The RAYC 2025 membership satisfaction survey received a tremendous response from members and highlighted very high levels of satisfaction across the club. Around 90% of respondents said they enjoy being part of the RAYC, believe it offers good value for money, and would recommend it to others.
This positive sentiment is reinforced by what members say they value most. The breadth of sailing opportunities—particularly offshore cruising—stands out as a key strength, alongside the strong camaraderie and shared Gunner identity that defines the club. Members also highlighted access to well-maintained boats and facilities, a welcoming and inclusive environment, and a professional, well-organised structure. The club’s heritage and its role in supporting the development of younger sailors and soldiers are also seen as important and distinctive benefits.
Alongside this strong foundation, the survey highlights several clear opportunities for improvement. Communication was the most consistent theme, with members calling for clearer, more regular updates and better visibility of events and opportunities. There is also demand for expanded training provision, improved regatta organisation, and greater engagement with younger members and serving personnel to help rebuild grassroots participation. In addition, relatively low awareness of inshore facilities suggests an opportunity to better promote and utilise existing assets.
Feedback from members provides a clear and consistent message on the future of St Barbara V, strongly supporting the need for replacement. While many respondents recognise that the yacht remains seaworthy and enjoyable to sail, satisfaction levels with its overall condition are low, with relatively few members considering it to be in good condition or suitable for continued charter use. Comments describe the vessel as ageing, tired, and increasingly beyond economic repair, with missing modern features limiting its usability. Importantly, only a small proportion of members believe the boat has many years of service left, reinforcing the view that ongoing investment would offer diminishing returns. Overall, the survey evidence aligns firmly with plans to replace St Barbara V within the next 12–18 months, reflecting a shared desire to modernise the fleet and better meet current and future member needs.
The survey achieved a strong level of engagement, with 114 members responding—around 23% of the active membership, which is above typical response rates for similar clubs. The respondent profile reflects the club’s current demographic, with a majority of retired personnel and over 60% aged over 56. Importantly, over 40% of respondents identified as active sailors or regular charter users, giving confidence that the feedback reflects the views of those most actively involved in the club’s sailing activities.
Click on the following link to see the full membership survey report.
