Tradition Meets Transformation: How Nantucket Yacht Club Embraced Customization to Create Treasured Member Memories

At the storied Nantucket Yacht Club, where tradition runs deep and generations of families return each summer to create lasting memories, change hasn’t always come easily especially when it comes to merchandise. But thanks to the creativity and determination of Andrew McBrayer, the club’s front desk manager and unofficial retail visionary, a quiet revolution has taken place.

For decades, the club’s retail offerings were simple and conservative, Helly Hansen jackets, standard-issue baseball caps, and other traditional items that paid homage to the club’s deep-rooted identity. “We offered the same few brands year after year,” McBrayer recalled. “It was safe, but it had grown stale.”

Enter Range & Bearing’s, a company specializing in fully custom, made-to-order apparel, accessories, and decor for private clubs. Partnering with Range & Bearing’s marked a bold pivot for the club, a leap of faith in both product and process. But for McBrayer, the decision wasn’t just about freshening up the shelves. It was about creating an experience for members. “When I came on board, I wanted to breathe new life into the store,” he said. “Our merchandise didn’t reflect how vibrant this club and its community really are.”

The transformation started with a single conversation sparked by a club member’s recommendation and quickly blossomed into a full partnership. What stood out most to McBrayer was the extensive product variety and almost endless level of customization Range & Bearing’s offered. “With other companies, you’re often boxed in by what you can personalize,” he explained. “But with Range & Bearing’s, the options felt limitless. We could design everything from scratch.”

That creative freedom allowed the club to strike a delicate balance between honoring its heritage and embracing a fresh modern retail approach. Classic insignias like the club’s official seal were used on lifeguard hats, while kids’ swimsuits featured whimsical, club-specific patterns. The result? A multitude of merchandise that captured the spirit of the club—unique, personal, and deeply tied to the memories being made there. And the members noticed.

“Every day, someone stops by the front desk to say how much they love the new items,” said McBrayer. “There’s real excitement now. On commissioning day alone, we sold out of 25 lifeguard hats in under an hour. One person walked in with one, and suddenly everyone had to have it.”

From dress socks and car emblems and bathing suits to 18-karat jewelry, the club’s offerings have expanded dramatically. Each new product is not just a retail item it’s a moment frozen in time. “These aren’t just things to wear,” McBrayer said. “They’re souvenirs of a season; memories wrapped in fabric and thread. Years from now, when a member pulls out that swimsuit or hat, they’ll remember the summer they spent here with their family.”

Because the items are custom-made and limited in quantity, they also carry a sense of exclusivity that’s rare in club merchandise. “You can’t find these anywhere else,” said McBrayer. “And that’s what makes them special. There’s no guarantee the exact item will be back next year, and that urgency drives interest and appreciation.”

Behind the scenes, McBrayer credits Range & Bearing’s co-founder Sara Thompson for making the process smooth and stress-free. “Working with Sara has been incredible,” he said. “Her attention to detail is unmatched, and she made it easy even though I was new to the club world and had never managed merchandise before.”

As the club looks ahead to future seasons, McBrayer is already planning for both continuity and evolution. Bestsellers like the lifeguard hats may return, but with different logos or emblems to keep them feeling fresh. And with low minimums and wide flexibility, Range & Bearing’s makes it possible to experiment without major risk.

“This partnership has opened so many doors for us,” McBrayer said. “We’re small and seasonal, which can make merchandising difficult. But Range & Bearing’s met us exactly where we were. It wasn’t a transaction it was a true partnership.”

For clubs considering a similar leap, McBrayer offers a clear endorsement. “Don’t be afraid to take the risk. Our members are happier, more engaged, and more connected to the club than ever. It’s been one of the best decisions we’ve made.”

What started as a simple idea to refresh a dated merchandise program has become something much bigger. Thanks to Andrew McBrayer’s initiative and Range & Bearing’s customization expertise, the Nantucket Yacht Club now offers more than just products. It offers memories!