Are you part of a formal group of sailors
- Thread starter Ken Cross
- Start date
I was a loner sailing when I was younger. It was a welcome relief from work. Later, I joined a yacht club. I have belonged to one or another for 36 years, and even founded one. It has provided an additional avenue for cruising, racing and social interaction. I would recommend trying one.
A little bit of both and much of neither. 
No "clubhouse" but the C34 IA and local Fleet 1, with many members in yacht clubs, we get to "sample" them all!
No "clubhouse" but the C34 IA and local Fleet 1, with many members in yacht clubs, we get to "sample" them all!
I sail for the solitude and freedom to escape humanity for short periods of time. Those that want the social aspect enjoy. Me I have to go my own way.
Member of Austin Sailing Society, no dues, sort of informal. I'm a skipper so I can take guests if I want or not.
http://www.meetup.com/AustinSailingSociety/
http://www.meetup.com/AustinSailingSociety/
My yacht club has a diverse membership. While most of the members live and boat near the club, there are several who rarely visit the club and keep their boats in another harbor. We even have a bunch of members who have joined for the social aspects.
The big advantage of a club is the depth of knowledge about sailing and boating that the members possess. When you need hand with something, there is usually someone around who is willing to lend a hand. Club members will often watch out for member's boats during storms or just in general. If a member sees something amiss with your boat, they will either contact you or take care of it for you.
If you want to race, then club membership is essential as most clubs won't allow nonmembers to compete in their local racing.
If you cruise, in most regions clubs offer reciprocal privileges. You can visit another club and stay at their docks and use their facilities for no charge.
Yacht club bars are often less expensive than local bars.
All volunteer clubs often have a requirement or expectation that you volunteer for work parties, regattas, or committees. It is important for the club's functioning and for meeting other sailors.
For me, the biggest advantage is the knowledge base of the club members.
The big advantage of a club is the depth of knowledge about sailing and boating that the members possess. When you need hand with something, there is usually someone around who is willing to lend a hand. Club members will often watch out for member's boats during storms or just in general. If a member sees something amiss with your boat, they will either contact you or take care of it for you.
If you want to race, then club membership is essential as most clubs won't allow nonmembers to compete in their local racing.
If you cruise, in most regions clubs offer reciprocal privileges. You can visit another club and stay at their docks and use their facilities for no charge.
Yacht club bars are often less expensive than local bars.
All volunteer clubs often have a requirement or expectation that you volunteer for work parties, regattas, or committees. It is important for the club's functioning and for meeting other sailors.
For me, the biggest advantage is the knowledge base of the club members.
Keep my boat with the commercial fleet. Gets a little beat up sometimes but no problem just drop another tire down. Guess their sort or a club just a little rough around the edges.
I really can't stand organized crime so don't belong to a club that's the best way I know of to kill a hobby or sport for me .....but I am a member of the best sailing forum (SBO) on land or water
Woodster, you've got too many likes for me to add another.
Ahh, WTH.
Ahh, WTH.
Wasn't it Groucho who said that he wouldn't be part of any organization that would have him?
There. Lets get some likes happening!
There. Lets get some likes happening!
Belong to both the Kent Island Sail and Power Squadron and the Hunter Sailing Association #1 in Annapolis. Spend some time doing their group events, educational meetings, manning the group booth at the boat shows, etc. Also spend at least as much time out on our own in one of our favorite anchorages. with some buddy boating with another member or two. Also do a WGW (We Guys Wednesday) of KNSPS members on the same Wednesday as the KNSPS ladies do their luncheon. WGW lunches in season are often done day sailing with fellow members. Find it all very beneficial and never lack for a friend to call to help on a boat project.
I belong to a small club. I like to do some racing, and it's fun to hang out with other sailors. Have met some nice people that way.
I belong to a yacht club that owns its docks and premises. Actually, it's a "self help" club that built everything from the ground up 35 years ago. I have been in few marina's that compare to our club's facilities. There are many knowledgeable and capable people to hang with or help solve/fix just about everything and anything. Active racing fleet and many club cruises to participate in. Active social life - but not overly formal. Great reciprocal's around both shores of Lake Ontario too.
Chris
Chris
Actually clubs aren't the best way to ruin a hobby. the #1 would be to make a business out of your hobby.
BTDT,
Russ