Promoting Sailing Clubs

Oh, I do miss print cotton dresses  aertex shirts and snake belts.

Originally posted by Rupert A modern version would have them in crash hats and BAs and texting each other - much of the freedom would be lost, and there is no way they would be allowed to camp by themselves. If they did, John would have got Nancy pregnant, the words "you slaaaaaag" would have echoed across the water and when the policeman came to the island they would have bottled him.

My daughter (nearly 7yrs old), went to see the Bristol Old Vic production of Swallows and Amazons between Christmas and New Year with her cousins and Grandparents, and absolutely loved it. If done well on film I think it could still be very entertaining.

My daughter is however very outgoing with no fear and plenty of imagination who finds it totally acceptable to crew for me on the most tidal stretch of water in the UK in pretty much all conditions, and happily asked to take an Oppie out on her own last summer during our club family week without every having helmed a boat, and she was only 6 and a half, and her mad parents let her :)
I do realise that not all kids are like mine (thank god!)

Also going back to my post on funding which I think upset Davidyacht, what I posted was slightly tongue in cheek. There is indeed plenty of help provided to enable clubs to get funding, indeed we have been successful at getting funding for new fleet of club Wanderers, however the larger funding applications for club improvements circa £50k are harder to come by, however there are clubs with members skilled in gaining these grants who could pass on useful information to other clubs who dont always have the same level of experience. The RYA do their upmost to assist but there are clearly tricks or hints and tips which the RYA aren't always aware of which could assist many clubs. I think the suggestion of club conferances or workshop to share ideas, hints and tips would be incredibly useful, and it just needs attendees to be willing to participate and not jut sit in receive mode.

Edited by craiggo - 08 Jan 15 at 10:50pm

I've only visited Manor Park once, but I was struck by how they have approached things in a slightly different way to most of the older clubs. I think most of the members are pretty new to the sport, so haven't seen "how things are done". It means that the learning curve has been steep, but it also means they aren't just doing things because they have "always been done that way".

I can't imagine Fleaberto doing things in a traditional manner, anyway...

Originally posted by Rupert I've only visited Manor Park once, but I was struck by how they have approached things in a slightly different way to most of the older clubs. I think most of the members are pretty new to the sport, so haven't seen "how things are done". It means that the learning curve has been steep, but it also means they aren't just doing things because they have "always been done that way".I can't imagine Fleaberto doing things in a traditional manner, anyway...

...and sailing an EPS on a shifty, tree-surrounded ex-gravel pit is testimony to that Rupert! ...and I won't mention the accidental International Moth purchase

It's all been down to the dedication of a training team that a) Are extremely enthused about what they do b) Dedicate immense time to the Junior season c) Understand almost completely what the kids want out of their time - but strategise the plan so that the kids learn without even noticing d) Engage parents massively.

The club has a hugely inclusive feel and is always open to help/ideas/advice ......in fact "...because that's how it's always been done" is likely to get very short shrift.