We have restarted Fleet 259 in California over the last year. The Fleet really wasn't that big to begin with years ago. Currently we have 20 semi-active sailors and about 7-8 very active sailors.
This a few things we did and are working on....
-Changed the designation of the Fleet from Paso Robles (small town) to California Central Coast. There just aren't as many boats as there was 15-20 years ago and a broader geographical designation gives us a bigger net.
-We have worked to find boats!!!! I tend to travel the state for my job and when ever I am out of town I look for boats that need adoption. It has worked. we have six or seven people sailing boats that have new happy new owners. I am fortunate to have a large back yard and I have kept a H14 and H16 for new sailors want to learn. I am happy to say both boats are being used by new fleet members and they are motivated!
-We have started a new web page.
www.hobiefleet259.com This at least is a place to send people for information.
-I have advertised fun sails on craigslist in the boating area. In this add I list our web site and put a few links to some cool youtube sailing links. We have pulled many people to the beach this way. I get their email address and add them to my Semi-monthly email. We currently have 40 email addresses on our list and it grows often. We just set up a Google group.
-In the spring we are going to Set some boats up at the Farmers Market. In San Luis Obispo there is a very large Farmers Market every Thursday. 2 to 4 thousand attend every week. I talked with Pat Porter the other day about how to cover our presents with NAHCA additionally insured policy (required by the city) so that we can attend.
-We are planning an event to attend some fun regattas put on by the San Luis Obispo Yacht Club in Sept and Oct. Most of our new group has not raced before and are still learning how to sail much less race. These are low key events on Sundays that people don't have to be stressed about or spend a lot to participate.
With no dealers being local I believe we will be limited by boats. The desire to sail is there!!! The quality of remaining boats is low. Our sport is not dead but somehow we need an infusion of affordable boats. IMHO.
Don't forget......We are the original Green watersport. Our sport should be growing! Laws, facilities, venues, clubs should be moving toward supporting sailing. Our equipment options should be getting better, broader, and more available. ok, I will get off my soap box.
Get out there and sail guys! That is the best way to grow our Fleets.