Club changing rooms ... are they open?

It was so busy last weekend that consideration is being given to reverting to our normal Sunday programme of half the classes sailing in the morning and half in afternoon, rather than all together in the afternoon. Duties are allocated to volunteers and are working well too with some flexibility; I have my non-sailing, adult son as my crew in the safety boat this evening for instance.

My concern, 'future-of-sailing' wise is that the restrictions we are all under will further damage double-handed boats and further increase the emphasis on single-handers. We had a lad helming a Cadet and wearing a mask on Sunday. 

Some clubs may need to change and some may struggle, but there will always be an appetite for mucking about on water.

I used to think that RS should have bought Bewl when the opportunity came up and run it like a country club with no private boat ownership and Aeros, 200s etc for hire (weekly or seasonally).  Removes the cost and burden of boat ownership, guarantees fleets, pro run with no duties for members etc.  This model might work in some exceptional locations BUT generally I think it might encourage easy come-easy go attitudes - a short term boost to numbers but with much turnover and entitled customers.  As I mature into middle-age I increasingly recognise the benefit of a community working together and volunteering time and skills to help society.  Being active in a volunteer led club is good for the soul.