“The dirty boat building competition” — I took it on; it has been a successful competition for many years. In its first year, I organized it, promoted it, and made it happen. A playful, hands-on event where kids, families, and curious locals could build scrappy boats from cheap materials and race them in the bay. It was messy, joyful, and inclusive—a celebration of creativity and maritime heritage.
Peel Sailing & Cruising Club initially offered to support the event by providing insurance as they have done in the past and suggested I apply for membership. I did. What followed was a series of evasive, bureaucratic replies that culminated in a flat refusal—without explanation, without dialogue, and without any apparent interest in the community benefit.
“Your application was declined… all the correct procedures were followed.” — Roger Cave, Commodore, P.S.&C.C.
That was the extent of their reasoning. No feedback. No invitation to collaborate. Just a closed door.
When I requested access to the club’s constitution and a proper explanation, I was told to visit a physical archive in Douglas. For a club that claims to represent Peel’s maritime spirit, this lack of transparency is not just disappointing—it’s anti-community.
“We feel that the matter is now closed and believe that no benefit can be obtained from continuing any further correspondence.” — Roger Cave
No benefit? To whom?
This event brought new energy to Peel. It inspired young people to engage with sailing, sparked curiosity, and created a moment of shared joy in a town that deserves it. The club could have been part of that. Instead, they chose silence and exclusion.
And yet, outside the club’s building, a sign reads:
“ALL ARE WELCOME TO PEEL SAILING CLUB”
The irony is hard to miss. The sign, faded and flanked by garbage bins, feels like a metaphor for the club’s current posture—welcoming in words, but not in action.
I’ve since referred the matter to the Information Commissioner, citing their refusal to comply with a Subject Access Request under GDPR. I’ve also raised concerns under the Equality Act 2010, given the arbitrary nature of the refusal and the club’s unwillingness to provide a substantive justification.
But this post isn’t just about legal rights. It’s about values.
Peel deserves institutions that reflect its spirit—open, curious, and generous. Clubs like P.S.&C.C. should be stewards of tradition, yes, but also champions of innovation and inclusion. When they turn their backs on grassroots efforts, they don’t just reject an idea—they reject the people behind it.
Postscript
There has been some debate on- and offline about this situation. I’ve made a list below to clarify a few points.
It’s about a series of things that simply don’t make sense. And when things don’t make sense, we can either walk away—or we can hold people to account. There’s far too much of the former happening.
So, in a nutshell, here’s what this is about:
- The event raised money for the RNLI.
- It encouraged people to build boats and race them.
- If something doesn’t make sense, shouldn’t we be able to ask why?
- If you don’t want members, then why display a sign outside saying “All Are Welcome”?
- Why tell me to join, and then have two of your members propose and second me?
- When I asked for the meeting minutes, why was I told they’d been destroyed?
- If I’m too ugly for the club, I can live with that. But why act so cowardly?
- The email below, along with a statement made to the Information Commissioner, confirms that all data containing my name has been destroyed. This may need to be clarified further. Of course, I am happy to do it.
I’m trying to be a friend—in fact, that’s the desired outcome. But friendship requires being treated properly.
The great irony is that it actually raised money for the RNLI. You couldn’t write this stuff if you wanted to.