Social groups

[OGITD]

I Agree!

Like many things it (membership and support) will go in cycles. You are “spot-on” with your comment / observation regarding subsets and critical mass ( I like to say keen group) of forumites.
There is one called the “Clyde Scuttlebutt Group” who I have stumbled upon from their posts on this forum. They appear to be a very diverse group of like minded individuals, whose aims are to sail, socialize, raise a little money for the RNLI (can’t be a bad thing) and welcome all who wish to attend their very informal musters / events. Apart from the sailing….it is curries, malts, music, testing of the grey-matter / quizzes and generally being very sociable which is key to their success.
As I said, if every area could establish and support their own group similar to this, much better seasons would be had by all.
And I do look forward to sailing over in the next couple of years to enjoy the delights of Irish hospitality.

 

[DaveS]

Bluemoment do have a section on west highland week if that is your thing Perhaps some of the other Bluemoment forumites could post more informatively on this point?

http://www.oceanbluesailing.co.uk/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=4310

Can't really speak on West Highland Week (I personally try to totally avoid it if at all possible!) but if you have a look down the site contents you'll also see threads under CC09 and CC10 about the Chentlemen's Cruises of this year and next year respectively. There are also various other threads arranging other meetings in and out of season, on the water and in public houses, all arranged via the forum.

 

[awol]

There is, of course, the old fashioned, tried and tested method of joining a sailing club, meeting real people with an obviously similar interest face to face and communicating using verbal, aural and visual cues. Lots of clubs available with the added benefits of cheaper moorings, club boats, a gentle introduction to racing, social sailing and introducing newcomers to the joys, and some even sell intoxicating liquor.

Nah, will never catch on while internet communication from the safety of your own home is available.

 

[OGITD]

The Internet Is The Best Method Of Communication

There is, of course, the old fashioned, tried and tested method of joining a sailing club, meeting real people with an obviously similar interest face to face and communicating using verbal, aural and visual cues. Lots of clubs available with the added benefits of cheaper moorings, club boats, a gentle introduction to racing, social sailing and introducing newcomers to the joys, and some even sell intoxicating liquor.

Nah, will never catch on while internet communication from the safety of your own home is available.

Yes a fair percentage are already members of sailing clubs with all the advantages mentioned by yourself. But some of the events / musters are poorly attended for a multitude of reasons.
Also it can be an enjoyable event / weekend where two or three boats and their respective crews meet at a prearranged location for a BBQ & beer or a meal & wine at certain marinas, then back to the boats till daybreak (as usually happens). But to take full advantage of all that the season allows (weather-wise), encouraging more of us to maximize our sailing and use of our boats, meet more sociable and like minded people, generate more activity on the water and alongside which inevitability will support the market / industry and hopefully encourage more people to become involved.
And the internet is the best way of communicating information, especially now with mobile / wireless access, as many do not read newsletters or notices provided by their clubs.

 

[binch]

Heybridge

Some (many?) years ago we were in England for a bit of the winter and someone proposed a get together at a pub at Heybridge basin. We went. We enjoyed it. Immensely. But then, we usually do enjoy get-togethers of real yotties.
A disparate mob who knew not each other. The same good fellowship you get in a port when boats are held up by weather and meet under a cabin lamp.
It was wonderful.
Much later we proposed the first ever cruising symposium to Geoff Pack (then editor) It was held in a Thames barge in St Kath's. Wonderful night out.
After that synposia fell under the influence of Yachting World and became large and formal (but not quite dinner jacket), and we were dropped for saying the wrong things (story of my life). Why can't I learn tact?
This is a rare event, being in England for a period and happens forreasons I would rather not discuss. But for God's sake let's have a party.
But I am far too old and decrepit to organise it, but what the hell? A yottie party needs to happen not be organised..
I'll be in hospital for the first part of the boat show, but if still alive, should be around for the latter. I'd love to have a yarn.