It saddens me when you hear of people not being able to join a local club, and have a 'sail about'.
These budding demi-gods, who are sitting in their own little empires, making up their own little rules and regulations, don't realise that 99% of people just want a nice quiet sail on a sunday afternoon, have a bit of a chinwag, and go home happy, and are not interested in pot hunting and holier than thou hierarchy.
I've seen them all in over 40 years of modelling, thankfully not in the clubs I belonged to. Captains hats, cravats, blazers with gold embroidered badges. Built a boat 30 years ago and it hasn't been in the water since, but still brought down to the waters edge as a boast factor. I am not saying they are all like that, but a lot of them are. Making up rules and regulations to give themselves a feeling of importance.
You will find, the less rules, the happier the club. As long as the basic rules and regs are in place, a club will almost run itself without any interference. A light hearted gathering between members will soon sort out a good chairman, secretary and treasurer.
It is time these 'higher ups' & 'rulers' realise, it is the club members that keep them there, and it might be the only reason members 'moan' about anything, is because of what they are imposing on the members.
Just a word to all these controllers. Let the people enjoy themselves. If you want to play god and build yourself an empire, don't spoil other people's enjoyment while you are doing it. You never know, you might want to sail a boat someday, and what would it feel like if you couldn't do it, just because your face didn't fit.
Now awaiting the flak from all the harumphers, mumblers and captain hat wearers.
Bogs