Member Survey Feedback
Published 13:46 on 16 Jul 2026
Thank you to the 83 Memberships who responded to the member survey. We got responses from a broad cross section of memberships, and those responses look very useful. Brief feedback on each area is given below:
1. Why members value the Club
Convenient location was the main reason given for belonging to Ripon Sailing Club. Members valued the site's beautiful, well-kept setting, facilities and friendly atmosphere, as well as racing, sailing activities, training and coaching, and opportunities to socialise.
2. What might encourage more visits
Clearly different members look for different things. As a group they suggested: enhanced social and catering options, more varied sailing and racing formats, additional coaching for adult sailors, improved facilities, and additional family-friendly shore-based and leisure activities.
3. Galley, catering and social offer
Most respondents preferred the galley to continue broadly as it is now. Comments requested better coffee, more snacks, takeaway arrangements and more non-alcoholic drink options.
4. Additional activities and use of facilities
There was a majority in favour of exploring additional activities, particularly stand-up paddleboarding and open-water swimming. Many members expressed a concern that any additional activity should be safe, compatible with the lease and with fishing interests, and should not interfere with sailing at key times.
5. Volunteering and working parties
Most had volunteered in the previous year. Those who had not cited lack of time, uncertainty about what was possible, or lack of confidence.
Members highlighted the need for better communication about volunteering opportunities, roles and activities, supported by clearer guidance, training and recognition. For working parties, members supported a mixed approach: keeping larger winter working parties while adding regular shorter sessions and task-based opportunities.
6. Sailing, racing and coaching
Members expressed strong interest in coaching and development opportunities, including sailing skills, racing, boat setup, and beginner support. Suggested initiatives to encourage greater race participation included buddy sailing, greater promotion of novice-friendly racing, more varied race formats and timings, additional one-day events, and rules and tactics sessions.
They also supported continuing the annual sailing forum while expanding consultation through online and more inclusive engagement methods.
7. Communications
Most preferred communications to stay broadly as they are. Members would appreciate clearer communications, advance notice of events, clearly defined communication channels with continued use of email for important information, and WhatsApp as a useful reminder tool rather than the sole channel.
8. Membership fees and partnerships
Most respondents supported removing the joining fee. There was stronger support for offering monthly payment options.
Members supported seeking suitable weekday evening partnerships for use of the clubhouse, and of cautiously expanding affiliate arrangements ensuring this should generate fair value, protect member use, avoid conflict with sailing, and not overburden volunteers.
9. Priorities for the next five years
Members placed growing membership first. The next 3 priorities were improving the social and family offer, strengthening racing, and expanding training and coaching. Other options received less than 25% support.
Last updated 20:33 on 16 July 2026