RYA? what does it do for powerboaters?

As a matter of interest...
What would you like the RYA to do for motorboaters that they don't do already?
And how much would you be prepared to pay for it?
 
People have a rosy tinted view of who governments listen to: it isn't us, the great unwashed voters, but instead a small and standard list of experts and lobby groups. Despite not being as vocal on some issues as I would have liked, the RYA ARE listened to by government, which isn't something we should break, imho.

They'll be permanently added to my Xmas card list if they manage to derail e-borders in it's current form.
 
An interesting discussion

Thank you to all who have contibuted to this thread so far. IN MY OWN OPINION from the Powerboaters view it demonstrates a number of things

1). Powerboaters benefit when there are coinciding issues which affect our sailing bretheren, e.g. red diesel, e-borders, training.

2). There are ways of being elected to a regional committee, BUT influencial roles are 'stuffed' with co-opted nominees from the sailing fraternity. So , without revisiting the RYA's constitution I do not think you will make much headway in changing the current approach to matters.

3). If an issue arose which related to powerboaters exclusively how actively do you think the RYA would pursue it?.

4). The magazine in its current form could do with a revamp to make it more interesting, more news, more acticles, more discussion. Currently it has all the attraction of a mouldy Kipper!. Sending to members via email (where possible) would also reduce costs and contribute to the health of the environment.

5). The void between sailors and powerboaters also needs tackling, there is unfortunately an underlying animosity between large sections of the sailing and powerboating which the RYA almost needs to address in a 'race relations' manner!.


6). Without constitutional change, Powerboating interests will always remain in the league of 'good dog' , 'heres a nice pat on the head for being a member'
 
RYA. What does it do for BOATERS?

From my totally selfish point of view as a "raggie" the RYA does very little for me. It provides bits of paper which are supposed to show my level of competence and certification re VHF etc. for which I pay a fee.

I cannot get away from the thought that the RYA is a bit like the government. In it for their own benefit or agrandisment. Just look at the "Company cars" outside the HQ.

Maybe I should put myself up for election as somebody suggested. All I need is enough voters that I can persuade to choose me. Volunteers please!

I have taken the only other action that I can to support my feelings. I cancelled my membership a couple of years ago!
 
Adrianwool said:
RYA? What does it do for powerboaters?
Click to expand...

Let me see now

• Fights of government intervention in our sport and lobbies important issues (e borders, drink driving, flare disposal etc).
• Works hard to keep boating accessible
• Helped keep the cost of diesel down for many years
• Administers a low cost, fit for purpose training scheme
• Provides a very low cost and incredibly cheap licensing system for Brits to go power boating abroad (ICC).
• Promotes a greater understanding of power boating among sailors
• Provides advice on all sorts of issues, from buying and selling a boat to travelling oversea, to VAT implications
• Works on improving safety standards (life jackets, life rafts etc)
• Runs safety campaigns (such as encouraging power boaters to use kill chords)
• Provides advice on protecting the marine environment.
• Produced some pretty good books on motor boating and power boating along with other related subjects.
• Offer support for Clubs that want to organize power boating
• Organise the Honda Youth Powerboat Challenge
• Has a cheaper membership fee than other NGB organistaions that interest some power boaters (BSAC, BWS)

The fact that they have also scored Britain an amazing result at the Olympics does not stop them from working on behalf of power boaters. Many power boaters are proud of our countries competitive sailing and can’t wait until 2012 to get out in their powerboat to spectate or even help marshal. It is worth noting that Olympic Campaign funds DO NOT come out of RYA membership fees. Your membership fees goes towards representing your sport at all levels.

Unlike a government they do not tax you at every opportunity, however ask you that show your support, join the Club and pay £39/year to help them help you.
 
Interesting reply from Doug Stormforce

Doug,
Interesting reply, however I would point out

1). Sure important to as you say ' improve the understanding of sailors re powerboaters, however, this should also be turned around such that powerboaters have an understanding of sailors, thus promoting harmony (or at least understanding) between the two groups.

2). Most of the things you state re representation are coincidental, i.e. as important to sailors as they are to powerboaters.

3). I am not aware of any scheme run by any organisation which has set out to bring power and sail users together. If this was the case, why is there so much friction between the groups?

4). Kill cords awareness is a geat thing in regard to tenders and PWC's, but the majority of motorboaters are cruising men, (as I suspect the majority of sailors are).

The RYA may very well be doing all the things you state to promote harmony, but, I would argue the PERCEPTION out there is this is not the case. Consequently, the RYA must do more to promote itself as the principal arbiter between the groups. No organisation grows on the basis of maintaining the 'status quo', rather it constantly needs to push the boundaries of what it does to move forward and maintain interest/respect.
 
I dont go along with the idea the RYA should spend its resources being the arbiter between power and sail. I dont believe their is an issue between the two interests, there are simply some people on both camps who make alot of noise. I find most boat owners to be pretty affable types, who dont have an problem.
Yea, I ve got pretty peeved on the odd occasion with a sailboat, and I dare say, I ve done a few things that irritated a sail boat, but not to the extent that I need some official body to intervene.
 
gjgm said:
Yea, I ve got pretty peeved on the odd occasion with a sailboat, and I dare say, I ve done a few things that irritated a sail boat, but not to the extent that I need some official body to intervene.
Click to expand...

Amen to that - there will always be a dissatisfied percentage, vocal but small, on both sides of the sail/mobo divide and there is nothing anyone can do about it. I suspect that they are somewhat unpleasant in their other walks of life as well - just another type you either put up with or ignore.

Of course I exclude Thames rowers from the above as they reserve a peculiar level of bile for all other river users ;-)

Joining the RYA is a choice, I choose to be a member because I reckon that they do a reasonable job and are certainly worth £39.

This discussion mirrors that between recreational pilots and their 'body' AOPA where there is a perennial beef about their role. Have a look at their site and you will see that their subs are about double those of the RYA doubtless due to the numbers involved.

Tom
 
Adrianwool said:
I would like to hear the opinion of power boaters on whether the RYA offers much to us as a fraternity. To me a lot of lip service is paid by providing courses for power boaters , but I cant but feel that the RYA's heart is not in it. This is also reflected in the RYA magazine where there is much talk of sailing and little talk of powerboating. Does anyone know the split between sailing yacht owners and powerboat owners in terms of the membership?. It sometimes seems to me that the RYA is quite happy to take your £63 per year membership money as a powerboater, and then fervently hopes you don't bother them until it is time to collect next years subs. Do we need a separate body to represent us? - discuss!
Click to expand...

I'm no fan of quangos and the RYA can seem a bit sailboat orientated but I can't believe that anyone is asking this question. As has already been pointed out, the RYA pushed thru the red diesel derogation for many years until last year when it was no longer possible. Even then, they negotiated the crucial 60/40 split with HMRC which I'm guessing has already saved most diesel boat owners far more than their annual subscription. Now they are fighting our corner against the eco loonies who would ban all boating activities from the proposed marine conservation zones. Realistically what more could you ask of them? The other boating organisations like the BMF or YBDSA do sweet fa for us
 
Doug_Stormforce said:
Let me see now

• Fights of government intervention in our sport and lobbies important issues (e borders, drink driving, flare disposal etc).
Click to expand...
Eborders is still coming, I have nowhere to dispose of my flares. Drink driving has never been a problem where I sail.... the issues that affect me such as excessive radio checks, inappropriate use of DSC by some authorities, cartel pricing by many marine manufacturers, complete and utter chaos over VAT status and poorly marked pots are all completely and utterly ignored....
• Works hard to keep boating accessible
Click to expand...
I feel that this is commercial enterprise, rather than the RYA... cheaper boats, better facilities.... can't see how the RYA has helped in any way here... the benefits have come from businesses needing to attract customers..
• Helped keep the cost of diesel down for many years
Click to expand...
You mean by encouraging derogation to remain in place?..... not sure I saw any evidence of this.... I think it was the UK tax authorities rebelling against Europe that caused this, rather than the RYA... they didn't win the argument about its removal... merely came up with a compromise....
• Administers a low cost, fit for purpose training scheme
Click to expand...
can't argue with this one... although not sure about low costs.... a YM course is an expensive undertaking these days....
• Provides a very low cost and incredibly cheap licensing system for Brits to go power boating abroad (ICC).
Click to expand...
That'll be the international requirement then.... that the RYA administers... agreed its not overly expensive, but its pretty lightweight....
• Promotes a greater understanding of power boating among sailors
Click to expand...
Does it?.... can't say i've ever seen anything that helps me as a raggie (although i'd like it)
• Provides advice on all sorts of issues, from buying and selling a boat to travelling oversea, to VAT implications
Click to expand...
Through its inadequate website?.... there is considerably, nah, dramatically more depth available through this forum, and all funded through a commercial model that is free to end users
• Works on improving safety standards (life jackets, life rafts etc)
Click to expand...
Agreed.
• Runs safety campaigns (such as encouraging power boaters to use kill chords)
Click to expand...
Agreed
• Provides advice on protecting the marine environment.
Click to expand...
BlueGreen... well thats a raging success isn't it..... if it worked on the real issues such as ships cleaning tanks i'd be more impressed
• Produced some pretty good books on motor boating and power boating along with other related subjects.
Click to expand...
At the same price, or even more that commercial offerings.... where's the benefit?
• Offer support for Clubs that want to organize power boating
Click to expand...
No experience of this, so can't comment
• Organise the Honda Youth Powerboat Challenge
Click to expand...
That I am sure Honda funds... but can't deny that its a good idea
• Has a cheaper membership fee than other NGB organistaions that interest some power boaters (BSAC, BWS)
Click to expand...
Doesn't have the regulation to deal with of the likes of BSAC though.....

The fact that they have also scored Britain an amazing result at the Olympics does not stop them from working on behalf of power boaters. Many power boaters are proud of our countries competitive sailing and can’t wait until 2012 to get out in their powerboat to spectate or even help marshal. It is worth noting that Olympic Campaign funds DO NOT come out of RYA membership fees. Your membership fees goes towards representing your sport at all levels.
Click to expand...
The whole RYA training pyramid is enormous for dinghy sailing..... it isn't all funded out of the Olympic fees surely.... what about the massive numbers of zone squads, training camps, rules development, ISAF representation, handicap administration, adjudication etc etc... I find that VERY hard to believe....

Unlike a government they do not tax you at every opportunity, however ask you that show your support, join the Club and pay £39/year to help them help you.
 
Adrianwool said:
1). Sure important to as you say ' improve the understanding of sailors re powerboaters, however, this should also be turned around such that powerboaters have an understanding of sailors, thus promoting harmony (or at least understanding) between the two groups.
Click to expand...

I think they do some of both.

2). Most of the things you state re representation are coincidental, i.e. as important to sailors as they are to powerboaters.
Click to expand...

Possibly - but we (powerboaters) still benefit.

3). I am not aware of any scheme run by any organisation which has set out to bring power and sail users together. If this was the case, why is there so much friction between the groups?
Click to expand...

It's your perception that this friction exists. It's not mine. I co-exist very happily with yotties (all sizes and types of sailing boats) I come across and, I hope, they with me.

4). Kill cords awareness is a geat thing in regard to tenders and PWC's, but the majority of motorboaters are cruising men, (as I suspect the majority of sailors are).
Click to expand...

May not be directly relevant to larger cruisers but I'd guess there are more power boats(tenders, PWCs and RIBs) with killcords than without.

The RYA may very well be doing all the things you state to promote harmony, but, I would argue the PERCEPTION out there is this is not the case. Consequently, the RYA must do more to promote itself as the principal arbiter between the groups. No organisation grows on the basis of maintaining the 'status quo', rather it constantly needs to push the boundaries of what it does to move forward and maintain interest/respect.
Click to expand...

Again, this is your perception. You don't speak for all powerboaters. I'm not a fanatical supporter of the RYA but I think that overall they do a pretty reasonable job and, in some areas (Olympic sailing for example) a bloody fantastic job. I feel that I should support them because, on the whole, all of us leisure boaters are better off with them, for all the reasons Doug (Stormforce) and Tim Bartlett outlined, than without. So, I'm happy to "pay my dues", which are really insignificant in the overall cost of boating (less than a tank of fuel for the RIB and a fraction of the annual cost of running and using a 42'er).
 
Reply from Observer

Hi,
As you quite rightly point out, I do not (and never have) claimed to represent all powerboaters, and yes these are my own perceptions. I am quite pleased though that a lively debate has ensued & believe this is of value regarding this matter. All contributions from whatever point of view have made interesting reading.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top