Yacht Clubs?

[rbcoomer]

I'm looking to do my PB2 early next year before I make the move up from 14'/30hp to 21'/230hp. Amongst the local training places I've found, I came across the Royal Torbay Yacht Club at £150 (£120 members). I had a look at their website etc and this got me thinking: what are the forums views on Yacht Clubs?

In particular, are they predominantly for sail and what are the benefits of membership? I'm not looking to sail - at least not in the next 10-15 years, but would be interested in courses/talks on navigation etc and perhaps the odd beer... There don't appear to be any powerboat/mobo cruising clubs etc around Torbay that I can see , but £175 membership for RTYC seems quite steep! I'm guessing the benefits might be crewing opportunities or club based sailing/use of club boats etc, but as I'm quite unlikely to have time for such events, certainly not a social event person and have my own boat that I tend to use with family, is there any point?

How many here belong (or have in the past) to a Yacht Club? Good or bad experience?

Thanks in advance as always...

 

[Csail]

Best bit is the social aspect, loads of good people, advice, help, events etc which you don't get in marinas and its cheaper.

 

[rbcoomer]

Best bit is the social aspect, loads of good people, advice, help, events etc which you don't get in marinas and its cheaper.

Hi Csail - thanks for the feedback. Not quite sure why it's so much if it's more of a 'social' club? I'm quite limited on the social aspects due to hectic work schedule, a long list of stuff at home, young family and boat project so perhaps the membership fee is better invested in the boat!

 

[Solitaire]

Hi Csail - thanks for the feedback. Not quite sure why it's so much if it's more of a 'social' club? I'm quite limited on the social aspects due to hectic work schedule, a long list of stuff at home, young family and boat project so perhaps the membership fee is better invested in the boat!

Just go to a local RYA school and do the course on your new boat when you get it. But I have to say that if you consider £175/year expensive - < £15/month - then I suggest you don't join. Taking into account the joining fee and the course cost then just do the course with Torbay sea school.

 

[Hurricane]

A friend of mine has been a motoboater all his life.
A couple of months ago, he said that he had joined Royal Torbay as a motorboater.
I think they enjoyed the club but they didnt stay long as members.

I live about 15 mins from the Royal Torbay and have often threatened to join but my background is in sailing as well as motorboats. I'm too busy with my motorboat to join at the moment but it still apeals. My RYA Level 2 and a long time ago my RYA level 4 powerboat quallifications were done at my previous sailing club where I ended up as commodore.

If you think you can get something out of a club, then I suggest you join but in my experience yo have to put a lot in to get a lot out.

I've never been in but it seems to me that the Royal Torbay have some nice club facilities.

 

[Hurricane]

Just thinking about it and re-reading your original post.

How about going the informal way.

Before moving to Torquay, SWMBO and I lived in the Reading area and there was/is a very active group from this forum that based themselves at Wokingham. Over the years, we have met some very good friends and even though it is a two and a half hour run to Wokingham, we still consider going up to see them. I think this is the first year that we arent all meeting together for a Xmas bash. However some of us will be on the MDL St Malo cruise and others are going to Yarmouth for the Xmas Carols - on the same weekend.

Anyway, the point is, how about setting up a Torbay group - do you think there would be interest?

Doesnt answer your qualifications query but the beer bit might get satisified.

Mike

 

[rbcoomer]

Just go to a local RYA school and do the course on your new boat when you get it. But I have to say that if you consider £175/year expensive - < £15/month - then I suggest you don't join. Taking into account the joining fee and the course cost then just do the course with Torbay sea school.

Yes, I'll probably look to do the PB2 on my own boat - I already have it, but as to when it will be ready... There's quite a bit to do yet!

I wasn't trying to suggest that they were any more expensive than any other yacht club, but more of a question as to what the benefits of being a member (of any yacht club) are? I pay twice that for a mobile phone, but it's benefit is tangible so I don't perceive as 'expensive' (although I do ensure I get one of the best deals available). I'm certainly not 'well off' however and £175/year is not small change for us as it might be for some.

 

[rbcoomer]

A friend of mine has been a motoboater all his life.
A couple of months ago, he said that he had joined Royal Torbay as a motorboater.
I think they enjoyed the club but they didnt stay long as members.

I live about 15 mins from the Royal Torbay and have often threatened to join but my background is in sailing as well as motorboats. I'm too busy with my motorboat to join at the moment but it still apeals. My RYA Level 2 and a long time ago my RYA level 4 powerboat quallifications were done at my previous sailing club where I ended up as commodore.

If you think you can get something out of a club, then I suggest you join but in my experience yo have to put a lot in to get a lot out.

I've never been in but it seems to me that the Royal Torbay have some nice club facilities.

Thanks Hurricane, that's useful feedback and sounds like they've been through the same thoughts! I wonder why they didn't stay - expectations too high or dissimilar interests perhaps? The site and picture gallery seem very sail orientated, but that in itself doesn't put me off if there are other members with similar interests. I have no problem with sail whatsoever, but wouldn't know one end of a spinnaker from t'other!

Might go and see them and find out a bit more...

Regards,

Robin

 

[rbcoomer]

Just thinking about it and re-reading your original post.

How about going the informal way.

Before moving to Torquay, SWMBO and I lived in the Reading area and there was/is a very active group from this forum that based themselves at Wokingham. Over the years, we have met some very good friends and even though it is a two and a half hour run to Wokingham, we still consider going up to see them. I think this is the first year that we arent all meeting together for a Xmas bash. However some of us will be on the MDL St Malo cruise and others are going to Yarmouth for the Xmas Carols - on the same weekend.

Anyway, the point is, how about setting up a Torbay group - do you think there would be interest?

Doesnt answer your qualifications query but the beer bit might get satisified.

Mike

Sorry, didn't see your 2nd post until after I replied.

Yes, fair points...

I created a South Devon Group a while back and also founded the South West Fletcher Rally with a local friend. Not really pushed the former as I saw it as more of a place for local info, but no reason why it couldn't offer more. We have about a dozen members who have stumbled across it and joined. I have made some good contacts locally via SWFBR, so organising something for locals should be achievable.

I'm quite new to the whole boating thing, but certainly not afraid of putting in the efforts to make things happen. We had almost 30 boats come to the first Fletcher Rally and a few have come back down a couple of times since, so there does seem to be a level of interest for meeting here and the Bay has a lot to offer. We're expecting around 35-40 for 2012 and will be better organised. Not all were Fletcher owners, but they obviously come from further afield - having a more targeted interest.

I'll give some thought to social gatherings and see what I can come up with - then see if there's any interest and take it from there....

Cheers!

 

[Ripster]

Picking up on the SW cruising group idea - we are in Torquay at the mo, about to move back to Brixham (we were there for about three years a couple of years ago) and would certainly be up for cruises/meets if this develops

 

[rbcoomer]

Picking up on the SW cruising group idea - we are in Torquay at the mo, about to move back to Brixham (we were there for about three years a couple of years ago) and would certainly be up for cruises/meets if this develops

Awesome! Sounds increasingly like we need to do something then....

Perhaps a pub get-together sometime is a good starting point? I'm only 30 minutes from Brixham and it's not short of watering holes over there!

I'm a bit limited on the 'cruising' aspect until I get the 21' on the water - hopefully sometime around Easter. We found our little Fletcher was a bit 'freeboard challenged' where waves of over 3' were involved and thus summer plans for runs to Salcombe and Lyme Regis etc were quietly mothballed! (Survival instinct won over ambition )

I'll do a post for South Devon Group and see who's about/interested.

 

[Sheppy]

Hi Robin,

Chap (you know him) opposite me in corner house is a member and he gets to use the slip for free while also storing his boat there in the summer for peanuts - but it is a small light boat. The main aspect is social/contacts etc.. He's always offered to take me there, so perhaps we can go together with Chris and see what it's like? The birds parents have always been members too but never really got much from it apart from the social/contact aspect and haven't rejoined since selling their 38. Birds neighbour also owns/is partner for South West Marine Training and so can offer some good impartial advice if you want to chat to him – really nice friendly chap too.

 

[rbcoomer]

Hi Robin,

Chap (you know him) opposite me in corner house is a member and he gets to use the slip for free while also storing his boat there in the summer for peanuts - but it is a small light boat. The main aspect is social/contacts etc.. He's always offered to take me there, so perhaps we can go together with Chris and see what it's like? The birds parents have always been members too but never really got much from it apart from the social/contact aspect and haven't rejoined since selling their 38. Birds neighbour also owns/is partner for South West Marine Training and so can offer some good impartial advice if you want to chat to him – really nice friendly chap too.

Thanks John - sounds like a plan! Slipway use suddenly makes the membership look a bargain - hence my original post as to what the benefits were... Perhaps have a chat sometime next week?

 

[Sheppy]

Don't get too excited. I think it only really works if you store your boat there and his quite small. Else you have the usual problems with access and parking etc.. I expect they discourage proper motorboats from the slip. But sure, let’s talk next week.

 

[Ripster]

Awesome! Sounds increasingly like we need to do something then....

Perhaps a pub get-together sometime is a good starting point? I'm only 30 minutes from Brixham and it's not short of watering holes over there!

I'm a bit limited on the 'cruising' aspect until I get the 21' on the water - hopefully sometime around Easter. We found our little Fletcher was a bit 'freeboard challenged' where waves of over 3' were involved and thus summer plans for runs to Salcombe and Lyme Regis etc were quietly mothballed! (Survival instinct won over ambition )

I'll do a post for South Devon Group and see who's about/interested.

Just joined the South Devon Group so will keep an eye on it. We did Salcombe and Plymouth this year and frequented the Dart loads. Keen to try and get to the CI's next season if poss and Fowey and Falmouth too. The Yealm looks a great place to visit, but we missed it this year. Your 21 will certaily increase your cruising options, just make sure you can carry enough fuel!

 

[rbcoomer]

Just joined the South Devon Group so will keep an eye on it. We did Salcombe and Plymouth this year and frequented the Dart loads. Keen to try and get to the CI's next season if poss and Fowey and Falmouth too. The Yealm looks a great place to visit, but we missed it this year. Your 21 will certaily increase your cruising options, just make sure you can carry enough fuel!

I did wonder about converting the 14' into a towable fuel barge, but decided I wouldn't be able to afford to fill it!

 

[alruss]

Club plus points

Apart from the social side, drinks etc, the socialising with other, possibly more experienced,
boaters could save your membership very quickly. Materials for work on your boat might be available as someone elses scrap. Also facilities are usually cheaper, slip, crane, storage and
moorings for a start. Most clubs have at least one member to give free advice on engines,
likewise fibreglass repairs and carpentry. Afiliated clubs give acess to clubs all over the country so your boat on a trailer could go to Wales and use facilities not available to the general public. There are other benifits, but find them for yourself. Join for a year £175.00
big christmas present for yourself, if it isnt worth it leave after a year.

 

[rbcoomer]

Apart from the social side, drinks etc, the socialising with other, possibly more experienced,
boaters could save your membership very quickly. Materials for work on your boat might be available as someone elses scrap. Also facilities are usually cheaper, slip, crane, storage and
moorings for a start. Most clubs have at least one member to give free advice on engines,
likewise fibreglass repairs and carpentry. Afiliated clubs give acess to clubs all over the country so your boat on a trailer could go to Wales and use facilities not available to the general public. There are other benifits, but find them for yourself. Join for a year £175.00
big christmas present for yourself, if it isnt worth it leave after a year.

Good points, and although it's likely to be a while before I need any facilities, I can see I'm going to have to go and visit them at least! My PB2 was going to be my Christmas pressie - albeit later in the year as I'd like to do on our own boat. (And she has no floor or interior currently! )

 

[Blackfeather]

Does anyone know/belong to any in Poole, other than the RMYC which seems to require you to be knight of the Realm and have free cash of in excess of half a mill.....