Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
Less than you might think. Annual Membership fees are kept deliberately low, and we charge a small ‘session fee’ for every on-the-water session to help with safety boat fuel and upkeep, and Club public liability insurance. Note that concessionary rates may be available.
What age can I start ?
Since there’s quite a lot to learn, remember, and apply when you first start out, in order that children aren’t overwhelmed and not enjoy their first experience of sailing for themselves, we would usually recommend that children start sailing solo from the age of approximately eight years old.
However, children as young as six years old who are accompanied by a parent may be able to go out on the water with an experienced Club volunteer in benign weather conditions.
If you are unsure about whether you would be able to go afloat with us, please feel free to get in touch with us via the Contact Us page to discuss your reservations or requirements, in strictest confidence.
What do I need to bring with me?
- A wet suit if you have one. preferably minimum of 5mm, and wet suit boots if you have them. (We are quite far north and the water temperature is never warm).
- Water/windproof Jacket and trousers.
- A full change of dry clothes even if you have a wetsuit.
- A towel
- Sunscreen and or warm hat (depending on the conditions)
- A bottle of fresh water and a snack for after sailing.
- A waterproof bag to put soggy clothes in.
- Details of any relevant medical conditions (which should already have been advised on your membership form) and all necessary medications (asthma inhaler, etc).
- Under 18s parental/guardian permission and contact details. Note that for safety, parents/guardians must be contactable for the entire duration of any sailing sessions the child is taking part in.
- A positive attitude and a sunny disposition!
We will provide you with a properly-fitting buoyancy aid, watersports helmet.
Is the sailing session going ahead?
Whilst we always try to get out on the water, sometimes the weather forecast can bring too much wind (or not enough), or cold rainy conditions where even the most enthusiastic sailors think twice about going out. Your comfort and safety are our prime concern, so we may have to postpone or cancel an on-the-water session for some or all ability levels, depending on the conditions, and may substitute a shoreside theory session if possible. Please keep an eye here on the Club’s website, Facebook pages, Twitter, and Instagram feeds prior to each session as we may make the call to cancel a session at a late stage. Don’t assume that a session is cancelled if the weather appears to be unfavourable, however, as conditions vary with local geography, and/or we may have a theory session ashore planned.
Does the Club rent out their boats?
Sadly, our Club-owned boats cannot be hired out due to our insurance. If you just want to get out on the water whilst you’re up on holiday, we would be delighted to welcome you along to an officially organised Club session, and we have a short-duration ‘Day Membership’ to cater for this.