Yachties, Sailors, Club Members, do you Belong?

[John Buckham]

Yacht Clubs...

We do not belong to any Yacht Clubs anymore. Enough was enough. Each club has it’s own personality, often, unfortunately, they are “good old boys clubs” and of little utility to those of us whose main interest is sailing. Not all Yacht clubs are like this though. The less they have the better the members seem to be, less “snobbish”.Since these clubs usually have an expensive clubhouse; to belong can cost a lotta loot. I have never been treated badly by a club when we arrive on my boat flying our clubs burgee. When we have shown up by car to visit our experance varies. Clubs visited have always offered to let us use one of their births if we arrived by boat-if they had one available. If not they’d find a place at the marina for us.As for club culture there seems to be cliques of people and sailors with various backgrounds and interests, all at the same club, in different parts of the room not talking to each other. The down to earth guys like you and I don’t seem to mix well with pretentious “holey than thou” types that appear to be bolted down fixtures at every club.Ask them about their boat sometime. Sometimes all wind and no sheet. If you distill all of the mystique out of it, it’s just a private theme bar….

 

[Bob]

The ULTIMATE YC

I am a former member of the ULTIMATE YC. Some of our members wore the required double-breasted blue blazer, festooned with pins of past "regattas", some didn't. We had reciprocal agrements with the majority of like clubs, although some didn't care for our method of propulsion (similar to the feelings of the sport fish crowd).Many of us would congregate at the clubhouse and hoist a few; my favorite was known as "The Goat Locker". There we would pat ourselves on the back and solve the worlds problems and probably create a few with the leaders of the club. I finally hung up my hat, and settled down with a less boistrous crowd. See, there is a club for everybody, if that's what you want. Myself, I've found almost the same camaraderie with a local cruising club and other assorted dock riff-raff.Just enjoy...

 

[Bruce Lounsbury]

Good old club

Sorry that you visited the wrong clubs. I have been a member of the Fayerweather Yacht club in Bridgeport Ct. for 30 years and have found it to be rather like a group of close friends, Sure there are always those who think that they are above God, but the majority of its members are a good wholesome family of members that appreciate the fact that they are granted the ability to share space in a clean enviroment with people that have similar interests in the sailing profession as themselves. If you look a little farther than the more snooty clubs, I am sure that you will find a simmilar situation as have I. Best of luck. Bruce Lounsbury

 

[Jim Bailey]

Nope. Don't really care to. I've had friends that have, and been with them as their guests. Met some nice folks, and some not so nice. Just hope those that feel the need to sit at a bar andtell "Sea Stories", stay there, leave the boat tied up safe and sound. That makes it just that much safer for the rest of us that are out doing what we like to do best. Enjoy the water! Oh yes, I've seen marinas that take a dim view on derelict junky boats too. If you can't take pride in your boat, sell it to someone that will.Kevin, just keep on looking. There are those that feel the need to be important, and dressing, actions, and words don't mean they are. I'm sure lots of folks have the same kind of people in, at, and around their place of employment.

 

[Michael Hahn]

Find a different club

You need to visit other clubs before becoming totally turned off by them. I've been a member of Ok.City Boat Club for 12 years and it has been the greatest experience ever. With a maximum of only 200 member you begin to know everyone personally and they eventually become as a large extended family. As a total volunteer club you share the burdens and the glories of an extremely active club. Being involved in a club of this caliber allows one to race with, celebrate with, and even mourn with some of the finest individuals anywhere.

 

[Wynn Ferrel]

Yacht Clubs - Golf Clubs

Aren't there the same similiarities between yacht clubs and golf clubs? The are organizations to further the interests of their membership --- the membership who is paying the bills. Both organizations likely own and manage large assets on behalf of their memberships and both are likely steered by committees and officers elected by the membership --- and yacht clubs, like golf clubs (at least in my experience with my golf club) can get off course and their agenda misguided because the less active membership fails to rein in more acive members with their own personal agendas. But, in the end, both serve a useful function and fullfill the needs of their membership, no matter the social level. But, I can't close this message without commenting (in a reasonably civil tone) on Clyde's message. Clyde, you are rude, condescending and arrogant. I hope that life continues to bless you to the extent that it apparently has, but in the event it does not, be prepared to learn some hard, yet worthwhile lessons. You have much to learn about life and people. I am disappointed that your email was allowed to remain on this site. I, and I hope others, are offended by your message and your tone.Wynn FerrelS/V Tranquility

 

[SailboatOwners.com]

Final results

Final results for the Quick Quiz ending 5/13/2001:Do you belong to a yacht or sailing club?46% No37% Yes, for the camaraderie11% Yes, for cheap morring06% Yes, for the education