RYA - I take it back

[Guest]

They do a lot of good and are of immense value to the sport - particularly by way of their lobbying and training programs.

What they don't excel at particulalry is delivering direct - tangible - benefits to a member (say, compared to the Cruising Association with their libray, discount hotel in London etc.).

Is that a fairer approach?

 

[PhilipStapleton]

Much fairer

Why don't you view your subscription as a charitable donation to help deliver those services? After all, you don't get any direct benefit from an RNLI sub either (except their magazine is a tad more interesting)

 

[tony_brighton]

I rather think its a case of hoping not to get a benefit from the RNLI sub.

 

[JeremyF]

I agree with your general perception that it is a Good Thing, something of a venerable institution that does Good Stuff, but when I was a member it didn't seem to actually effect my sailing life, to the best of my knowledge.

A bit like the monarchy, really. Perhaps its appropriate that Princess Anne is patron!

But, at least I could choose to drop my membership of RYA, whereas I think we've got little chance to decide on the future of the monarchy!

Jeremy Flynn

www.yacht-goldeneye.co.uk

 

[Guest]

Failed to save Finisterre though !

What is next to fall to political correctness then ?

How long before 'Thames- Dover- Wight' becomes ' Mud- Booze Run-Fightforamarinaberth'

Seriously though we seem to live in an age where we are socially conditioned to look at the negative side of life all the time. If there are ten things going right and one thing wrong, we tend to draw attention to what is wrong. I think we are the worst country in Europe for this and can largely blame the media industry ( excluding that nice Mr Jermain and his superb Mag of course). Mr Paxman and his ilk have never done a damn thing in this life but feel they have the right to bash anyone who is willing to have a go at making a change. I did not vote for Tone & Co but they have my full support and sympathy for at least trying to make some change, but every move gets the 'analysis by paralysis' treatment by our unelected, self righteous, know all, I'am the greatest, glad I'am so bloody wonderful, never had a proper job, never run a business, never had to fight for my country............

Anyway, I can see those blokes in white coats from the sanitorium and have found me again in this Internet Cafe so I will have to go......

 

[johndf]

I'd agree totally with your revised assessment. I get much more tangible benefit from the Cruising Association, but still appreciate what you mention about the RYA. Inland waterways users who are in the RYA wouldnot seem to agree with us though, judging by the vitriolic traffic which used to appear on the RYA message list. It's gone rather quiet in the last few months, fortunately!

 

[Guest]

I'm surprised that nobody has metioned the £5 blue spot books allocation each year. My desk hasn't been without an RYA Diary for years - which reduces my annual sub by about £4.75. That's tangible enough for me. When I could afford to travel to England from Cornwall and guarantee a train back home I used to use the RYA lounge at LIBS, too. I agree with all the benefits posted by others, too, but then I would, wouldn't I (?), having been a Yachtmaster Examiner for 25 years! Educate before Legislate, Training Divisions unoffical motto.

 

[Guest]

Of course they do some good for us all, but could they not do better?

The RYA has got too bureaucratic, too big to be effective, trying to be all things to all. What did they have to get involved with windsurfers and jetskis for?

And that awful magazine!! Time for an urgent bit of surgery.

Please, some better catering at the boat show lounge.

Good things:

The legal department. I think this goes from strength to strength.

Any more? Some of the booklets are not bad.

I think the racing boys get their money's worth.

William Cooper

 

[Guest]

Good point Bill

Why does the Royal YACHTING Association concern itself with jetskis? I would guess this has been said before ad nauseam, huh?

 

[johndf]

Jetskis

Pity they don't concern themselves with banning them instead!

 

[Peegee]

Re: Jetskis

Have been a member some time.
Last year I had a legitimate (and I thought interesting !) query which I e-mailed to the cruising dept.
After approx ten days and no answer I e-mailed again asking if they had received original and could they acknowledge.
Had a terse reply " We acknowledge your e-mail ! "
Eventually I received a proper reply , but, again it was short and sweet and only suggested I obtain one of their booklets.
As it happens after a good deal of investigating I have found out a great deal more than , I think , even the RYA know, but I'm sure that they are not realy interested.
So.. No!, I am not impressed with their service to the membership, They do have to offer more than just a stock " See leaflet number etc. etc." if they are going to keep me as a member.

 

[claymore]

They could deliver all you say - in line with the Cruising Association - but that isn't within the constitution of any National Authority. If it were, there would naturally have to be an increase in subscriptions - then you'd really have a moan!
regards
JS

 

[Guest]

It\'s not the money!

£10 or £50 -- makes no difference. What does a memeber of the RYA get which a no-member doesn't?

Training? No!

Books? No!

Web site content? No!

Sail Numbers? No!

RYA boatshow lounge? No ... having been in for the past four boatshows as a guest

Car window sticker? Yes (and a very nice one it is too)

... in actual fact my original posting didn't question the usefulness of the RYA but only of RYA membership. Of course one couldn't happen without the other. So memebership is really a method of encouraging charitable donations on a recurring basis - exactly like RNLI membership in which an Offshore member has simply given more to their (thoroughly worthy) cause. This does not belittle the RYA, though.