RYA Membership: What's In It For Me?

[ditchcrawler]

I discussed with an acquaintance who is on the RYA East committee some of the aspects of influence and participation that the RYA is involved in. At the time they were heavily involved in the Marine Conservation Zone negotiations for the region and were successful in limiting the effects in our area.
I was unaware of the amount of work that had been put in and asked why they did not publicise their efforts more forcibly as generally this sort of work goes unheralded and unknown even to members.
He said that it was always a problem as in Committees with Quangos and the like people (particularly Government Representatives) would not like for it to be seen that they had given way in negotiations and if it was publicised they would dig their heels in the next time.
The approach does work but it also means that many boaters are completely unaware of the work that goes on in the background and leads people to consider that the RYA are "Overpaid Blazers"
I have been a member for many years and whilst I am boating am happy to contribute to the effort in a small way.

 

[laika]

They fight the likes of the RSPB and the Ramblers and the environmentalists.

I suggest that the RYA attempt to balance desires for leisure use with the needs of the environment. If I'm wrong and it is indeed as you say (i.e. putting these beardy hippies in their place) do let me know and I can send back my membership card.

Didn't know about the Cherbourg discount, thanks for that

I suspect that Cherbourg would give you a discount for membership of the Tufty club: they seem to consult a very long list when you ask for a discount (WOA are on their, as are quite a few other owners' associations).

 

[Sgeir]

I'd guess that most RYA members in here don't get any real personal benefit from membership. However, it's a bit like trade union membership where most members are content to financially support an organisation that looks after our collective interests even if we never need to personally call upon their services.

 

[Angele]

I'd guess that most RYA members in here don't get any real personal benefit from membership. However, it's a bit like trade union membership where most members are content to financially support an organisation that looks after our collective interests even if we never need to personally call upon their services.

+1

I've been a member of the RYA for a dozen or so years. I'm absolutely convinced that, during that time, the benefits I have received (and which I could not have received via other means) have come nowhere close to the aggregate membership fees I have paid. For example, as Laika points out, you don't have to be a member of the RYA to get that 10% off in Cherbourg. Membership of any club would do. Just make one up if you aren't, because they don't ask to see a membership card.

But, I have been, and remain, a member of the RYA for the greater good of the sailing fraternity. (And motor boaters too....)

 

[johnalison]

Cherbourg will give a discount to members of many clubs and organisations. Most of them are South Coast clubs, but the HR owners that I belong to also get it.

 

[Habebty]

I've been a member for 16 years and take the view that membership is for the collective good rather than personal gain, although the the sail number, the ICC, the training, etc. Have all been pluses.
Their magazine is still crap though

 

[Deleted member 36384]

A lot of good discount, especially if you are at Gold level, some of the instructor deals are excellent.

http://www.rya.org.uk/membership/benefits/Pages/your-benefits.aspx

However, the main thing is the stuff in the background as others have said, the representation that the RYA makes in all sorts of areas. They are responsible for avoiding compulsory licences and registration schemes. I understand that a lot of what they do is to influence positions and generally dispel perceptions that might generate restrictions i.e. stop a potential issue long before the fighting stage. Worth every penny in my opinion, a member for well over 20 years now. I also like the fact that we are not bad at competitive sailing as well, a lot of which is to do with their racing focus.