Thanks Newby7
Getting the younger group involved remains a big mystery. Even the online sailing app isn't very popular.
One of our own disadvantages is the venue we use. It's public property and there are no facilities like a clubhouse, toilets or even enough shade in summer.
In summer the water level also drops and not everyone likes the idea of wading into the water to put a keel boat in deep enough.
On the gas boat side however, the average age is much lower say around 50. On the scale boat side, it's higher again, around 60.
COVID 19 started and it seems its older brother COVID 22 is not helping much. 😆 And paranoia also doesn't help. Many folks will go shopping, but won't join a sailing event until it's "safe" to do so.

Thanks Andy
We do regattas for the sail boats and speed boat races around a set of 4 bouys.
That seems to be the norm. And yet 8 to 10 out of 50 participate.
I once made the mistake to do a survey to find out why people joined the club. A few objected that they didn't think joining made participation mandatory.
We introduced a Ranking system similar to this site. The more you participate the higher you go up in ranks and eventually end up at Admiral where you don't pay membership fees.

Team Tactics
How to play:
One player operates the TX with his/her back to the water.
Player two instructs player one where to steer the ship.

Rules:
Teams of two persons are numbered.
Even numbered teams sail CW around a set of bouys.
Uneven numberered teams sail CCW.

Two or Four teams per race.
The rest sail around randomly, creating moving traffic to navigate.

The team that enters the port first, wins!

Great question Rudy.
As one of the executive's of my boat club we do struggle getting members to get involved with the outings we have scheduled. Not only in set up but in participation in the event.
With membership aging some are unable to help others didn't join the club to go to events.
Finding younger members has become most difficult for most hobbies.
The last two years have been difficult. We started Zoom meeting twice a month and we get about half the club to sign in.
With restrictions being lifted we will have a scheduled meeting in person the end of March.
We will also keep the Zoom meeting up for members not ready to meet in person.
We incur-age members to show their work that seems to go over well.
We bring in outside people to speak on different aspects of the hobby (motors, batteries, building) and other items put foreword by the membership.
Rick

Informal race or task of sailing around a series of buoys.

Slowest boat starts first.

Fine for sailing boats - not certain about powered craft - but perhaps an obstacle course, gently touching each buoy with the bow of your boat - a test of control?

One of the challenges of model boat clubs is to get members more involved.
I have started this thread to share ideas on how to get members more involved in club activities.

Besides the normal "sail days" what else do you offer your members to get them to play more?
Likewise, in asking current and new members, what do you expect from your model boat club?