Welcome to BYC – Your Home on Carlyle Lake
OPEN HOUSE
May 17 Noon till 4:00 PM
Enjoy Burgers and hot dogs off the grill. Tour the marina amenities. Enter drawing to win basket of boating goodies.
- Info (618) 226-3223
- Facebook page
- www.boudermairna.com
Sailing Smarter: The Affordable Adventure That Pays You Back Every Weekend
Think sailing is only for the wealthy? Think againI
In a time of soaring tariffs, costly vacations, and tightening household budgets, families are rethinking how they spend—and how they make memories.
“Owning a keel sailboat on an inland lake isn’t just attainable, it’s one of the most budget-wise choices you can make for family fun, wellness, and year-round enrichment”.
Here’s the case for smart sailing:
Your Weekend Cabin That Moves—with No Property Tax
“A well-kept, pre-owned 25–30 foot keelboat can often be purchased for the price of a used car—and unlike a car, it’s a floating cabin, kitchen, bedroom, and escape pod all in one“.
Imagine:
- Sleeping under the stars on the water.
- Preparing meals aboard or grilling at the marina.
- Hosting friends for a sunset sail.
- Teaching your kids to navigate by wind, not Wi-Fi.
“A used sailboat is not a luxury—it’s a lifestyle choice that replaces expensive restaurant tabs, theme park tickets, and plane fares.”
Low Ongoing Costs, High Ongoing Value
| Expense | Approximate Annual Cost | Comparable Family Expense |
| Slip Rental | $1,500–$3,000 | 1 beach vacation |
| Maintenance + Supplies | $500–$1,000 | Home improvement project |
| Insurance | ~$160–$400 | One monthly car payment |
| Used 25-ft Boat Purchase | ~$5,000–$12,000 (one-time) | Used compact car |
“Spread over 5–10+ years, a sailboat can cost less annually than a typical cable/internet bundle or a family’s dining-out budget”.
A Lifestyle That Connects the Whole Family
Boulder Marina is our family hub—with community cookouts, paddleboarding, swimming, fishing docks, and a boating club for all ages.
“Kids don’t just grow up around boats—they grow up on them, learning teamwork, resilience, and nature skills that screen time can’t offer”.
Boulder Marina is home the Sea Scout Ship 9. Sea Scouts engage in a variety of nautical activities, learn essential boating and seamanship skills, and develop leadership and community service abilities.
They participate in sailing, cruising, and various water sports while also learning about navigation, safety, and maritime history.
Eco-Friendly and Emotionally Rewarding
Sailing is wind-powered serenity. Are no endless fuel bills. It’s:
- Sustainable
- Peaceful
- Healthier than staying home
When the economy gets turbulent, smart families turn to simple joys with lasting value.
**Owning a sailboat isn’t about luxury—**it’s about reclaiming quality time, peace of mind, and smart entertainment that pays off every weekend.
Your Next Steps to Set Sail
- Browse used sailboats only
- Visit the Boulder Marina ro compare slip fees, services and community benefits.
- Come visit the Boulder Yacht club
- Make arrangement for a sample sail or even crew in a race.
- Talk to sailors who’ve made the switch—you’ll find they don’t regret it.
The Boulder Tradition
A tradition since 1983, Boulder Yacht Club (BYC) is the only yacht club on the Eastern Shore of Carlyle Lake—the largest man-made lake in Illinois”.
Whether you sail, motor, kayak, or paddleboard, our members are united by a shared passion for time on the water and a commitment to promoting safe boating practices.
But BYC is more than just a yacht club—it’s a community. We take pride in giving back through our Annual Charity Dinner, raising funds for local organizations. These include Backstoppers, Hannah’s Playground, Got Your Six, and Miracles in Progress.
What Makes BYC Unique?
What truly sets Boulder Yacht Club apart is our welcoming, tight-knit membership. Despite differences in age, background, or boat preference, our members aren’t just fellow boaters—we’re a second family. We’re not yuppies. We’re not elite “yachters”. We’re real people who love the water. Some of us race, many paddle, most of us gather for social events, and we all party but all of us cherish every moment spent on the lake.
Membership Perks & Events
As a BYC member, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to a dynamic lineup of events and activities designed for all ages, including:
- Tapas on the Docks – A floating feast of small plates and great company
- Pirate Party – A high-seas adventure on Carlyle Lake
- Spero’s Spaghetti Dinner – A BYC tradition of great food and camaraderie
- Seafood Charity Dinner – Great food for a great cause
- Survivor Party – A celebration of resilience, fun, and friendly competition
- Chili Cookoff – Where the best recipes and rivalries heat up
…and much more.
What Awaits You at BYC?
- Thrilling Racing & Regatta Events – Test your skills and compete in exciting club races!
- Our experienced sailors help new members – Expand their knowledge and get help with all aspects of sailing and boating.
- Casual Cruising & Distance Sailing – Explore Carlyle Lake with fellow adventurers.
- Our members board their boast at the Boulder Maina where you’ll have access to excellent facilities and expert marina services.
All Boaters Welcome – Sailors, racers, cruisers, newcomers, motor cruisers, and pontoons!
A Tight-Knit Community – Share stories, skills, and unforgettable memories.
Don’t just sail—belong! Experience the camaraderie and adventure that make BYC the ultimate sailing destination.
Join the BYC Family!