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A Natural Next Home for TONE Sailors

Continue the Tartan Spirit with Blue Water Sailing Club






For nearly 30 years, Tartan Owners Northeast (TONE) has brought together sailors who value good seamanship, shared learning, and the friendships that grow from sailing together. That spirit doesn’t need to end—it can continue, expand, and thrive.


Blue Water Sailing Club (BWSC) offers TONE members a welcoming, familiar culture with more opportunities to sail, learn, and socialize year‑round.

Why BWSC Is a Natural Fit for TONE Members

BWSC is an established New England sailing and cruising club whose culture closely mirrors what TONE members value most:

  • Sailing together, not just owning boats
  • Learning from fellow sailors
  • Strong friendships on and off the water
  • Low pressure, high participation
  • Year‑round connection—even when boats are on the hard

Many BWSC members already share the same mindset as TONE sailors: experienced, curious, community‑oriented, and eager to keep learning.

Sail More: A Full Season of On‑the‑Water Adventures

BWSC’s Events Calendar features over a dozen organized summer cruises, ranging from relaxed coastal cruising to longer adventures:

  • New England coastal cruises
  • Maine and Atlantic Canada itineraries
  • Flexible, skipper‑led group cruising
  • Opportunities to crew or host


These cruises are structured, social, and welcoming—designed so sailors can participate at their own comfort level while enjoying the benefits of traveling as part of a group.


➡️ Explore the calendar for upcoming cruises and events


Stay Connected Year‑Round: Land & Social Events

Sailing may be seasonal, but community isn’t.

BWSC hosts active year‑round land‑based gatherings, including:

  • Educational seminars and workshops
  • Pub nights and social meetups
  • Seasonal celebrations
  • Two annual luncheon meetings that bring the entire club together

These events are a cornerstone of BWSC’s culture—and closely echo the social and educational role TONE has long provided.


New Member Signup

Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
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spirit
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Continue Rendezvousing with Fellow TONE Members

This transition isn’t about losing the TONE community—it’s about keeping it together.

TONE members who join BWSC will:

  • Continue seeing familiar faces at cruises and events
  • Have opportunities to organize Tartan‑focused meetups and activities
  • Help preserve and carry forward valued TONE traditions, resources, and archives

BWSC leadership is committed to welcoming TONE members as a group, not as individuals starting over.

 

Transitional Membership Support for TONE Members

To make this move easy and welcoming:

✅ TONE is planning to cover a portion of the BWSC initiation fee

✅ Additional transition‑related costs may also be subsidized

✅ BWSC leadership is working closely with TONE to reduce friction

This support is intended to make joining BWSC a low‑risk, high‑value decision—an easy way to stay active and connected.

 

Why Join Now?

  • Immediate access to a full sailing and social calendar
  • A familiar culture with greater scale and stability
  • Year‑round engagement with like‑minded sailors
  • A clear path to preserve what matters most from TONE
  • Financial support to ease the transition

For many TONE members, joining BWSC is simply the most straightforward way to keep doing what you already enjoy—just with more opportunities.

 

Take the Next Step

Spring Luncheon - 4/26/2026        Get to know us and join us at our Spring Luncheon!   

If this feels like the right next chapter, we invite you to:

👉 Sign up as a BWSC transitional member

New Member Signup

👉Explore upcoming cruises and events

👉 Share your thoughts on TONE traditions, activities, and resources you’d like to see continue

 

Questions or thoughts? We welcome your input—your voice will help shape how this community moves forward together.

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  • Flexible cruising, come and go as you please
  • Learning from fellow sailors
  • Strong friendships on and off the water
  • Low pressure, high participation
  • Year‑round connection—even when boats are on the hard


tartanmember
tartandiner
foolishheart
Beech Hill, Rockport, Maine

Frequently Asked Questions for TONE Members

What is Blue Water Sailing Club (BWSC)?

Blue Water Sailing Club is a New England–based sailing and cruising club focused on group cruising, seamanship, education, and community. BWSC organizes both on‑the‑water and land‑based events year‑round, creating a welcoming environment where sailors learn from one another and build lasting friendships.


Is BWSC a good cultural fit for TONE members?

Yes—very much so. BWSC’s culture closely aligns with what TONE members value:


  • Sailing together rather than sailing alone
  • Shared learning and peer‑to‑peer knowledge
  • Friendly, inclusive social interaction
  • Strong off‑season engagement through land events

Many BWSC members participate because of the people as much as the sailing, which mirrors the long‑standing TONE experience.


Do I need a specific type or size of boat to join?

Yes. To become a member you must own a sailboat with a minimum waterline of 20' LWL. A wide range of boats, including several Tartans participate at different levels. Some members skipper their own boats, others crew, and many do both. Participation is flexible and based on your interests, experience, and availability.


What kinds of sailing events does BWSC offer?

BWSC organizes over a dozen summer cruises each year, including:


  • Coastal New England cruises
  • Maine and Atlantic Canada itineraries
  • Short local cruises and longer adventures
  • Structured group cruising with experienced leaders

Cruises are designed to be social, well‑organized, and adaptable, allowing skippers and crews to participate comfortably.


What happens when sailing season ends?

BWSC stays active year‑round. Land‑based events include:


  • Educational seminars and workshops
  • Pub nights and social gatherings
  • Cultural outings
  • Two annual luncheon meetings that bring the full membership together

These events keep the community connected long after the boats are on the hard.


New Member Signup

Will I still be able to connect with other TONE members?

Absolutely. TONE members are being welcomed as a group, not as isolated individuals. BWSC is committed to:


  • Helping TONE members stay connected
  • Supporting Tartan‑focused gatherings or activities
  • Preserving valued TONE traditions, history, and resources

The goal is continuity, not replacement.


What is a “transitional member”?

A transitional member is a TONE member who joins BWSC as part of this coordinated transition. This allows you to:


  • Join with reduced financial friction
  • Enter BWSC alongside fellow TONE members
  • Help shape how TONE culture and resources carry forward

What are the costs, and how is TONE helping?

BWSC has an initiation fee and annual dues that reflect its active sailing and year‑round programming. To make joining easier:


  • TONE plans to cover a portion of the BWSC initiation fee
  • Additional transition‑related costs may also be subsidized

This support is intended to lower barriers and encourage participation.


How much time or commitment is expected?

BWSC is participation‑friendly, not obligation‑driven. You choose:


  • Which cruises to join
  • Which social or educational events to attend
  • How involved you want to be

Many members appreciate the flexibility to engage as their schedule allows.


How do I learn more or sign up?

You can explore BWSC’s events, cruises, and club information at: https://www.bluewatersc.com

From there, you can:

  • Review the events calendar
  • Learn about membership options
  • Sign up as a transitional member

We also encourage you to share feedback on what aspects of TONE culture, activities, or resources matter most to you.


Who should I contact with questions or feedback?

We welcome questions, comments, and ideas from TONE members. Your input will directly influence how this transition is shaped and how TONE traditions are preserved within BWSC. Email Membership@bluewatersc.org