NEWPORT BEACH, CA (March 28, 2014). The Pacific Yachting Club has found a way to make boating on pristine powerboats affordable and convenient. Newport Boat Show attendees will have the first opportunity to join the new club headquartered at the Newport Landing Marina on the Balboa Peninsula, Newport Beach, California.

While most people dream of having their own yacht it is not always possible. The cost of ownership, dock space, maintenance, insurance and other expenses is the most common grounds for delaying a purchase. Work, travel, and inexperience are three other reasons for not pursuing relaxation on the water.

Balboa Island resident Ralph Rodheim started the private Pacific Yachting Club to bridge the gap between desire and reality.

“There is nothing like this on the West Coast,” he explained. “Pacific Yachting Club makes luxury yachts available to its members for a fraction of what boat charters or ownership cost. PYC does all the work, which gives members more time to enjoy boating. Plus, at $20 to $30 a foot for dock space in Newport Harbor, a 30-foot boat costs between $600 and $900 just to be in the water. The value our members receive increases the joy of yachting in style.”

Rodheim has been an active boater for 50 years and owned a variety of sail and power boats. He served on the Governor’s State Boating and Waterways Commission, was a founding member of the Newport Beach Harbor Commission, and is president of Boat Rentals of America. He is retired from Rodheim Marketing, which gives him more time to pursue pleasure boating and community projects.

The club membership is for people over 25 years old who want to enjoy the outdoors with their families, friends, and business associates. For seasoned boaters who regret selling their boat, or have a second home in Orange County, PYC meets their need to be a recreational boater. Members can cruise around the bay, have a dockside meal, or go up the coast or to Catalina Island for an overnight. The Pacific coastline offers a variety of memorable experiences.

Safety and education are important elements of enjoying the seas. Before you can join PYC, you have to prove you can handle the boats competently. The Club works with Orange Coast College’s School of Sailing and Seamanship to train and certify all members.

The new club is being launched with a Tiara 3100 and Deluxe Duffy 21. These two popular vessels provide the versatility, comfort, and quality PYC will be known for Rodheim said. The fleet will grow in number and size over time. Plans are being made for establishing Pacific Yachting Clubs up and down the Pacific Coast, and possibly inland waterways and lakes.

Duffy 22

Tiara 31

PHOTOS: High resolution available upon request

Ralph Rodheim, President, Pacific Yachting Club
Tiara 3100 She’s Happy Now
Duffy 21 Amply Blessed