UK Fireball Association introduces new membership classification

Fireball Inlands at Draycote Water © Paul Moreau

With immediate effect, the UK Fireball Association has introduced a new membership classification. The association is a broad church that seeks to promote the class and Fireball sailing – be it competitive or just for fun - at both club and championship level.

However, most club Fireballers - who tend to have no interest in sailing in the National Championship or in international regattas - presently choose not to support UKFA feeling the annual subscription rate cannot be justified.

To encourage club sailors to join the association a new 'Local Member' classification has been introduced. For just £8 p.a. a Local Member will be able to take advantage of almost everything the association offers including discount schemes, participation in training events and the right to down load Fireball e-News. They will be eligible to participate in Golden Dolphin open meetings and the Inland Championship. However, they will not be eligible to sail in the National Championship or in international championships without upgrading to 'Full' (or 'Junior') membership.

It is hoped this initiative will encourage those club sailors who enjoy sailing their Fireballs to feel they are now able to support the association which, in turn, will help further the interests of the class and to safeguard its future. In purely financial terms, the cost of Local membership is easily recovered from taking advantage of the association's discount schemes so it really is a win-win situation!

Further details on all membership classifications, guidance on how to join the association and what action to take when moving from one membership classification to another may be found on the UKFA website in the Membership and Events sections.

www.fireballsailing.org.uk

Colin Snowdon, who sails at Draycote Water SC, became UKFA's first Local Member when he signed up within hours of details being announced. He commented "For the price of two drinks you can now be a member of UKFA. Absolute bargain. I think the new local membership will appeal to a lot of club sailors who don't do the worlds or nationals. The direct debit took a minute to sort out on line and I'll get a notification email every year when it's due."

Fireball Inlands at Draycote Water - photo © Paul Moreau