re-joining the RYA ?

[sarabande]

After twenty years or so outside the fold, I'm wondering about re-joining.


What are the real advantages to the average wrinkly in a wooden boat ?


The website seems to be a mass of spin, very professionally put together, but what does the RYA do for you, and what practical opportunities are there for bending one's shoulder to the oars ?

 

[rivonia]

DO NOT JOIN AS THEY ARE BIG WITH LIES.

I am a yachtmaster offshore took the full course at Intec Maritime College in South Africa. When I applied as a member to RYA for the ticket for the french canals I was refused as when they checked my YMOS; They said we phoned a Mr H. Maxwell and he had not heard of me!!!

MISS HEATHER MAXWELL WAS THE PRINCIPLE;; NOT Mr Maxwell. So a pack of lies.

I will never ever join or rcomend the RYA>

Sorry for my rant but it had to be said.

Fair winds

Peter

 

[VicS]

The misunderstanding about Rivonia's case aside.
I may be a bit hard of hearing, Mr. Rivonia, but not so deaf that you have to shout

Id think there is little benefit to the owner of a wrinkly old wooden boat.

Mostly concerned with high end sporting activities.

Been meaning to terminate my membership for ages.

wanna second had RYA flag ... old design

 

[rickym]

IMHO they offer little for the cruising yachtsman and not much for the racing variety either.

Just paid £40 for an ICC renewal but wouldn't consider joining.

 

[fireball]

With Gold membership (time served - not level of membership fee!) we got 25% discount off our winter berthing last year ... more than paid for the RYA membership fee ...

On the face of it for the individual there is little direct benefit (save for the above and similar) - but they are there to represent and protect the interests of the boating fraternity - members or not.

 

[Tranona]

Bit like the (old style) AA in a way and many other special interest related groups there is often little immediate tangible benefit for an individual member unless you are deeply immersed in a specific activity like racing or training. As Fireball says there can be direct financial benefits by way of discounts or additional free services. I get a discount on my insurance and when I kept my boat in Corfu, the discount on my marina fees was about 4 times my RYA subscription. Plus £8 a year saving on the ICC renewal cost.

However, it does give you access to specialist advice should you need it, and most of all the organisation does do a lot to keep legislation at bay. Remember we have no compulsory registration, insurance, testing, inspections, licencing, drink boating legislation, and no doubt the environmental legislation could be more damaging to boating if the RYA was not representing boating interests. If you are a user of red diesel, the RYA was party to the agreement on the lower rate of tax than the EU would like.

So, whether you join/rejoin depends on two things - are you looking for immediate financial benefits or are you prepared to make a contribution to supporting their work (not always successful) in representing general boating interests.

 

[haydude]

What are the real advantages to the average wrinkly in a wooden boat ?

Perhaps it is only indirectly that I benefit of the RYA activities. As a member the advantages are few beyond some free certificates and renewals.

I joined for only one year when I started sailing in the UK and I soon realized that the membership did not provide me with anything I needed.

 

[Davy_S]

I have always been a member of the RYA, Of course I now live abroad, this has been no problem to the RYA, I get everything I need from them posted, ie my ICC. Many years ago I requested help from them re a legal type matter, have to say, they were very proffesional and helped me a great deal, over and beyond the call of duty.
They may not appeal to everyone, i simply feel we have to have someone who represents all lovers of the water whatever type of boat.
I will continue to support them.

 

[maxi77]

If you are interested talk to the RYA and perhaps your local area people too. There are several loud individuals here who clearly have had their run ins with them but in general if you need help they do have very good resources available.