Sail Away Scheme
Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: Dinghy classes
Forum Name: Dinghy development
Forum Discription: The latest moves in the dinghy market
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11823
Printed Date: 09 Jul 25 at 6:58pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Sail Away Scheme
Posted By: Oinks
Subject: Sail Away Scheme
Date Posted: 23 Dec 14 at 6:50pm
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Some years back I had an idea (a rarity) the aim of which was to get people (racers and non racers alike) out and active again. It was one of those ideas that came and went, but I resurrected it from the memory banks this last weekend as part of some bar discussion about increasing our active membership and it’s been on my mind this week, so thought I’d throw the idea open to you chaps and chapesses.
Originally aimed (but not exclusively) at the multitude of potterers/recreational sailors, a scheme whereby a network of participating clubs (regional but perhaps beyond) allowed members of each other’s clubs to visit and sail once a year at no charge. I’ve sort of refined the idea thus… The home club levies one-off surcharge on the annual membership cost of say a tenner for admin cost and perhaps a small financial benefit, and issues a scheme members card; The member is then able to sail ONCE, for a weekend, at any participating club, subject to facilities ie rescue, being available; Max 5 separate visits to separate clubs in a membership year…host club stamps members card on arrival; Open events excluded unless host club specifically welcomes SAS participation; Entry to normal Club Racing specifically permitted. The aim here was really to offer something extra to dormant members but also perhaps to offer non travelling racers the opportunity to try racing somewhere else..perhaps with a few mates…in an environment not so intense as a formal open circuit. To entice people to get more active…variety is the spice of and all that. In the spirit of the scheme, not to be used as a poaching tool by clubs, but perhaps an incentive for clubs to ‘up their game a bit’ and, well you may lose a member or two but you may similarly gain. So, over to you peeps. Do you think your clubs would be interested in such a scheme? Would you personally pay a tenner to take part? Pro’s and cons? |
Replies:
Posted By: MerlinMags
Date Posted: 06 Jan 15 at 11:13am
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I think the open meeting system (non-members welcome to race for a day) implements most of what you are offering, doesn't it?
Many people can't be bothered to tow in order to compete in a club-level race, but the larger scale of an open meeting encourages them to travel. |
Posted By: ex laser
Date Posted: 06 Jan 15 at 11:21am
Sad to say I think mm is correct. Would like to think it could work, but I have a feeling that it would only be used by people thinking of changing clubs to check out other clubs. 
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Posted By: Rupert
Date Posted: 06 Jan 15 at 11:23am
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Also, clubs will often welcome members of other clubs onto their water for a day of sailing, sometimes for a small fee, other times simply as a guest. I believe there is (was?) something to do with RYA affiliation in this?
------------- Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686 |
Posted By: turnturtle
Date Posted: 06 Jan 15 at 11:28am
| would many clubs turn away a visitor for just one race anyway? I know Draycote has a day rate facility, probably more to do with the lease wit Severn Trent than income generation, but at a less structured club I'd have though a guest could be signed in once or twice a year . |
Posted By: iGRF
Date Posted: 06 Jan 15 at 11:51am
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We have an open door policy to visitors.
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