For four series (each 6 nights) the cost for racing is approx $250. That's OK. The problem is the club requires membership, which is $650 plus an initiation fee of $275. When people start adding up the costs, Laser racing is a non-starter for most. We can't get the club to budge on this.
Very interesting. Yes, your club has a lot of benefits. In particular I like the idea of opening up certain segments of the season. Are there Laser only fleets in your area that run their own events, or are they all through established yacht clubs?
Those costs are quite staggering. Maybe what is surprising is that you get anybody joining-in !!
I have been a member of several UK clubs over the last few years (as I have moved around a bit). The most expensive (and really very high end) costs £200 (US$300) with a once off joining fee around 30% of the annual membership. All racing included in those costs (Wed evenings when daylight permits and Sunday racing through March - Boxing Day). Another cheaper club I sail at costs half that all racing included (similar program). The 3rd club I'm a member of costs £25 (US$40) per year, again all racing included but tide access limits program a bit (maybe miss one Sun in 5 and no Wed evenings). All charge a nominal fee if you keep your boat at the club (max £70 (US$110) per year). Basically, once you are a member all the sailing/racing/training sessions/launching fees/etc. included (except Open Meeting/Regatta).
Club racing is organised by members, normally on a duty rota. When you are doing your duty you sign in for racing as OOD and get average points for the series for those missed races. Normally you are asked to do one day duty per year.
I know of one commercial operation (i.e. a business rather than a club i.e. makes a profit for the owners) that offers dinghy racing and they charge £100 (US$150) per year, no joining fee - all racing included. Or you can just do a single series (typically 9 days, 18 races) costing £30 (US$50) no membership needed.
Ian
You've obviously never looked at Hayling Island SC membership costs - now that is expensive.
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Are US clubs all run by paid officers? Maybe that could be the difference as most UK clubs are run by volunteers so we all do race officer/safey boat/office/galley duties throughout the year to keep our clubs running. A few of the larger UK clubs will have paid staff but not that many.
Are US clubs all run by paid officers? Maybe that could be the difference as most UK clubs are run by volunteers so we all do race officer/safey boat/office/galley duties throughout the year to keep our clubs running. A few of the larger UK clubs will have paid staff but not that many.