Thank you Jason for starting the thread - its important and for some reason became a hot button issue for no apparent reason when is should be something positive that we can all have a hand in.

I think the strongest, most attractive program NOYC has is our wednesday night series and would be the easiest way to make in-roads for new memberships. As a new member and a new-ish sailor, all of my interest started through wednesday night racing that snoballed into weekend racing, that grew into some out of town racing, that led to boat-ownership and club membership. However, in three years, precisely zero people asked or encouraged me to until Louise asked me why i wasnt a member. In this case 1 ask = 1 membership.

Before getting too elaborate, I think the low hanging fruit is simply in the harbor. Im not sure what % of boats have a club affiliation but its not 100. I think club success and racing participation are yoked together. Inviting and encouraging people to race their jalopys to J is a no brainer. As a rule of thumb, most people with sailboats enjoy sailing and giving them a reason to use their boat and have mini mid week staycation on the water seems like a layup. I dont think its a great idea to put a bunch of new-to racing boats on the line but its wednesday so just take a third row start and drink your drank. Ive had as much fun losing and as ive winning some nights on more nights I care to admit. On the other side of the ledger the club gets bar sales to boot even if their participation never leads to membership.

I think the biggest obstacle to this comes down to one factor : it takes effort. Oh and it takes people who care about growing the sport/club. So i guess it takes two things.

Easy ideas - when we're doing awards and thanking the band bring up membership and have a stack of applications. Its a captive audience who is having a good time in that moment. salesmanship 101 stuff. As a promotion, all new members get to do free body shots off of Jeff Willis.