Quick, everybody "report" everybody else!Uh oh
But seriously, the title of the thread is "Do we need...?", and besides a few such as communications, "rules of the road" and the like, "no".
Just my opinion, of course.
Do we need yacht, or yachting, protocols and do many folks really care about them?
- Thread starter Kings Gambit
- Start date
But seriously, the title of the thread is "Do we need...?", and besides a few such as communications, "rules of the road" and the like, "no".
Just my opinion, of course.
When it comes time for the El Tour de Tucson, I pretty much GOOD or stay home.
But that's only one day, and I understand your frustration if the regatta extends to a couple/few days.
Here's the NOOD schedule, so you won't be surprised.
You guys are way to serious about this. I buy ensigns and burgees for the "girlfriend" for the same reason that as I buy jewelry for my wife. It's the same reason that I lovingly buff and wax (the girlfriend, not the wife), or pay out for fancy clothing (the wife, not the girlfriend). I love them both, and want them feeling good about being in the relationship with me.
Our club stresses that while racing, boats should follow RRS. Any other boat is allowed on course, and is to be treated as an obstruction. And racers who get their knickers in a bunch are reminded: "Sorry, that's racing." And, if you think about it, how is an obstructive non-racing boat on the course really any different than your competitor getting a favorable puff when you were not in the right place? I agree some people need to get over themselves.
I did not know this. One guy I race with is a stickler for this. I never knew the reason. A lot of other guys I crew for don't know what an Ensign is.
I think some of the protocols are useful and others add color to the yachting experience. I like respecting the traditions of seagoing people. The pretense of some yacht clubs I can do without. But its not just yacht clubs. I don't feel comfortable in clubs in general. Now, they are a phalanx (Had to go to the dictionary for that one, Gunni).
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jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,876
On a halyard from the port spreader, unless you're a member of the Jolly Roger YC; then it would be on the starboard spreader.
Interesting. I am Rear Commodore of the Southern California Yachting Association. It's a coordinating body for over 90 yacht clubs in Southern California, Arizona & Nevada. At a recent Seminar, I asked the Rear Commodore's of member clubs if the formal club dress and protocols were off-putting to people and if it was a problem soliciting newer members. I had assumed it was but from the responses I got, they did not consider it so (as long as it was reserved for "special occasions"). Rather they thought the traditions were part of the fun. I'm sure we are more casual on the left coast generally, but there is still a lot of tradition. I know the NOSA people who sponsor the Newport Beach to Ensenada, Mexico annual race abandoned the blazers several years ago in an attempt to broaden appeal and be more inviting to younger boaters. I don't really have a horse in this race beyond wanting to help member clubs in terms of their recruitment. I do think some tradition is part of sailing generally and adds to the enjoyment.
Rick and Dave's comments lead me to think how this appears to new boaters, particularly if these traditions are negative or expensive. It is difficult from the "inside" to feel the weight of exclusions, such as having the right clothes or knowing the secret handshake. I suppose at some time all of us have been put off because insiders used special 'markers' such as language or dress to mark the boundaries of their club. If we meet outsiders with a supercilious attitude like an old teacher, we could discourage people from becoming sailors. How would you have felt the first time you got on a boat if every time you asked a question you got a comment about the "aft lea shroud" or some other obscure term? How would you feel taking up a sport if someone looked down on you because you hadn't bought the $350 SpinLock PFD (with harness)? We need to be more inviting, or we'll end up being grandfathers sailing alone.
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I was kind of joking. But stigma can still be inviting. Teaching someone the ropes tends to lock people in - saying hey, you are valuable enough for me to teach you. Once you start learning, you gain an identity that makes you very loyal. Most newbies are looking for identity. You give them one, and they won't want to loose it. No condescension, just a hey we want you to be part of the club, which is why we invest in teaching you. If there is nothing to teach, then the identity is lost and so is the newbie.
Jackdaw was once talking about the success of his club, Wayzata Yact Club, and how a main focus of this is racing. They have upwards of 150 boats on 3 courses for a typical race day. I'm sure there is much teaching happening. Interesting to think of a new sailor's motivation from the standpoint of the learner feeling valued when a teacher invests time and attention in them. I will bring this up to our own Fleet Council.
The above remarks on teaching are true that an investment of interest in an inquiring, perhaps young, person to help that person learn "the ropes" of sailing can be productive and rewarding to all. And cliquish-ness among existing members toward newbies is definitely off-putting, and should be avoided. Certainly, if you heard "teach me about protocol (or any other topic) b/c I wish to learn all about it" you would, gladly, do so. But would you be just as likely to reach out to someone seemingly indifferent to learning about a subject and try to get 'em "enthused" about it? (This is the teaching challenge of today.) True, I learned from others--master sailors--and I still do. I joined a cruising club in FL before even owning a boat. When the club did sail-outs my wife and I charted to be able to accompany and learn from them. We did not sit around complaining that no one paid much attention to us boat-less newbies. It might be a generational thing; I don't know. I agree that learning protocol is part of the fun of yachting. I get a kick out of hoisting my own private flag. For even more fun I sometimes raise the "P" flag (called the Blue Peter in certain applications) when at the dock and preparing to get underway (not that anyone except the admiral has the slightest clue as to what it means). I carry a key to the burgees of the yacht clubs of Southern California so if someone comes in (to an anchorage) with one I don't recognize I can look it up. If it's not in the book, then they're likely from out of area. This offers a unique opening to meet and greet traveling sailors along the CA coast, etc. More fun stuff to do; so why avoid learning about it?
I am preparing to sail or put to sea.
I am preparing to sail or put to sea.
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Thanks for catching my typo, justsomeguy. Sometimes the keys move faster than the brain. Guess that's why I like moving at no faster than 7.5 knots - I can process things at that speed.
