This entire concept has grown into something I never saw coming. Made a few hats, gave away a lot, and recognized one common theme with that first run of hats; "Hey, what is that? Where'd you get it?". From old salty sailors to TSA agents at the airport, just the phrase "Yacht Club Misfits" to this day is the only hat I ever get comments on. I knew something was there, so I got to work. In the age of everyone throwing prompts in to ChatGPT and having it spit out some soulless art and calling it a "brand", I knew I had to do it right. The concept came from my experience working in the marine industry my whole life, and my observation of how absolutely ridiculous the yacht club ecosphere is. Sure, there's some legitimacy to portions of them. Historic race clubs, junior sailing, and keeping of old traditions. But with dwindling membership, I realized that it wasn't that the younger generations couldn't afford it, it's that they didn't connect with the concept. What do you mean I have to have 3 members refer me? And you want to interview me to just join your social club and buy drinks at your bar? No thanks. Don't get me wrong, I love a party. And ya know who else loves to party? The real boaters. The guy that owns the cheapest boat in the marina, but can pull it in backwards with his eyes closed. The kid that bought a boat off the side of the road and patched the holes himself and put it in the water with a feeling of self accomplishment. When I started this, I was fired up about making sure I do it "right". But when I started to source product, build a website, and figure out what the hell the plan was, I of course reached out to "brand experts" for advice/opinions. And I realized that they were exactly what I wanted this brand to not be. WTF is a "brand identity" anyway? So, I'm making stuff that looks good, that is inspired by life experiences, friends, and just stuff that's generally cool. Yacht Club Misfits is for the people. Wear it on your Viking while sipping your cosmo or whatever. Or wear it at your favorite dive bar where they have the dollar beers and you might not even have a dollar in your pocket. If you made it this far and you actually read all of this, there is only one rule when it comes to Yacht Club Misfits. Consider this the fine print. If you're wearing a YCM shirt and someone you don't know compliments it, you have to give it to them. Right then, right off your back. Trades encouraged. A woman walks up to you at the bar and says they like your shirt? Well bud, you have the choice of being shirtless, or the possibility of finding out if you look good in a blouse. No, you cannot "get it to them later". Might be a bummer if you're wearing it at your kids dance recital, but you should've read the fine print. YACHT. CLUB. MISFITS. IT'S WHATEVER YOU WANT IT TO BE.  - Cam