Future of Sailing Clubs...

well there's a lot of truth in that - I have to admit my opinions on sailing clubs have slided somewhat since growing up at coastal or river clubs where the social was as important as the sailing.  A quick flick through the Facebook page of one of my old sea clubs and you'd be mistaken for thinking it was a gastro pub with all the foodie posts.....  a long way from the scampi and chips I remember.  

Naturally that'll get sneered at by some quarters, but you know what, they've moved with the times to fend off competition for other leisure spend and retained their traditions to boot.  They're also sitting on a lot of expensive real estate, and if I believe the general vibe around the place, have a very healthy balance sheet for a members organisation.  If I lived there, I'd certainly still be a member and enjoy whatever sailing came around as a result.... and there was always lots on offer, from all sorts of dinghies through to crewing on powerboat cruises if that's what got your rocks off.  

Inland - well it's a different kettle of fish, and yes, maybe a sailing centre charging a market rate, would suit a lot of folks better.  Who knows though.... it's not like any club is going to try anytime soon; and if they did, it would probably be 'cos they were on their uppers and by which time it would be too late to succeed anyway.