Club Etiquette & Guidelines

Reciprocal guests must contact BBYC in advance to arrange and coordinate their visit, and present their current Club membership card or a letter of introduction from their Club where they have an active membership .

The General Manager has discretion to accommodate special requests and to determine whether Club events and/or which facilities are available to reciprocal guests during their visit.

We reciprocate with over 900 Yacht Clubs in the Yachting Clubs of America. The Clubs in the register range from the New York Yacht Club to St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco. The rules for visiting vary by Club, but the best rule of thumb is to request a letter of good standing and have your Membership card with you. Payments for services must be made directly to the Club. You can request the letter 48hrs in advance by emailing our team at office@bbyc.net.

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For traditional or ceremonial events, including Commissioning, Commodore’s Dinner, and Change of Watch.
Men:
- Blazer or sport coat
- Collared dress shirt (tie encouraged, optional unless specified)
- Slacks (no jeans)
- Dress shoes or boat shoes

Women:
- Cocktail dress, elegant separates, or dressy slacks/skirt with blouse
- Dress shoes or sandals

Note: Members are encouraged to honor the tradition of formalwear at these signature events, while maintaining comfort and personal style.

Appropriate for casual dinners, happy hours, club socials, and general use of the indoor clubhouse spaces (especially after 6 PM).
Men:
- Collared shirts, BBYC-branded shirts or dress t-shirt
- Neat shorts or slacks
- Boat shoes, loafers, clean sneakers or clean sandals

Women:
- Casual dresses, blouses with shorts or skirts, rompers, or slacks
- Clean sandals or closed-toe shoes

Not Appropriate Indoors:
- Swimwear without a cover-up
- Bare feet
- Cut-off shorts or tank tops (unless part of an event theme)

Our nod to BBYC’s more relaxed roots—great for daytime wear, dockside, and informal gatherings.
Acceptable Attire:
- T-shirts (with appropriate graphics), BBYC gear, athletic wear
- Swimwear with cover-ups when entering indoor spaces
- Barefoot is acceptable in outdoor areas (e.g., beach, dock, B by the Sea)

Expectations:
- Shirts required for all genders in indoor spaces
- Shoes required indoors, even if flip-flops or sandals
- Clothing should always be in good condition and clean.

When events have a specific theme, dress accordingly and have fun with it!
Examples:
- 70’s Party – Bell bottoms, vintage tees, disco flair
- Nautical Nights – Breton stripes, sailor whites, boat shoes
- Tropical Luau – Hawaiian shirts, leis, colorful prints

Themed attire is encouraged and welcomed, provided it remains in good taste and respectful of others.

Our aim is to maintain a comfortable environment for all members. Staff and management may remind members and guests of the Recommended Dress as needed. Exceptions can be made for medical reasons or specific event requirements.

- Children: Ages 10+ are expected to follow appropriate attire based on location and event.
- Hats: Please remove hats indoors at formal events or dining areas unless for medical/religious reasons or dress the event occasions.
- Questions? If in doubt, follow the event notice or reach out to club staff for guidance

- Members and guests must be 21 years of age or older to consume or be served alcoholic beverages on BBYC premises.
- BBYC strictly prohibits the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages by anyone under the legal drinking age, regardless of membership status, parental presence, or event setting. Members are responsible for ensuring that their guests and dependents comply with all applicable laws and Club policies.
- Responsible consumption is expected at all times. Excessive drinking or disorderly behavior is not permitted.
- Alcoholic beverages may only be consumed in accordance with New Jersey State Law and BBYC's club liquor license.

- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages may be served at club-sanctioned events, private parties, and approved rentals, either via club bar service or approved caterers/bartenders.
- BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage) is not permitted
- The club reserves the right to refuse service to any individual who appears intoxicated.

For all private functions:
- Alcohol service must be managed by licensed and insured bartenders.
- Hosts are responsible for ensuring compliance with age laws, proper service, and appropriate conduct.
- Club management may require proof of event insurance including liquor liability.

- Bringing outside alcohol to club-hosted events is not permitted unless expressly stated.
- Members may bring their own beverages for casual use in approved areas when no bar service is offered, but must comply with all behavior and safety rules.

- Club staff and management reserve the right to enforce all beverage and conduct rules, and may request that members or guests leave the premises if policies are violated.
- Any member, member’s family or member’s guest determined to be in violation of the BBYC bar and club policy regarding the serving or purchasing of alcohol for someone under the age of 21 years old may be subject to the following penalties that include but are not limited to: suspension or revocation of bar privileges, fines, revocation of full membership and forfeiting of dues or any other penalty determined by the board to be appropriate for said violation.
- Any fake ID presented by any member, member’s family or guests will be confiscated.

- Smoking, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, e-cigarettes, and vaping devices, is not permitted inside any BBYC buildings, including the Main Clubhouse, B by the Sea, and all enclosed areas.
- Smoking is strictly prohibited in all children’s activity areas

- Smoking is permitted only in designated smoking areas. These areas are placed away from main walkways, entrances, and high-traffic zones to ensure smoke does not affect others.
- Proper disposal of smoking materials is required. Receptacles are provided in designated areas—please do not litter or leave cigarette butts on club grounds.

- Members and guests are asked to be considerate of others, especially when children are present.
- If you are uncertain whether smoking is permitted in an area, please err on the side of courtesy and move to a designated location or ask a staff member.

- Pets are not permitted inside any club buildings, including the Main Clubhouse, B by the Sea, South Harbor and all enclosed or tented event spaces.
- Pets are not allowed on the beach, boatyard, docks, or areas designated for junior or youth programming.

- Well-behaved, leashed dogs are allowed to cross the property to reach your boat, as long as they do not disrupt an event or other members’ enjoyment.
- Pets must remain under control at all times and be on a non-retractable leash no longer than 6 feet.
- Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets immediately. Waste bags must be disposed of properly in outdoor trash bins.

- Pets are not permitted at club-sponsored events, including regattas, youth programs, or social gatherings, unless the event is specifically designated as “pet-friendly.”
- For private events, the event host must receive prior approval from club management for any exception involving pets.