Promoting Sailing Clubs

Whilst I tend to agree that the 'activity' of sailing is unlikely to go away, what I do fear for, is the "sport' of sailing rather than the 'pastime' it represents and to most of us on this forum, it is the 'sport' that defines our interest.

So our problem is more the continued promotion of the competitive aspects and the need to deal with all the 'problems' that surround it, not wishing to have this thread descend into another PY discussion, those of us that are at the sharp end of club promotion do have a vested interest in the perception of fair and interesting competition, particularly at the lower skill levels.

If we are going to maintain our interest, it is important that in this dumbed down age, things are easier to understand and a more 'instant access' approach is considered to the 'product' we are all effectively selling.

So an occasional 'coming together' wether it be by forum, virtual or actual, or conference of club officers as I think someone mentioned back a bit earlier in this thread. I'm not sure the Dinghy show is the right venue, I don't know about everyone else but my show is still for selfish purposes wether to see exciting new kit or meet folk I haven't seen for a bit and chew the fat.

I really think an annual water based get together wether to appraise new gear, or talk about yardsticks, or tuition methods, or other mutual interests would be of some help.

Well, do we define sailing as a sport? If we have new family members appear at the club we do not push racing. However if said family turns up and proclaims a lack of interest in competition...then we know they will not last. They may be good for one or two years of flapping an old GP round looking at the view but soon they will be off to the sunny uplands of cricket or horses. Racing is what keeps us going, be it against your old mates at home or further afield in championships or opens.

Actually the club made a small profit last year as I understand it... and most of the historic loses occurred with off the water activities.... namely a loss making / subsidised bar, outsourced training, poorly attended opens for classes who weren't represented in membership etc.  Again all revenue streams which have been totally turned around by the current committee.  

Edited by turnturtle - 08 Jan 15 at 12:11pm

Draycote does sound like a nice place to be. Most clubs do, really, which is, I guess, why my life revolves around sailing.

Originally posted by turnturtle   Whether there will be enough dinghy sailors left to justify all the clubs in this area in say, 20 years will be something we either a) actively manage or b) leave to natural selection. My childrens's school has an active dinghy sailing programme for juniors (Age 7+)- something quite unique in the area - but I can also tell you that most of the children (and parents by association) absolutely hate it- cold, wet and boring are the usual criticisms.... and when you see them head off in the minibus with a big BA over their PE kit and a thin anorak you can't help but empathise.  i'm undecided, well more apprehensive tbh, about whether to 'get involved' when my eldest reaches juniors next year - it could be social suicide given the strength of feeling amongst the other parents and children.  But I can't help but think a change of venue to one with reasonable kit, and possibly a step away from the traditional sailing school approach to more of a T-15 club but with dinghies too, might make it a bit more fun.