Yacht club dress codes

[Spuddy]

A chum tells he began an application to join a club where it was explained about dress code for black tie events but then explanation went on to cover requirements for "greys" and "whites". He decided to withdraw his application!
Each to his own and not my cup of tea either but anybody know of clubs with similar or even more comprehensive conditions?

 

[Resolution]

Certainly. My club has many social events in our fine clubhouse in London, with dress codes which range from casual ( for young members) on to lounge suit , on to black tie (evening dress) and even to one level more formal. Each event organiser selects the dress code as appropriate to the formality of the event. There don't seem to be any problems here.

On the other hand the club has a detailed dress code in force for the clubhouse, and I have real objections with this.
Why we cannot trust members to dress appropriately I just cannot understand. And why on earth I should feel upset if a lady member wears jeans is quite beyond me. Pure out-dated mumbo jumbo.

 

[duncan99210]

My club has a dress code - total nudity is forbidden, anything else is fine so long as it's not too smelly.
Then again, as Groucho said, he wouldn't want to belong to any club that'd have him as a member (or words to that effect).

 

[westhinder]

When visiting a long established East Coast yacht club last summer, my young crew (22-23) were hugely amused to find a dress code notice in the welcome documents. Having grown up in Belgium and Holland they are not used to such a level of formality. What particularly caused hilarity was the following: ' tailored shorts may be worn in the clubhouse but not in the dining room'.

 

[Bru]

My favourite upon arriving at the Royal Norfolk and Suffolk was being informed, with exquisite tact, that we were a little on the scruffy side for the restaurant but welcome to partake of a meal and drinks in the private members lounge!

(We were none too smart it must be said after ten days cruising on a 23 footer)

 

[Robin]

Once again it seems there are people looking for justification for their not joining a yacht club. If that is the case simply don't join but go elsewhere. As for visiting a club as a non -member, once again if you don't like their requirements get a shower/mooring/ beer somewhere else that cares not if you are scruffy disrespectful oiks trying to make some kind of point.


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[Supine Being]

A chum tells he began an application to join a club where it was explained about dress code for black tie events but then explanation went on to cover requirements for "greys" and "whites". He decided to withdraw his application!
Each to his own and not my cup of tea either but anybody know of clubs with similar or even more comprehensive conditions?

That sounds like a very posh club, but you pays your money and you takes your choice.

Personally, I think that rules like this just alienate potential younger new members. By which I don't mean young exactly, just younger than baby boomers.

 

[jac]

Personally, I think that rules like this just alienate potential younger new members. By which I don't mean young exactly, just younger than baby boomers.

+1

I think a code for a black tie event is one thing but beyond that does it matter?
Yes for the old crusties it might but they will be dead soon. It really comes down to can clubs then recruit enough young blood to keep the place going.
This 1950's rubbish needs to go. Very few under 50 will be attracted to such a club and as we have said before, numbers taking up ownership based sailing seem to be declining so the clubs that remain need to compete to attract new younger members.

 

[dom]

Personally, I think that rules like this just alienate potential younger new members. By which I don't mean young exactly, just younger than baby boomers.

That reminds me, a few weeks ago I found my somewhat mildewed blue blazer in one of the lockers, which incidentally dry cleaners sorted out quite well!

Seriously though, I'm not sure about the younger folk being alienated bit; at least the pretty active racing scene in the Hamble would kind of suggest otherwise?

 

[bedouin]

I really don't see the problem with a dress code for black tie events - the clue is in the name

If clubs want dress codes for various socials then that surely is part of the fun / atmosphere and I would have no issue with that (whether or not I chose to go is a different matter).

Dress codes for the clubhouse/bar /restaurant is a different matter. I wouldn't join a place that wouldn't sell me a pint in may sailing kit.

 

[steve yates]

I am in my late 40's, and I am alianated by it. Formal do's and the like, fine, and the organisers of a function or party can dictate what they like really. But any dress code designed to stop women wearing jeans on the premises, as opposed to men, is a disgrace to it's organisation.

 

[drakes drum]

I'm all for a ban on women wearing jeans in the clubhouse. I cant think of a single female member of our club with an arse fit for display in tight jeans. I dont want to have to drink a pint with my eyes shut.

 

[Resolution]

I am in my late 40's, and I am alianated by it. Formal do's and the like, fine, and the organisers of a function or party can dictate what they like really. But any dress code designed to stop women wearing jeans on the premises, as opposed to men, is a disgrace to it's organisation.

For the avoidance of doubt, the dress code to which I was referring prohibits the wearing of jeans by either sex. Doesn't worry me personally as I wear chinos more than jeans and these somehow escape the dress code police. But it certainly annoys my wife, and as we all know, that is serious!

 

[l'escargot]

Sounds like dress code for events rather than the club itself. The clubs I have belonged to have always had events that specify "Black Tie", "Reefers/Lounge Suits" or even "Fancy Dress", it's just the theme for the event and you can choose to go to the event or not - I see a lot of young people who seem to enjoy an opportunity to dress up especially during big events such as Cowes Week. I also know of night clubs that have blanket bans on jeans and trainers too, young people have no trouble with complying with that either.

 

[prv]

For the avoidance of doubt, the dress code to which I was referring prohibits the wearing of jeans by either sex. Doesn't worry me personally as I wear chinos more than jeans and these somehow escape the dress code police. But it certainly annoys my wife, and as we all know, that is serious!

So is there in fact a "dress code police" in practice? This stuff is written down in the rules, but if you turn up in normal socially-acceptable clothing that contravenes it, does anyone object? Is it like the "shooting a welshman after midnight" variety of unenforced law, or will someone really insist that you leave for wearing trousers made of the incorrect fabric?

Pete

 

[Sybarite]

A chum tells he began an application to join a club where it was explained about dress code for black tie events but then explanation went on to cover requirements for "greys" and "whites". He decided to withdraw his application!
Each to his own and not my cup of tea either but anybody know of clubs with similar or even more comprehensive conditions?

That's nothing! Try working for a Swiss bank.

https://www.scribd.com/fullscreen/45325094?access_key=key-296jtldidj6kp3hdiyn0

Dress code = 44 pages...

You're even told which knickers to wear...!!

 

[Supine Being]

Seriously though, I'm not sure about the younger folk being alienated bit; at least the pretty active racing scene in the Hamble would kind of suggest otherwise?

It's strange isn't it? There a pockets of clubs that get away with it. But, then again, that could be to do with the socio-economic background of their catchment. Or perhaps because certain particular clubs offer a great way to get ahead if you're serious about your racing career? And it does take all sorts, but I think the tendency is towards a much more relaxed attitude.

I really don't see the problem with a dress code for black tie events - the clue is in the name

You're absolutely right. Not my cup of tea, but I don't think that every event should have to appeal to every member and people do enjoy these. As you say, it's the standing dress code rules that annoy.

 

[stuartwineberg]

I had the difference between a yacht club and a sailing club explained to me once. Apparently the former requires some degree of formality in the club of an evening but the latter couldn't care less - so there's another perspective on the muddle

 

[Blue Sunray]

The simple answer is if you don't like it don't join.

My experience of 'clubs' is rather more land that yacht based but to a great extent there seems to be in inverse relationship between the level of detail of the written dress codes and what most would consider the 'social class' of the majority of the members. Personally I like to have an idea of what I should be wearing for an event but if it has to be set out in detail I'm probably in the wrong place.

Someone said that 'black tie' puts off younger potential members - my experience is precisely the opposite - I've no idea why but my son's generation (now early 20s) seem to love it, events that in my day wouldn't have merited a tie are now dinner suited.

Edited to add: Any person that thinks dress code takes priority over elementary good manners such as making guests welcome is not someone with whom I would wish to associate.

 

[dom]

So is there in fact a "dress code police" in practice? This stuff is written down in the rules, but if you turn up in normal socially-acceptable clothing that contravenes it, does anyone object? Is it like the "shooting a welshman after midnight" variety of unenforced law, or will someone really insist that you leave for wearing trousers made of the incorrect fabric?

Pete

A few years ago I took a few guys out to the Savoy Grill ...summer, suit trousers, tie, but no jacket, which was unfortunately a requirement for the dining room. I offered to pay the drinks bill and leave, whereupon the maitre d, or whoever he was, appeared and began to speak to me in a manner so amazingly posh that I feared that he might spontaneously explode.

Having surmounted the language barrier a compromise was reached that I would wear a blue busboys' jacket into and out of the restaurant, but not whilst sitting down!!

Net result: on the way to the bathroom I was asked directions by a couple of old dots, who promptly gave me their fur coats and headed off somewhere ...and so began my career as a busboy.

So yes, some are serious, very serious