Old clubs and new members

[AllThumbs]

I joined a sailing club in my area this summer. I have found that some of the older members are extremely rude, and have made it clear that I am not welcome, even though I have not done anything at all to warrant this (that said, many of the other members are great). Is this typical of sailing clubs? I have been a member of other types of clubs but have not experience this before.

Eric

[CharlieCobra]

With many clubs, it's the "Blue Blazer" attitude that keeps new people from ever joining or staying once they join. Treat 'em like the useless dinosaurs they are.

[lsusailing]

No, something is wrong. Country clubs, sure, yacht clubs, sure. But sailing clubs? No, not consistent. Sailing clubs are much different as they should not be as structured; should be loose. If you have to, you may have to ask difficult questions to the aloof members. Not in a combative way, but ask them, engage them. If not, hang out with the nice people , sail and ignore the crumogeons(sp)

John
s/v Daphne

[AllThumbs]

I am going with the sail and ignore method. If I engage them, I may just say a couple things I will regret.

Eric

[lsusailing]

Allthumbs, you are right, ignore and sail BUT when you see the old guard, ALWAYS smile, nod, acknowledge and just be dam polite. This will make them crazy and they will try to figure our why you are so dam happy. Will grate on them and it is contageous.

Happy sailing and the hell with nasty people

ps Moderators, please dont suspend me, I usednaughty words

[gc1111]

C'mon. Newcomers always have to prove themselves. That is true in yacht/sailing clubs just like any other club. Hang in there, be polite but not intrusive, beat a few of them in club races, and before long you will belong to the "old guard" too.

[SEMIJim]

Didn't run into that when we joined our sail club last season. But I laid low; listened a lot (well, for me, anyway ); was respectful; tried hard to learn, understand and honour the club's history and traditions, and generally tried to make myself useful .

The n00b is always going to be under the microscope on the part of some members--even in the friendliest of social organizations. People, in general, are suspicious of change. New people represent change. It's just human nature.

Jim

[CalebD]

SEMIJim is right; new people coming into 'their' club represent an 'unwelcome' change to some of the 'old guard'. Jews and Blacks have known this about 'Country' and other clubs for some time.
As long as you fit in and like to sail it shouldn't matter if you have long hair or are of recent European descent, but it can. Sure, go sailing and ignore the negativity but find out who the current (and past) club officers are and meet a few people at the bar (there is a bar or drinking area isn't there?). People who like a few drinks are usually pretty talkative. You may find that many of the membership feel the same way you do about the 'old guard', with exceptions, of course. Try to find a past or current Commodore who you like. Most of all, enjoy the sailing and you should be accepted in time.
All of these 'private' clubs need new members coming in to replace those going out, otherwise the club would go into the red and disintegrate.