RYA Wokebomb

I was sorry when Bewl Valley SC folded a couple of years ago but the "offer" from the current commercial owners of the reservoir is interesting.  You can sail, canoe, SUP, swim, row, and fish,  all for separate fees which aren't particularly cheap, and there are loads of other things to amuse families and small children including cycle hire and an aqua park.  There is camping on site.  To race you pay only £20+ more  on top of the other fees to join the BV Sailing Association. 

Originally posted by NickM99 but the "offer" from the current commercial owners of the reservoir is interesting.

Its a very 21st Century offering for the money rich time poor and the bucket list mentality. People who do a lot of sports, but, frankly, do them all very badly. But if they aren't competitive sports the fact is that it hardly matters that the participants are only marginally competent.
But it is also expensive. The traditional sailing club run on volunteers is a far cheaper way of running things. Centrally owned and 'professionally' maintained craft, paid staff, it all consumes money in bucketloads compared to the traditional sailing club. Which in turn means its only for the affluent executive class. But then the dilettante has always had to be wealthy.


Edited by JimC - 06 Apr 21 at 12:06pm

Still loads of people interested in volunteering, but in a far more individualistic way from years ago. People want to give time when they can, not when they are told ("work party") and want to feel they are gaining from it too. Clubs can easily adjust how they operate to attract volunteers, but it takes effort (usually from other volunteers...)

There appears to be a divide between those who readily volunteer and those that expect everything to be delivered on a plate.  We have a boat park for 50 boats which requires grass cutting every four weeks.  We know the 8 or so people who will turn up when the call goes out, several of whom don't even have boats in the park.  Same applies to duties and committees ... same old same old.  I hasten to add that I accept this, but the idea of building a more complex infrastructure that relies on volunteering would be a tricky business, particularly with an ageing demographic (and the volunteers are definitely an ageing demographic).

Originally posted by jeffers Originally posted by davidyacht There appears to be a divide between those who readily volunteer and those that expect everything to be delivered on a plate.  We have a boat park for 50 boats which requires grass cutting every four weeks.  We know the 8 or so people who will turn up when the call goes out, several of whom don't even have boats in the park.  Same applies to duties and committees ... same old same old.  I hasten to add that I accept this, but the idea of building a more complex infrastructure that relies on volunteering would be a tricky business, particularly with an ageing demographic (and the volunteers are definitely an ageing demographic). Most volunteer run clubs have a 'Wednesday Club' which is made of of an assortment of retired/semi retired people who like to get together and chat as well as do lots of odd jobs round the place. Ours cut the grass in the club grounds and do most of the weed control in the lake (blue dye and dragging). Our work parties are usually very well attended with the offer of free lunch for all who come. I guess my club is unusual maybe. We still have a very strong membership, full boat park and people who are will to do more than just turn up and sail.