Whidbey Islanders looking to get out on the water this summer are in good company if they decide to join the South Whidbey Yacht Club.

From kayaking trips to sailboat races in local lakes to cruises around Puget Sound, there’s something for everyone to try.

“You’ve got to have a little bit of interest in boats,” said Bruce Morris, commodore of the yacht club. “You don’t have to have a boat. You’re going to be around people who talk about boats all the time. You’re going to have to put up with that.”

Membership costs $130 annually for families and $80 for individuals.

“You won’t find a yacht club anywhere in the Northwest with rates that low,” Morris said. “I guarantee you.”

He and his wife have been members for the past 15 years. During that time, they’ve seen club membership grow from just 40 members to now over 200.

Youth sailing classes usually fill up within mere hours, but adults still have a chance to rent a Pelican or Laser sailboat from the club’s fleet.

In addition, a social group called Windward Women – “a chance for the women to get away from their husbands,” as Morris put it – offers opportunities on dry land, including various hikes.

The club has also had a handful of guest speakers to discuss boating-related topics.

There are a number of other social events open to all members, including Aquapalooza, Crab Fest and the Commodore’s Ball, which is a more formal occasion.

“Dressed up is what you determine on Whidbey. We actually had a guy show up in a T-shirt once. We didn’t turn him away. We’re more about fun. I constantly tell people, if it ain’t fun, we’re not doing it,” Morris said with a laugh.

For more information, visit swyachtclub.org.