How can I learn to sail?

Whilst in perfect conditions you can learn to sail yourself (learning by your own mistakes!) this is not advisable. Scaling Dam is a Royal Yachting Association ( RYA ) recognised training establishment for dinghy sailing. Courses at level one and level two, there are five dinghy levels, are held twice a year with substantial discounts offered to members. For more concentrated tuition, you may consider one of the many sailing schools around the country. A good way to become familiar with sailing is to start crewing for someone else (in their boat or yours).

Do I need to own a boat or Windsurfer?

Though many people do buy before joining a club, it is advisable for those who have not sailed before either initially to crew for somebody or to enrol on a RYA recognised course such as those held at Scaling Dam. The Club does own some boats which are used for training purposes and members who have reached the RYA Level 2 are allowed to sail these but not to enter normal club races. Similarly the club owns a couple of windsurfers.

Do I need to be able to swim?

Yes. This is certainly advisable to give you confidence on and in the water, although all sailors must wear a life jacket or buoyancy aid to conform with the Club's strict safety rules.

Can I sail at any time?

Sailing takes place on the days stated on the information sheet, the only exception being during special Open Meetings where competitors from other clubs take part. On these occasions general sailing (both dinghies and windsurfers) is not allowed whilst the racing is in progress. Open meeting dates are listed in the sailing programme in the Year Book which is issued to every Club member.

How do I go about buying a boat or winsdurfer?

The best national magazine for carrying dinghy advertisements is Yachts & Yachting which is published once a fortnight and is available in W.H.Smiths. The noticeboard at the Club House carries 'Boats and Boards for Sale' advertisements. It is advisable to seek advice from the Club as to suitable and appropriate craft if you are just starting to learn to sail. Good windsurf magazines include Boards and Windsurfer.

How much will a boat cost?

There are a good many second-hand craft about for the established classes of boats. Boats if looked after, tend to hold second-hand values rather than depreciate (No rust!) . Obviously the more you pay the newer the craft you can obtain. Please do ask for club advice if in doubt.

An article in 1998 in Yachts & Yachting gave the following price figures:

Old boat Club racer Championship spec GP14 £500 £1200 £2000 Albacore £600 £2000 £4500 Enterprise £1000 £2000 £3000 Streaker £600 £800 £1200 Topper £550 £850 £1000 Laser £500 £1200 £2000 Mirror £300 £700 £1000 Miracle £600 £1000 £1800 Wayfarer £800 £2500 £5000 Wanderer £1500 £2000 £2500 Optimist £200 £500 £900 Windsurfer £200 £1200 £2000

These prices should only be taken as a rough guide. In practice some club members have purchased surprising good boats in the £250 - £500 range for most of these classes during recent seasons. Remember in purchasing that road trailers and launching trolleys can be quite expensive if not included.

Do I have to race?

No. Many members do not race. It is fair to say that the quickest way to learn to improve one's sailing is to race. You may cruise during racing times provide it is not an Open Meeting. Cruising boats are asked to keep clear of boats racing. Special races are held for those learning to sail . Many people start sailing with no intention of racing though many subsequently catch the racing bug. Races are held regularly on Sundays for Novices and Juniors.

What type of membership is available?

You can join as family or a single member. A family membership includes your partner and any children under the age of eighteen on the 1st March of the year in question. Other special rates are available for Youth (aged 16 and over and under 20) and Student (in receipt of full time education). There is a special Junior membership where an adult member is prepared to act in loco parentis for that junior. There is also a non sailing social membership option. Boat park fees are charged in addition. All fees are reduced after 1st August for the remainder of the sailing season.

What if I don't live locally?

There are two classes of membership for people who live away from the area. If you are here on holiday you can join for 30days and take part in all Club activities. The fee is about 25% of the full fee, and the boat park space (if you need it) costs about 50% of the full fee. If you would like to sail during the whole year, you can join as a 'distant member' and enjoy the Club all season. The only restrictions are that you are not eligible to vote at the AGM, or to win racing trophies. memebership costs about 50% of the normal fee.