Social get-togethers for motorboaters, a good idea?

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Carl MBM

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I don’t often poke my head above the forum parapet, preferring instead to pm anyone I think I can help whilst musing, from a distance, on such issues as COLREGs and what the F in Deleted User stands for.

But what I want to know is what you think about the Big Splash (www.thebigsplash.com) motorboat party happening this August. Are you going? Are you interested in such events? Is the idea of large groups of boats converging on a single marina utterly repulsive to you?

From the various conversations I have had with boatowners this summer, a social gathering for us, as opposed to the hourly sailing regattas for them, seems popular.

To be honest, I was in a quandary over the whole mobo party thing. I like boats for the simple reason that they can transport me far away from people, but I am also quite partial to a well-organised barbecue and a few beers in the cockpit. Obviously the latter won out and I am going to the party. If you’re passing, look out for the MBM crew in Cowes from the 13th – 15th August, if you’re not then feel free to tell me why.
 
The big splash is a localised event, so we prefer to organise our own up here in N Wales.

We have several a year, including winter and they are very successful if Little Ship brings enough booze.
 
intresting

Carl MBM said:
I don’t often poke my head above the forum parapet, preferring instead to pm anyone I think I can help whilst musing, from a distance, on such issues as COLREGs and what the F in Deleted User stands for.

But what I want to know is what you think about the Big Splash (www.thebigsplash.com) motorboat party happening this August. Are you going? Are you interested in such events? Is the idea of large groups of boats converging on a single marina utterly repulsive to you?

From the various conversations I have had with boatowners this summer, a social gathering for us, as opposed to the hourly sailing regattas for them, seems popular.

To be honest, I was in a quandary over the whole mobo party thing. I like boats for the simple reason that they can transport me far away from people, but I am also quite partial to a well-organised barbecue and a few beers in the cockpit. Obviously the latter won out and I am going to the party. If you’re passing, look out for the MBM crew in Cowes from the 13th – 15th August, if you’re not then feel free to tell me why.
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I think its a good idea, and if you do some friendly boat handling classes or competitions it could be a lot of fun, bit like the RYAs musters, you get to try stuff. [ there is a photo taken of me at one making an incredible face as the life jacket is inflated]
Or just some kind of a meeting where peeps get to know other boaters , friendly team quizzes are good, there are times when peeps want to go out and have no help etc and its fun to go out with others to see how they do things or their boat is compared to yours.
 
I think its a good idea, but £70.50pp ?? (x 4 = £282) this is a bit over priced I'd say which is a shame.

At the end of the day you get a BBQ, breakfast and a three course meal. I know the entertainment is also included but the venues should put that on anyway if they support the event and want to take money.

Lower the price by half and might be worth looking at !
 
Danpompey said:
I think its a good idea, but £70.50pp ?? (x 4 = £282) this is a bit over priced I'd say which is a shame.

At the end of the day you get a BBQ, breakfast and a three course meal. I know the entertainment is also included but the venues should put that on anyway if they support the event and want to take money.

Lower the price by half and might be worth looking at !
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Cough, splutter. It's even dearer than going to Little Ship. Which must be at least five quid each. Kwackers even makes a profit, with TAKEAWAYS!!
 
It's not for us I'm afraid.

Whilst we love going away with a couple of other boats (max), when we don't live in each others' pockets, but meet up for lunch/dinner and the odd trip out, the thought of being banged up with dozens of others in fancy dress and treasure hunts is not our idea of fun.

Of course, we don't have the kids with us anymore - I'm sure for families, the Big Splash will be ideal (mind, the cost equates to a lot of diesel!)
 
I always thought the whole point of having a boat was to "get away from it all", maybe meeting the occasional other boat for a drink etc.... It must be me, but I can't get enthusiastic for the herding instinct that people have in any hobby. Just like the mooring in Southampton / Hamble thing, so crowded with other boats....
 
Major Catastrophe said:
The big splash is a localised event, so we prefer to organise our own up here in N Wales.

We have several a year, including winter and they are very successful if Little Ship brings enough booze.
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Could Littleship come visit Naburn and bring enough booze?

The majority of Naburn berth holders seem to prefer beans on toast, a pipe of grottleweiler's old shag and to bed by 20:00.

There are parties on the champagne pontoons, but berthing on the cheap seats by the slip means SWMBO and I are at somewhat of a disadvantage, socially speaking.

Littleship sounds like the answer.

:D
 
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Bassplayer said:
I always thought the whole point of having a boat was to "get away from it all", maybe meeting the occasional other boat for a drink etc.... It must be me, but I can't get enthusiastic for the herding instinct that people have in any hobby. Just like the mooring in Southampton / Hamble thing, so crowded with other boats....
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Up here there are relatively few boats, compared with the Solent, that we often come together to assure ourselves that the human race is not extinct.
 
Most of ours tend to be informal affairs loosely arranged at the last minute with nothing set in stone. We've had a bit of a get together on Littleship today in Caernarfon with the Irish chapter. Very enjoyable it was too! Back in PD now!
 
MBM held a couple of really super weekends a few years back to kickstart the season. I think they were called "Shake Down Weekends"

One was held at a South Coast Hotel and one at Cowes Marina from my fading memory.

They were an excellent mix of demonstrations, teaching and socialising

I also very much enjoyed the social event put together by Brendan last year

Its a good way of meeting old friends and making new ones and it makes lazy boaters like us (Chicheser is such a honey trap) get off their backsides:o The Big Splash looks a bit to "full on" for a pair of oldies like us but looks like a great event for families

May
xx
 
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If it appeals then go for it, for myself and SWMBO, we take it as it comes and do our own thing. Strangely enough this usually ends up with us meeting some like minded people wherever we end up and often a joint meal is the result.

Suits us.

After joining various fly-ins years ago (when I used to do that sort of thing) I found that the only commonality was the fact that we flew and this never was enough to grip me. I'm the first to say that many others loved that sort of thing so it is me who is out on a limb.

To each his own and I genuinely wish the meet every success.

Tom
 
Seems far too expensive for what it is.

Would be happy to meet up with other boats in a marina and go to an organised meal or BBQ but don't like things too organised with "padding" activities.
 
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