The U.K. Leisure Owners Association was formed in late 1982 to represent
the interests of owners and to provide a forum where members could exchange
ideas about sailing, maintenance etc. A flourishing club is also operating
in the Netherlands who celebrated their 25th anniversary in 2002. They have
their own web site Leisure Club
Holland.
Membership Benefits
- A library of information about Leisure yachts
- Technical "experts" to answer your questions
- Access to spare parts and mouldings
- Cruises in company and other sailing events
- A regular Journal - Saltings
- A sailing & maintenance Video Loan Scheme
Happy faces at a BBQ in Bradwell Marina
We organise quite a number of rallies/meets each year. Round a barbecue with a few glasses of wine is a great way to make new friends
Although most members of the Association are Leisure yacht owners it is not a pre-requisite of membership, neither does your yacht have to be a 'Leisure' yacht, indeed you do not have to be a boat owner at all to be a member. For example we have a few members who have sold their Leisure's for bigger yachts but continue with the Association because of all their friendships etc. and others who have retired from sailing but stay in the Association to pass on their knowledge.
The
Association is able to offer specialist advice if you should experience
any problems with your craft. Many members find this very useful now that
the boat builder has ceased trading.
Members can also borrow videos on a variety of sailing subjects [a fee being payable to cover postage & packing only].
The Association publishes a journal called "Saltings" three times a year which includes details of sailing events, repair and maintenance tips and items of general interest to Leisure owners, [for example, those sailing yarns we all like to tell, in the bar, after a good day on the water.] A sample copy of Saltings is available (in Acrobat format.
Full details of all the Association Officers and an application form are available on the contacts page.
All this for the modest annual subscription (details are on the subscription and fees page). All new members also receive a complimentary Leisure Owners Association pennant as part of their welcome pack.
Regional Activities
Each region tries to organise some sailing events each summer. Those members who live away from the main UK sailing centres and those overseas, who cannot travel easily to rallies and meetings can participate through the Saltings Journal and of course this web site, which offers on-line access to the library and to the discussion forum.
The pictures show a recent East Coast rally to the Suffolk Yacht Harbour on the river Orwell. We had very good support on this rally with 8 boats attending.
For Simon & Mike on Glissando (a Leisure 17) and for Mark and James on Misty Blue (a Leisure 20); it was a first out of the river Blackwater. Rallies are ideal for our less experienced members, as they can sail in company with others who are 'old hands'.
A very nice meal in the Haven Ports Yacht Club (lightship) finished the Saturday evening off nicely after a few pre-dinner drinks on our host’s boat.
Rally to the River Orwell
Members of the Association are able
to participate in a wide range of sailing and social events
A meeting of the Scottish Group at Anstruther
For more details about any aspect of the Associations activities, or about membership, please contact the Membership Secretary - - +44 (0) 1206 382747.