In Key Largo we simply ran out of places to sail. They were all turning into condos. While some in our Wave fleet were a bit reluctant to join the local club, we all finally did, and it has been very good.
We were met with hostility at the beginning, but our class has been resposible for other classes rebirthing, and now sailing is happening there all the time.
We now have two on the Board of Directors, one of whom is Vice Commodore. And now we are getting things done

At Put-in-Bay, again everyone was not happy about joining the club, but is the only game in town. Again, there simply are no other places to launch and sail.
There had been no sailing for at least 10 years, and now we are racing twice a week. There is some interest stirring amongst the members about joining the group. We are now up to ten Waves.

So, in both cases, it has held the fleets together and allowed them to grow.

Before joining these clubs, they were indeed NOT sailing clubs anymore. They were more into social gatherings and parties. Personally, I do not see any benefits to paying dues to use the bar -- there are lots of free ones out there, and at home I also have a jacuzzi to soak in while nursing a ****.
But, if it creates sailing acitivity, then I am all for it.
Rick