Thursday, March 01, 2007

Sailing Club Application

Hypothetical question: Suppose you found a sailing club that was just right for you but when you inquired about membership you were told that there was an average two year waiting list, but with an implication that members were not necessarily accepted in strict chronological order...

What would you write on your membership application to encourage the powers-that-be to accept you as a member earlier?

What other steps would you take to get accepted early?

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

I would not join any club that would have someone like me for a member.

Anonymous said...

If you pay me 500 dollars a year, I'd be glad to join your club.

Anonymous said...

It has always been my belief that YC are always looking for a active racer and not just a fork and knife member. I would stress the fact that you are a racer and are involved in the sport on a weekly basis... You could also just look for another YC.

merrifie said...

Where they holding their hand out horizontally, palm up, when they mentioned a possible exception to the waiting list?

EVK4 said...

The two year waiting list is a farce designed so that the older applicants realize they don't have time to wait 2 years. It's discrimination!

The easy way around it? Write your qualifications on the back of a shiny new $10 bill and slip it to the rear commodore.

edit: M Squared beat me to the idea.

Anonymous said...

Dear Sir,

I race Lasers.
I eat bannanas.
Let me in.
Or I kick your A$$.

Rock Steady

Tillerman said...

jsw225 and rock steady, I like your style. I need two references for my membership applications. Is it OK if the membership chairman calls you so you can speak on my behalf?

evk4 and m squared - thanks for the advice. I will try bribery too.

Pat said...

To paraphrase and twist what Commodore Vanderbilt said,
If you have to ask how big the bribe needs to be, you can't afford it! But, laying kidding aside -- after all, most yacht clubs couldn't afford to pay their officers and volunteers for the value of their time -- most clubs want active, congenial sailors who'll fit in by fulfilling some role or other.

My assumption is that you've toured the club, showed up for an open house, met some of the folks there, have crewed or raced with or against some of their sailors, and visited with the membership committee person who was designated by the sailing club to follow up on your expression of interest.

Of course, you've talked not only about your regular regatta schedule and competition plans, but also your race committee experience and you've talked to the sailing club folks about which of their activities and committees are most in need of volunteers and support. And you've talked to the sailing club people about their plans for the future and about projects that they'd like to undertake if they had enough member and volunteer leadership support.

My perspective is that of an officer in two sailing clubs and a small keelboat fleet; one of our clubs owns and operates a no-frills but scenic seasonal marina.

Mallard said...

Love these replies! Thanx guys! heh heh
Two years? "Go where you're appreciated, not just tolerated."

Cyalayta
Mal :)

Tillerman said...

So you don't think that my Top Ten ranking in Tacticat would impress them?

Pat said...

Tacticat could be very big on your c.v. ... at the Internet Yacht Club.

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