Joining a yacht club

John35

John35

Member
Joined
8 Nov 2008
Messages
28
Visit site
Was looking at joining my local yacht club (Medway Yacht club) but to join I need a proposer and seconder.
So 1st question if I don't know anyone in the yacht club how can I get a proposer and seconder.
2nd question Since I am a non-boat owner is it worth joining. At the moment I would like to increase my mileage (free crewing), learn about the maintenance of boats and of course the social side of things.

So should I bother?......
 
Not being a member of any yacht club (or any other club) I don't claim to be an expert.

But - if you want to join a club and don't know any members, talk to the secretary. They have procedures for this.

As far as the Medway yacht club is concerned - well - some clubs will be able to help you with what you want to do and others will be a waste of time. I have no idea how that particular club operates. I suspect the best club for someone hoping for what you want is the "self help" club where members join together to do whatever needs doing, rather than paying a big sub to have someone else do it. Great way to get to know people, especially if you are willing to put in some work and time. A good natter with the secretary should help with that, too.

But I would be wary of paying a big sub without being pretty sure the club offers what you want.
 
clubs always ask for a proposer and seconder but every one I've ever joined (OK mostly not posh) have then ignored the requirement or alternativley the mem sec has done the deed himself. talk to them and find out.

If you are just starting out, clubs are brilliant. Not only for crewing but for everything you lean in the bar and about the yard . Much the best way to start sailing.
 
John,

Medway is an excellent club and there will be no problems in their finding a proposer and seconder.

BUT come down the river a little and join a really great outfit at Hoo Ness Yacht Club- we will sort out the nitty gritty- no hassle- PM with your telephone number- you can be sure of a warm welcome
 
With my vast experience of a couple of months at a Sailing Club I can tell you a couple of things.
Many clubs are suffering lower memberships due to the current financial situation. So they want members.
Some prefer only members with boats, but it may depend how big the clubhouse is (don't want to overcrowd it) as to what their maximum membership is.
Drop by and grab a committee member (just ask) explain your position and ask how to go about becoming a member. If he likes the cut of your jib (been dying to use that expression for ages) he'll propose you himself and grab another committee member to second you.
If that doesn't happen
a) They have a full membership.
b) They are arseholes (too tied up in procedure and etiquette).
c) You are an arsehole (don't answer this one if you feel it doesn't apply, it still may be "b")

This is all my own opinion of course, but I was in a Motorclub for many years and held all the committee posts (Chairman twice) so have a feel for nice clubs and haughty ones. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
None of the above applies to us, I am proud to say.

I am a committee member to boot ( but only if you do it gently!)
 
[ QUOTE ]
At the moment I would like to increase my mileage (free crewing), learn about the maintenance of boats and of course the social side of things.So should I bother?......

[/ QUOTE ]

The Crewing Service of the Cruising Association provides a wider spectrum of experienced skippers offering berths without finding yourself in the bar of your local club having to touch the forelock to snotty officials.
Not snotty? But after the AGM the next lot might be!

Have boat? Need cheap mooring? I take it all back!
 
[ QUOTE ]
John,

Medway is an excellent club and there will be no problems in their finding a proposer and seconder.

BUT come down the river a little and join a really great outfit at Hoo Ness Yacht Club- we will sort out the nitty gritty- no hassle- PM with your telephone number- you can be sure of a warm welcome

[/ QUOTE ]

many thanks for the invite. I will pop down tomorrow and have a look. I didn't know you existed. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif If the boss is happy and I get authorised to join I will PM my number.
 
Some of the boats are away, visiting Burnham for the Bank Holiday and HW being about 0813 means those who are going to have lunch downriver will be out by that time and back early evening.

However, there will be quite a few readying their craft to launch, so there will be quite a bit of activity.

Don't feel at a loss, give me a call ( I'm planning to sail downriver early for a lunch stop at Stangate Creek midday and returning on the tide later) and I'll suggest a few names to ask for so that you can introduce yourself and have a pint. The bar opens 1200hrs and Christine, in the galley, will provide you with a snack if you wish

http://www.hooness.org.uk/
 
Hi, we at Hoo Ness YC, just down stream from Medway can certainly offer Associate membership for those with no boat and you would be very welcome, while I, as a boat owner, at the club; am always happy to swap crew places for anyone keen enough to learn a bit about maintenance.
 
I'm a clubby person, have belonged (and still belong) to a few. The more you put in the more you get out. We've made lifelong friends at various sailing clubs.
And Hoo Ness is a cracking example - down to earth, friendly, and certainly the one that I would join if I kept my boat round there (if they'd have me! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif)
 
Many thanks for such a fulsome recommendation- and of course we'd love to have you as a member if and when the times comes.

John35 came to give us the once over with his family today, and as I had cried off the Stangate Creek picnic plan I was pleased to show him round,
 
[ QUOTE ]
I had cried off the Stangate Creek picnic plan

[/ QUOTE ]

Not very dependable members there though /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
It was blooming cold and I didn't fancy sitting in the cockpit eating salad and shivering!! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Other threads that may be of interest

M
Galeon in the 50ft Class – Hoping to Borrow a Bit of Owner Wisdom
Replies
4
Views
369
Elessar
Elessar
A
HELP! Trapper 300 Restoration - Seeking Blueprints for a Unique Family Yacht!
Replies
2
Views
268
Neeves
N

Share this page

Top