Sailing
How do I get started?
Popular sailing falls into two basic categories: dinghy, and yacht sailing.
Like many other sports, the best way to get into sailing is to join a club. There are many excellent sailing clubs along the Thames, all of which should welcome you as a member, whether you are a beginner or expert. Visit the Royal Yachting Association to find your nearest club.
To sail at club waters (lakes, reservoirs, the river, or on the coast) you will need RYA 1 and 2 qualifications – all RYA-affiliated clubs run courses for beginners. One of the lessons is to right an upturned boat, and for this you should be able to swim. You do not actually need RYA qualifications to go sailing, but the RYA recommends it.
How much does it cost?
Club membership fees vary, starting about £80 per year, and some clubs will also charge a joining fee of around £50. Some clubs offer a lower cost membership if you want to sail only during the winter months, and many organise Open Days, or Try-a-Boat days when potential members can visit and try out a boat free of charge, under the guidance and supervision of experts.
Many clubs offer sailing dinghies for lease or hire. This would typically cost £24 for a single-hander (£32.50 for a two-man boat) for half a day. This facility is normally open to experienced sailors only, but check this out with the club.
You will eventually want your own boat and these come in a wide variety of sizes, types and prices. It might be better to buy a used boat to begin with – the notice board at your local club is a good starting point. Buying a boat this way means the seller is on hand as a club member, and you will probably be offered a free trial before you buy. Another good source of boats is the advertising sections of specialist magazines.
New sailing dinghies start at around £2,000. If you make your own from a kit, it will cost less – but this is only recommended if you consider yourself good at DIY and have adequate undercover space to build your new boat.
Apart from the boat itself, you will need a lifejacket, costing from £40. Protect yourself from the cold water (and every sailor falls into the water at least once!) by wearing a wet suit. This is not mandatory but very worthwhile – they cost from about £70. Other accessories to consider include sailing shoes, and a dry top/spray top that protects you from spray and keeps you warm in cold weather.
Can I get lessons?
All RYA-affiliated clubs have qualified coaches and are available to train newcomers to a level enabling them to take to the water on their own – namely the RYA Certificates (Level 1 Start Sailing and Level 2 Basic Techniques).
For single hander dinghies this course lasts on average five days (sometimes over two-and-a-half weekends, or five day-long lessons over a period) and costs £80.
Two-man boat courses last similar periods and cost about £40. Discuss your preferences with the club’s training principal or the commodore before committing yourself.
Can I do this as a family?
Sailing is an excellent family activity. You can buy dinghies to suit any number of crew, from single-handers to four (or more)people. More than this and you are getting into the realms of yachting, rather than dinghy sailing.
Unless you are intending to become a dedicated racer, we recommend you join a family-oriented club. Some clubs encourage parents (members who can sail) to teach their own children to sail, and provide a dinghy and safety boat at minimal cost. Many clubs offer boats for hire to members for as little as £5 per day, subject to availability.
Can I sail if I have a disability?
Being disabled is no barrier to sailing your own boat. The sport of sailing has a very busy group of people dedicated to promoting sailing for people with disabilities. There are different types of training for the different levels of disability, and courses are offered throughout the UK.
To find the nearest club organising courses for people with disabilities check out the Royal Yachting Association’s website and find ‘Sailability’. Here you will find a list of regional organisers, any one of which will point you in the right direction to go sailing.
I already have a sailing dinghy - can I just go out on my own?
If you own a sailing dinghy you can use club waters only if you are a member of the relevant club, or if you get permission. You can sail on the river, without cost, although you do need to register the boat with the Environment Agency before getting out on the water. You can buy a licence from lock keepers along the River Thames or by calling our Craft Registration team on 0118 953 5650. For further information visit the Registering your boat page.