Social get-togethers for motorboaters, a good idea?

[Kawasaki]

Went to a do at Preston docks yesterday, forgot to take the boat but loads of mates did.

That would be an Armada of 2 then

 

[Scaramoosh]

The Big Splash

We are going and I know about another 5 boats who will be there as well.

Given the cost of berths in Cowes and the fact that a number of events are going on it looks good value to me

 

[mjf]

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.

Yes - we enjoy them.

Did the MBY Festival of Power couple years ago which was excellent value and we made some nice friends who we still see.

Princess have hosted a couple of 'do's over the years which too have been excellent even thou the Wx has mis-behaved a couple of times.

We have done a couple of the forum Hamble BBq's which were enjoyable affairs.

Couple year ago there was the Forum Yarmouth bash which was fun too.

So yes I guess we are serial party people - frankly speaking I cannot see why people are questioning the cost as in each case there was a serious 'discount' or sponsorships that basically covered the entertainment and in many cases the w/e cost less than two nights away from home mooring fees.

We take the view if we do not like what’s on offer in terms of food, people or whatever we are away for the w/e and can leave the marina and go into nearby town or simply return O/B and do our own thing. Never had to do this yet


All depends on whether you are a 'misery' or not! Life's too short

 

[hlb]

That would be an Armada of 2 then

Umm.

 

[Kawasaki]

Bleedin eck!
No need fer a tender
Just walk to the Pub across the tops, cept on the way back, watch out fer the flag thinghies!

 

[AndieMac]

Did the MBY Festival of Power couple years ago which was excellent value and we made some nice friends who we still see.

For those who are still relatively new to the boating scene and are not daunted by numbers, could find this type of event useful for just this reason.
I don't think you can ever have too many friends.

 

[maverickofpoole]

Our boat fishing club had a family day last week end in Studland bay. 13 boats from 11' up to 32' all rafted up on 3 anchors. Sun, fun, food and wine with a great time being had by all. Total cost zero

I enjoy social boating but don't think I would pay the kind of money being asked for at the Cowes event

Martin

 

[LittleShip]

Umm.

Them be "Bank Bouncers" not proper seamen me lad!

Tom

 

[Nautibusiness]

We ran our own mini version a fortnight ago.

Pooles very first Sea Ray Aquapalooza.

It was a fabulous day with tonnes of fun, sun and a couple of lemonade shandys to boot.

We weren't Sea Ray snobs completely and did allow other boaters to join us which simply added to the fun.

We were an awful lot less money than the Big Splash though and that did include a berth for the night for those that needed it.

Next year we plan to run a bigger and better event in the Poole area.
As we discovered this year, the best event doesn't quite go according to plan so don't try and run the Big Splash in too regimented a fashion.

 

[Philiz]

Umm.

Ah, you can't beat getting away from the hussle and bussle of everyday life.

 

[Carl MBM]

Social get-togethers, the verdict

I've been monitoring your comments, and have even had a few of you contact me directly about particular local events. Thanks to all.

Clearly these get-togethers are not for everyone but the upshot seems to be that, location aside, the idea of running or helping to organise meets between motorboaters can be a good thing. As AndieMac points out, lesser experienced boaters can really gain from them but, overall, cost and hassle put most of you off. So to sum up, we've already got our boats, which we quite like being aboard regardless, and we don't need an intense schedule of (to be paid for) activities to get in the way of a bit of weekend fun.

Thanks to maybh1 for remembering MBM's shakedown weekends and to hlb for finding the scariest picture of the week. Have those Freemans been captured by narrow boats? Are they still there? Should we send out a rescue party?



C.

 

[mjf]

Carl - I also think one of the issues- as you guys well know- is committing to an event without G'tee of fine weather.

The MB&Y one was a F6/7 when I came over to Cowes and I, and several others, had a bit of a problem getting alongside in W.Cowes marina I recall.

 

[Solitaire]

in my early years of boating I did go to an MBM event at Cowes - 1994 I think, I've still got the nav bag and Tshirt! I thought it was OK and there was some boating going on if I recall.

That does not seem to be happening at this event - all seems like shore based bashes. There is a lot to be said for extending people's expereince which is why we are running another cruise in company this year.

We are taking 14 boats down to the west country again. First night in Weymouth then down to Torquay with day trips for those that want to round to Salcombe and Dartmouth. The only thing that I've "arranged" is a BBQ at the Carey Arms in Brabacombe Bay.

We found that most people want to experience boating outside of their normal comfort zone and to much "social organisation" is not required.

We do all the planning and offer instructional and passage assistance where required. If it's goes like it did last year everybody has a great time and one or two sherberts are known to be consumed. Not to mention the sense of achievement of actually leaving the Solent!

We then return with an overnight stop in Lyme Regis - not many people go there and then back to home berths on 22nd.

Round trip of 200nm and for many, the first time they will be out of the sight of land!

 

[hlb]

Thanks to maybh1 for remembering MBM's shakedown weekends and to hlb for finding the scariest picture of the week. Have those Freemans been captured by narrow boats? Are they still there? Should we send out a rescue party?



C.

No, they are all volunteers. Costs ten quid a year at the Lancaster canal boat club.

Even Mucky Farter went to one of there do's, but she has to be a bit selective as she dont fit in the canal, or under the bridges.