Why I Joined South Shore, by Tim Sowell

    I have lived in over 15 countries over the past 20 years, having started my sailing career at the age of 8 in Australia. One of the first pieces of advise I was given when I started my expatriate engineering career (by a fellow engineer in Iran in the 80s), was that every new place you go, quickly get involved in a local club outside of the work environment, as the lifeline to sanity.
    I have applied this rule on everyone of my moves to new city (Cairo, Dubai, Munich, Gent, Jubail, Hong Kong etc.), I always looked for a club in a sport I enjoy (rugby or sailing) which would introduce me to local community. This is the fastest way to become involved in the community , avoiding the initial period of isolation when arriving in a new place, enabling enjoyment immediately.

   So when I arrived in Newport last summer from Germany, I looked at both rugby and sailing, realizing that at I am getting too old for rugby, and I have always wanted to get back involved in sailing, so I bought a Hunter 37.6, and moved to the Rhine on Newport Harbor. I asked my neighbors who are locals, which clubs would be best to join.

   The criteria for my selection was:

        - A club which is homelike and welcoming.

        - An active sailing club, where members want to sail.

        - A club which has an active cruising program (we use to do raft ups in
        Pittwater north of Sydney).

        - The ability to enjoy a sail and then drop into the club at the finish to
        enjoy a drink etc., without feeling like you are an outsider (due to dress
        code, atmosphere).

        - Basically a club which was there for the members to enjoy their sport, and
        atmosphere. 
    The answer was South Shore, the big thing was the answer, not just from one neighbor but from a number, all active people who are active on the harbor sailors and others. This was a good endorsement, as I was concerned in joining a club which Tracy or I would not feel comfortable, and would not enable us to create friends outside of work environments, (memories of Prince Alfred Yacht Club in Australia, where after sailing I did not fit in.)

    I have been a member now for nearly two months, yet to race on Wednesday (which was a bonus to find after work races similar to concept I use to in Sydney) , but the recommendations have been fulfilled, as we have finished sailing on a number of Sundays and dropped in for a drink or barbecue, the members just made us at home. Both Tracy (South African) and I (Australian) are a long way from home, yet feeling like we are at home, thanks to the clubs welcome.
    The club is active with people who really enjoy sailing and life on the harbor, with an atmosphere of ease, yet enthusiasm to grow. I have seen the same attitude in a couple of clubs in cities around the world, (Cairo Rugby a great example) through the members that club grew in activities and membership, due to enthusiasm to be apart.
    While I have the opportunity I would like on behalf of Tracy and myself, to thank all members who have made us welcome. I am looking forward the next few years in Newport.