I agree with your comments about adjusting your expectations when heading to a regatta. None of us are Olympic class competitors, and shouldn't expect the world to fall to its knees if we show up. For Pete's sake it's a hobby/sport for most of us...

Helping the PRO with the numerous non-fun jobs, supporting the venue (be it a club, park, etc) and other sailors just makes good economic sense. You will have fun and be invited back to the host location.

Our paper club actually bought several kegs (at cost) from the host yacht club and gave that beer away to all present (participants and club members who happened to be there and wanted to join in.) We cleaned up after ourselves and tried to leave the place in better shape than we found it.

Combining that good stewardship with the host club's knowledge that our regatta was a (small) fundraiser for a local charity AND that some of the proceeds would be passed on to their club's youth sailing program, the host club is happy to have us back next year.

The club figures that a well organized regatta:
- brings activity to the club
- brings potential new members
- adds some funds to their coffers
- turns over their beer inventory to make their supplier happy
- turns the community spotlight on the club (because of the fundraiser)

So as long as you don't treat the place like Caddyshack's caddie day at the pool, and don't turn your nose up at the blue-blazers I think you'd be happy with the result. We even got a club member to consider being a spectator boat (and take a few guests) next year.