I am actually kind of excited about that earlier post that alluded to people wanting to put together a new regatta.
Given the time/effort involved in organizing pretty much anything, I wonder what their thought process is in wanting another regatta.
Do they feel they are underserved in their particular geography?
Is their fleet/club not invited to some other regattas nearby?
Do they think it's a money-maker for a particular group?
Is there a new location that would make an excellent venue they wish to exploit?
Do they feel there is something "wrong" with the other regatta offerings that a new event would "fix"?
Skirting your question a little, this is the most successful sailing club I'm aware of,
http://www.cmcs-sail.org/They are a year round social organization. They never miss acknowledging a birth, death, graduation, marriage, new boat purchase, old boat sale, what have you.
Because they are in one local their organization is centered on a monthly meeting, lots of food and easy fun. They involve everyone in something (I was historian for a short time).
You could do the same thing involving this site or other social media and keep people involved year round, and I'm afraid that's what it will take.
I'd make everyone welcome, kayakers, bird watchers, anyone who likes being around boats and water.
Just quarantine politics to one forum (I like the name Cauldron).