When Blue Collars and White Collars Meet at Play: The Case of the Yacht Club.

This study examines the sociological anomalies that arise when a group of blue collar and white collar yachters try to co-exist at a yacht club to pursue their nautical interests. The study is designed to provide a link to the work of other researchers concerned with blue collar men who venture into the social worlds beyond their class. Yachting has become one of the most rapidly growing sports in the United States. The Neptune Yacht Club was established in 1883 by a group of wealthy yachtsmen who raised money to build docks for their yachts and a house to conduct their clubs activities. Through the mechanisms of sponsorship, initiation and membership subscriptions, Neptune maintained its exclusivity. Of the 187 current members, 81 % have white-collar jobs; the remaining 19% have blue collar jobs. The blue collar subculture included fraternalism, drinking, boating and fishing. The white collar subculture included sailboats, racing, cruising and gentrification. Aside from the clique of blue collar members who use the club as a hangout, most of Neptune's members do not interact with each other.