 feet.

“I think it would be beneficial for the harbor for the reason that it would be guaranteed monthly income for that reciprocal slip, regardless if somebody from the club uses it or not, because we can still use it for a regular reservation,” Myers said.

If it’s not used within the prescribed period, she added, the slip can be opened to a wait list. There would be a dedicated vessel length, such as 36 feet, and then the club member would pay for the additional length if their boat exceeds the dedicated space. The A-1 slip can hold up to 50 feet.

The commissioners were supportive of the idea and asked for more details. Commissioner Greg Easton asked how membership of the reciprocal member is verified, to which Myers replied that staff would have a list of the reciprocal clubs and check member cards.