miket
Well-Known Member
Wow!!!!!!!!!
I'm exhausted reading through that lot!
In one thread way back, Byron elluded that I might be able to comment on a rule about attending a certain number of events each year as a term of membership.
As a past Commodore of UTMYC, way back in 1996, the clubs 50th anniversary, I can confirm that no such rule exists. For those either with a club mooring at Sonning, or on the waiting list for same, you are "encouraged" to attend a reasonable number of events each year. There is no specific number mentioned. Bearing in mind the very reasonable cost of these moorings and their short supply, it seems fair that they should only be available to those that have in the past, and continue to, actively support the club.
Few clubs have the facility of their own moorings and no one has to my knowledge ever objected to this very loose requirement.
Dress code? UTMYC has changed enormously over my term of 25 years membership. It used to be more formal, but still only at a small number of annual events. The vast majority of the time we wear jeans/ casual wear, as you might at home.
I suspect that most gentlemen taking their nearest and dearest out for the evening will decide (between them) the appropriate level of dress. Often the ladies make rather more effort than their menfolk (or so my wife often tells me!!) and it is often similar at club events.
We always try to suggest dress codes for events and the reason is nothing more than saving embarrassment to newer members who are unaware. I suspect most of us would feel uncomfortable attending an event in jeans if the majority of others were wearing "smart casual"?!
Personally, I rarely wear a blazer (or Reefer, smoked or worn!). I much prefer a sweater of open kneck shirt.
When the club is out on the river for a bankside BBQ or similar there is no expected dress. Wear what is comfortable.
A great many people (boat clubs, golf clubs, bowls, tennis, etc) like a little "tradition" but common sense dictates that life is more informal nowadays and a sensible balance is required. I am sure most clubs are aware of this.
The bottom line is that everyone has a choice! If you think that club boating might appeal, go and visit when an event is in process. Phone the secretary and ask. Most clubs have a contact number on their websites. UTMYC and I expect the others too, request potential new members to visit the club first. If you like what you see, then you may wish to join. If not, don't! It is your choice.
We are currently boating in Holland, returning to Sonning this autumn. We have enjoyed Holland hugely but we do miss the camaraderie of Thames boaters and especially UTMYC friends.
We have learnt a lot through entry into boat handling competitions. I feel it has enhanced our boating enjoyment because I am confident of being able to deal with the majority of boaty situations. There is no necessity, but that was my choice.
We have enjoyed visits to other Thames clubs over the years too. We have always been welcomed and enjoyed their hospitality.
Enough rambling!
I like boat clubs, but they are not for everyone. There are many more boat owners that do not belong to clubs.
Something to do with "freedom of choice"?!
I'm exhausted reading through that lot!
In one thread way back, Byron elluded that I might be able to comment on a rule about attending a certain number of events each year as a term of membership.
As a past Commodore of UTMYC, way back in 1996, the clubs 50th anniversary, I can confirm that no such rule exists. For those either with a club mooring at Sonning, or on the waiting list for same, you are "encouraged" to attend a reasonable number of events each year. There is no specific number mentioned. Bearing in mind the very reasonable cost of these moorings and their short supply, it seems fair that they should only be available to those that have in the past, and continue to, actively support the club.
Few clubs have the facility of their own moorings and no one has to my knowledge ever objected to this very loose requirement.
Dress code? UTMYC has changed enormously over my term of 25 years membership. It used to be more formal, but still only at a small number of annual events. The vast majority of the time we wear jeans/ casual wear, as you might at home.
I suspect that most gentlemen taking their nearest and dearest out for the evening will decide (between them) the appropriate level of dress. Often the ladies make rather more effort than their menfolk (or so my wife often tells me!!) and it is often similar at club events.
We always try to suggest dress codes for events and the reason is nothing more than saving embarrassment to newer members who are unaware. I suspect most of us would feel uncomfortable attending an event in jeans if the majority of others were wearing "smart casual"?!
Personally, I rarely wear a blazer (or Reefer, smoked or worn!). I much prefer a sweater of open kneck shirt.
When the club is out on the river for a bankside BBQ or similar there is no expected dress. Wear what is comfortable.
A great many people (boat clubs, golf clubs, bowls, tennis, etc) like a little "tradition" but common sense dictates that life is more informal nowadays and a sensible balance is required. I am sure most clubs are aware of this.
The bottom line is that everyone has a choice! If you think that club boating might appeal, go and visit when an event is in process. Phone the secretary and ask. Most clubs have a contact number on their websites. UTMYC and I expect the others too, request potential new members to visit the club first. If you like what you see, then you may wish to join. If not, don't! It is your choice.
We are currently boating in Holland, returning to Sonning this autumn. We have enjoyed Holland hugely but we do miss the camaraderie of Thames boaters and especially UTMYC friends.
We have learnt a lot through entry into boat handling competitions. I feel it has enhanced our boating enjoyment because I am confident of being able to deal with the majority of boaty situations. There is no necessity, but that was my choice.
We have enjoyed visits to other Thames clubs over the years too. We have always been welcomed and enjoyed their hospitality.
Enough rambling!
I like boat clubs, but they are not for everyone. There are many more boat owners that do not belong to clubs.
Something to do with "freedom of choice"?!
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