Just my two cents on sailing clubs:

As people and members get older in yacht clubs, I think they get tired of running the races (rembember the 20/80 rule; 80% of the work is done by 20% of the membership), and it seems to just wear on them. Younger members seem to find it harder to step up to the plate and take over.

Right now our catamaran fleet just finished arguing about the continuance of a summer regatta. The next on the agenda is to argue about the conditions; should it be an open regatta or Hobie only? I think our catamaran club is centered around racing and has to support it fully.

Because some members of the Buffalo Yacht Club (a very old and distinguished monohull yachting club) recognized a steady downturn in racing, they made efforts this year to start a new Fleet with J-22s, and they already have sixteen boats. They also started a summer "Great Race" match race weekend with invitations to the major yacht clubs, and it was a big success. The BYC just put some money into their youth sailing program, and they're hoping that it works, but it'll take time to find out.

But, the key here is that it's because of a FEW sailors who recognized the downturn in racing, and have stepped up to make the presentations and do the work. They've almost had to embarass the rest of the membership to support them financially.

Mary, Are you and Rick back in Put-in-Bay for good now?

Smooth waters,

Wyatt