Alternative to sailing clubs?

Originally posted by Paramedic Originally posted by Sailerf Interesting comments on people being members of the RYA and not a club re open events. Wile I totally understand clubs need member to run there events ie race officers rescue crew. In this day and age membership also offers a reel barrier to sailing. Not every one that wants to support an open event may live near a local club or want  to sail the class they like there. Forcing people to have two options join a club that you are unlikely to support or pay the RYA a body that is likely to do very little for any one that's not planning an Olympic campaign, Looks like a missed opportunity. I would much rather pay an increased entry fee to the club running the open and support them for going to the effort of putting it on than paying for a pen pusher in Hamble. It would be interesting to know if its even legal now days to force people into making a choice between the two. As long as you have valid insurance are a member of the class and a valid certificate, surely that should be enough.     In order to participate in competitive sailing you have to be affiliated in some way to the sport's national governing body. So in our case you need to be a member of an affiliated club or the RYA itself. All sports have this requirement in some form or another.

"Pen pushers in Hamble". I had hoped that some of the RYA stereotypes had faded away, but it seems the easy putdown will always be there. Sigh.

Interesting comments on people being members of the RYA and not a club re open events. Wile I totally understand clubs need member to run there events ie race officers rescue crew. In this day and age membership also offers a reel barrier to sailing. Not every one that wants to support an open event may live near a local club or want  to sail the class they like there. Forcing people to have two options join a club that you are unlikely to support or pay the RYA a body that is likely to do very little for any one that's not planning an Olympic campaign, Looks like a missed opportunity. I would much rather pay an increased entry fee to the club running the open and support them for going to the effort of putting it on than paying for a pen pusher in Hamble. It would be interesting to know if its even legal now days to force people into making a choice between the two. As long as you have valid insurance are a member of the class and a valid certificate, surely that should be enough.    

Correct, we aren't the problem, people with limited experience need to feel they can call for help without fear of censure.

Originally posted by Paramedic Originally posted by 423zero Still pushing the myth, that RNLI would give you the 'Look', people wouldn't hesitate to phone for fire or ambulance. Sometimes it's better to hold your post and have people think you are an idiot than it is to type and remove any doubt. I suggest you stop digging.