My gut feeling is that its a combination of factors. There are a lot of classic novels and even modern movies that make the point that sailing is either the domain of the wealthy OR the choice for those who have some "call of sea" in their veins. Sailing in many forms has a reputation for requiring lifetime dedication to a skill - becoming a "sailor" might be in the minds of many people a career, not a hobby or a sport. In addition, there is not to my knowledge a lot of awareness of the sport or the opportunities. Because of this, I think its something that people don't connect with themselves - they see it as a distant luxury. That has been my experience sharing my sailing adventures with my friends and acquaintances at least.
I think its trivial to counteract these perceptions, but it needs to be done on an individual basis, e.g. really connecting with people who show an interest and saying "YOU can sail, this is for YOU, not just that guy out there already, or the Thomas Crown guy or Larry Ellison, etc..." Of course, part of the draw to sailing for some people IS the elan associated, but there will always be the America's Cup to aspire to...
Growing up, the biggest influence getting me into sailing was boy scouts.
I have no idea what relationship, if any, the various yacht clubs in the area have with local boy and girl scouting chapters, but that is a tremendous way to introduce youth to the sport as something accessible to them. As an Eagle Scout myself, its something I would personally be willing to try and donate at least some time to, as little as I have available.
Other ideas off the top of my head: sailing clubs at local universities? I know A&M has a great program, what about the smaller colleges and universities with locations around the bay? I'm sure there are several, I am personally just wondering what the racing community could do, again, to encourage their involvement. Perhaps if these college clubs can show productive partnerships with the racing teams, they could receive some more funding for self-promotion and awareness raising? Maybe we could teach them to hold their own regattas? Do they?
Just ideas, from the FNG...
I think its trivial to counteract these perceptions, but it needs to be done on an individual basis, e.g. really connecting with people who show an interest and saying "YOU can sail, this is for YOU, not just that guy out there already, or the Thomas Crown guy or Larry Ellison, etc..." Of course, part of the draw to sailing for some people IS the elan associated, but there will always be the America's Cup to aspire to...
Growing up, the biggest influence getting me into sailing was boy scouts.
I have no idea what relationship, if any, the various yacht clubs in the area have with local boy and girl scouting chapters, but that is a tremendous way to introduce youth to the sport as something accessible to them. As an Eagle Scout myself, its something I would personally be willing to try and donate at least some time to, as little as I have available.
Other ideas off the top of my head: sailing clubs at local universities? I know A&M has a great program, what about the smaller colleges and universities with locations around the bay? I'm sure there are several, I am personally just wondering what the racing community could do, again, to encourage their involvement. Perhaps if these college clubs can show productive partnerships with the racing teams, they could receive some more funding for self-promotion and awareness raising? Maybe we could teach them to hold their own regattas? Do they?
Just ideas, from the FNG...