We have recently had an Open Day at our club and now have a list of 100 people who'd like to sail. We are considering getting some 'club boats' and providing basic tuition for new adult members to have a go. We would let people use the boats for a month or two, then ask them to join the club and buy their own boat if they like the sport and want to continue.

Do any clubs operate such a scheme aimed at new adult sailers, and if so, what have you found to be best practices? For instance, what boats do you lend out, do you rent them out, how much tuition is enough to get started, how do you cover costs of maintenance, etc?

Thanks,
Simon

Good question Simon,

We (Space Coast Cat Assoc) are going to have our first "Take People Sailing Day" this August where fleet members finally take people sailing who have been asking us for months and years.

It would be a cool idea if the fleet owned a couple boats for potential members to try out for a month or two as you suggested. Could get some used cheap Hobie 16s, but the biggest issue would be storage.

And liablity

Check with Halifax Sailing Club, Daytona Beach Florida. They have now rebuilt their small club and docks, and are just underway with a big expansion program involving lending, renting, teaching etc. This includes experienced cat sailors. Associated with the city. Details available from them. Excellent growing program, good interactive website.

See Gary Smith, Commodore info@halifaxsailing.org
www.halifaxsailing.org

(I am NOT a member)