I don't know many yacht clubs like what Waterbug is talking about. I can probably count those clubs in the US on one hand.

The Clubs I know have Dinghy sailing and Cat sailing and Cabin sailing all at the same club. They offer membership to anyone. They are short on boats and members and need more to pay the bills.

These clubs host regattas for all different types of boats. Most require a sponsor for a regatta from a member of the club so that they have a go to person to be a liason. They like racing and wish more people would race.

I've raced out of some pretty nice clubs and they are very open. Chicago Yacht club is pretty nice. No cats there but they don't have a facility for cats.

NY Yacht club is the strangest. It's landlocked!!!

Miami Yacht club is awesome. Very open to cats and members. I love it.