As to the notion that ascots are "pompous," "elitist" and whatnot, wasn't that largely created by the character Thurston Howell III on "Gilligan's Island"...and didn't that show fold about a half-century ago?

Also, the notion that yacht clubs are repositories of old-fashioned elegance--blazers, white ducks, ascots, etc.--is held only by those who have never set foot inside a yacht club. I have had occasion to frequent a couple of different yacht clubs in my area. My stepson and his half brother are both members of a yacht club. I did wear a blazer to one event at a yacht club. Some of the people twitted me about it, asking if I were running for commodore. Officers of yacht clubs will wear blazers, but the cover them with hideous pins and sundry insignia. Tommy Bahama shirts are more the norm.

I will say that the commodore of the patrician Long Beach Yacht Club lives around the corner from me. He once remarked to me that there was some tension there over appropriate dress between the older members and the younger set, which he defined as those younger than 69.

I personally own three dozen cravats, so obviously I like 'em.

Her husband would be ashamed.

Dang Stan.  That is now a disturbing visual one-two punch.

All about accessorizing.