What USEFULL advice would you give a group of sailors in SW Florida about revitalizing the sport?

CAVEAT - this would be a non-partisan (not brand specific) club, but I guess it would work with a particular brand, too. None of this is new or rocket-science. The execution is the real challenge

My Advice:
(1) Get the F* out and sail, even if you've got the crappiest boat out there. You don't have to win all the time (and if you feel that need, you're going to have to dole out some serious $$$)
(2) Invite anyone who will agree with #1
(3) Support anyone who does #1 (offer to crew, RC, score, cook, haul, board travelers, etc)
(4) Support your local sailing establishments (YC, but those are HUGELY expensive here - like a $5,000 admission fee + annual $ + monthly minimum + a member must nominate you +...), EVEN if the internet is cheaper (except Catsailor.com, of course )
(5) Get youth and families involved with fun events (watermelon grab, skill builder days, etc)
(6) Get off your wallet and join the club. There is no such thing as a cheap hobby anymore (except maybe nose-picking?)
(7) Maybe bring some out-of-town talent once in a while for a seminar or test/tune event. I'd love to see the likes of JC, Robbie, Jamie, or even Rick holding a 2-3 day seminar over here. Crap, even Mr. Bonifait is getting fast enough to teach us a few things...
(8) use the heck out of social media to keep everyone motivated.
(9) offer things for the non-racers - "geo-cache/scavenger hunt" type event. Expedition events,
(10) as a club, offer to assist other sailing groups at their events (like help at an Opti event). Maybe take some of them sailing sometime.

If the Hobie dealer wants to promote his product, maybe host a "demo day" during a scheduled group sail? Bring a Wave, Wildcat, some kayaks and paddleboards, etc.

Regardless of what we sail, we all need apparel and accessories (glasses, sunscreen, hats), so maybe showcase some of that...? I know if I get a boat I'll likely need epoxy/glass - just sayin'...


I was a member of our local paper sail club, even though there were ZERO beachcats, just to support the local effort. Beign boatless, all I did was show up for an occasional meeting.

I'll probably re-up if I remember, but if there were a local beachcat fleet, I'd support them first.

How far is Port Charlotte from Sanibel?