Club racing / event circuit balance

I think it boils down to personal preference. Some people enjoy the buzz of the circuit so much they don't actually belong to a club, and still sail every week between April and November. It means a lot of miles with your boat on tow, and a like-minded or very understanding partner (or partner as a crew, or no partner at all, delete as necessary)

Club racing is more sedentary obviously but if you're part of a competitive fleet, it has its thrilling moments too. All competitors are (or should be) very familiar with the surroundings, the course, the tidal effects etc., so in theory, racing is done on skills alone  

On the other hand, nothing prevents you from getting the best of both worlds: race at your club, get better and, every now and then, join an open meeting to have fun and get to know other guys!

Still, no opens at your club... it must be a little boring at times. Where do you sail, btw?

I can't see myself ever having the desire to:

take my boat apart
trail it miles and miles
put it all back together again
sail
take it all apart again
trail it back miles and miles
put it back together again

and all this with the possibility that the wind may be crap and the whole thing will be a waste of time! I guess for some single handers this process is far easier but for a double handed boat it is a serious pain.

I want my sailing to be as hassle free as possible to maximise time on the water. It all depends on how serious you are about racing and if you sail in a small class with no local fleet.

Ahh the Bar, the nucleus of every club.

I think people do travel less these days, whether it's demographics and those that used to, now have kids, or maybe it's petrol cost or not being able to fiddle you company mileage anymore!

I'd agree there has to be a balance, for both sailors and clubs. Most sailors enjoy both being a club member, and going off to see new places/see old friends. And clubs can get the message that they exist out into the sailing world by hosting events and getting the club name into Y&Y and class newsletters.

Most smaller classes are willing to hold events alongside club racing, assuming the water is big enough, as this way the club is more likely to hold the event, and the organizers don't have to worry that only 3 boats will turn up, or whatever. The club tends to have more of an on shore buzz, too, rather than the deserted feel that can be there when the only club members around are behind the signing in desk and outin the rescue boat.