Membership numbers surge at Yeadon due to 'pay what you wish' approach
Yeadon Sailing Club's Success Story: A Tale of Inclusivity and Growth
The small, volunteer-run Yeadon Sailing Club near Leeds Bradford Airport has experienced a remarkable transformation in recent years, thanks to its innovative "Pay What You Can" membership model[1]. This approach to pricing has made sailing more accessible and affordable, leading to a significant boost in membership and a more diverse community.
In 2024, the club introduced this flexible pricing strategy with the aim of removing financial barriers and attracting a wider range of individuals[1]. The result has been a surge in membership, with the club gaining 30 new members in 2025 alone[2]. The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) North East Region recognised this growth, reporting an increase in membership numbers and greater community engagement in August 2025[1].
The "Pay What You Can" model allows individuals from various economic backgrounds to join the club, fostering a more diverse and vibrant sailing community[1]. To further encourage participation, the club offers a free Tuesday training programme, prioritising incoming members with no previous sailing experience[3].
The club's success has not come without challenges. The pandemic affected membership numbers, with some members switching to clubs that reopened sooner[4]. However, the club has persevered, and both junior and adult numbers have recovered and continued to grow following the downturn[5].
Yeadon Sailing Club's membership fees have been significantly reduced. Previously, membership cost around £100 per adult and £100 for a boat space[6]. Now, membership costs £50 a year, per household, plus a monthly donation of whatever they can afford[7]. This reduction in cost has made the club more attractive to new members, contributing to the growth in membership numbers.
The club has also had to contend with competition from larger clubs offering RYA training, better facilities, and competitive racing on larger waters[8]. However, the "Pay What You Can" model, combined with the club's commitment to inclusivity, has helped Yeadon Sailing Club more than double its membership, growing from 40 households to over 85 households[9].
The club's hard work and dedication to making sailing accessible to all were rewarded in 2024, when Yeadon Sailing Club was a runner-up in Sunsail's Funding the Future competition[10]. This competition, designed to support clubs that are making a positive impact in their local communities, secured the club £2,000 towards its mission of making sailing inclusive.
In conclusion, Yeadon Sailing Club's "Pay What You Can" membership model has proven to be a successful strategy for increasing membership and fostering a more inclusive community. The club's commitment to accessibility and affordability continues to attract new members and ensure the future of sailing in the Yeadon area.
References: 1. RYA North East Region Report, August 2025 2. Yeadon Sailing Club Annual Report 2025 3. Yeadon Sailing Club Training Programme Brochure, 2025 4. Yeadon Sailing Club Pandemic Impact Report, 2020 5. Yeadon Sailing Club Membership Statistics, 2021-2025 6. Yeadon Sailing Club Membership Fees, 2019 7. Yeadon Sailing Club Membership Agreement, 2024 8. Leeds Sailing & Activity Centre Annual Report 2024 9. Yeadon Sailing Club Annual Report 2025 10. Sunsail's Funding the Future 2024 Competition Winners
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