Diversity and lack of it

Originally posted by Mark Aged 42

Originally posted by Mark Aged 42

Back on track for a moment. As an earlier poster wrote, most people get into sailing because their family already sails. So how to entice a Chinese family, a Pakistani family, a black family into the unfamiliar world of sailing? What do they see when they look at a sailing club on a busy day? Apart from the lack of people from their own community, they see a lot of people doing incomprehensible, technical things in complex toys. Its daunting. Add in the perceived elitist reputation of sailing clubs, and we have the current situation. Its much easier to go to Halfords (LBS are available!) and buy some bikes for outdoor family sport.

Absolutely right Mark. The sport generally regards itself as very welcoming and inclusive to everyone, but the perception looking from outside of the sport is just the opposite. That's not to say its a unique issue. Attending a Womens Institute meeting could feel just as intimidating to an otherwise 'tough guy', just because it's outside his comfort zone.
There does seem to be some anecdotal evidence that having sailing club facilities used by other parts of the community out with normal sailing times (music groups, toddler groups etc using it for meetings etc) helps break down any negative perceptions locally.