Membership FAQ

Can you teach me or my child to sail?

We are a recreational club, not a school, so unfortunately we do not sell training courses. However, there are several RYA Dinghy sailing schools in London. To learn to sail, you should look for anywhere selling “RYA Dinghy Level 1” or if confident, “Level 2”. Westminster Boating Base is a nearby option.

What time does the club open?

It varies with the tide, please see the Sailing Calendar

Can I try out sailing at a “Taster Day”?

Yes, we have regular taster days for the public to come and try out sailing and meet the club before signing up. After reading this FAQ please contact us at hello@southbanksailingclub.co.uk to find a date and time!

2024 Taster Days: Saturday 11th May, others TBC

Can I join as a novice?

As above, novices are welcome to come for a “Taster Day”, when we will arrange for an experienced volunteer to take you out as their crew.

You cannot hire an instructor or 'skipper' here, but as a member, it’s usually possible to make some friends at the club and agree to share a boat with someone more experienced.

It is not compulsory, but for your own safety and enjoyment, you are encouraged to work towards becoming a confident sailor in your own right - see the advice above under 'Can you teach me...'.

What should I wear for sailing?

Assume that your feet and legs will get wet, and of course you need to be safe in the event that you fall into the water - though if you are on a supervised taster day, falling in is extremely unlikely.

✔️ Any lightweight clothes (in layers if cold): sailing/surfing/watersports gear, normal sportswear, shorts, waterproof coats.

✔️ Wetsuits, drysuits, as appropriate for the temperature

✔️ Waterproof low sailing boots, wetsuit-shoes, lightweight shoes. (e.g. canvas)

❔ Running trainers only if you are happy to wear them soaked! Personally I wouldn't.

❌ Fleeces, thick jumpers, tracksuits, anything very heavy when wet (except inside a drysuit, in which case these can be good for very cold weather). Bear in mind that your foam buoyancy aid will help keep your core warm.

❌ Jeans, denim & other fabrics that leak dye when wet and/or are heavily absorbent (again, unless inside a drysuit)

❌ Flip-flops, sandals, wellington boots, bare feet.

Expect a lot of exposure on sunny days, due to the water’s reflectivity and the lack of shade! 

Visitors and new members can try their luck in the spares box for equipment to borrow for the day (no promises), but any committed sailor should buy their own boots and clothing. Wetsuit Outlet and Decathlon sell a range of goods; and with the exception of drysuits, most sailing gear is quite affordable.

Don't know what to buy or how much it costs? Here are some suggestions.

Am I too old / too young?

Our boats have accommodated crews from 2 to 90. If you can sail, you are the right age. Legal minors must be accompanied, under our safeguarding policy.

What club boats do you have?

Lasers, Solos, Enterprises, GP 14s, Xenons, Laser 13’s, a Supernova. Members can rent these boats for the day for £7 (one-person boats) or £10 (multi-person boats) per day.

How much is membership?

For most people, £82/year, but there are a lot of concessions and family discounts available. All prices are listed on our Join the Club page and application form.

Do you sail through the winter?

We sail all year round, though we only sail during daylight, so in midwinter we miss some days due to the appropriate tidal state happening at night.

I’d like to store my boat at the club. Do you have space?

It’s possible to store a boat for a fee, but you would need to be a member and negotiate space for it with the harbourmaster, as we do not have unlimited space, and wish to strongly favour boats that will be regularly used at the club. We do not offer a boat storage service for non-members.

Do you have social events that I would be able to come to if I’m a member?

Yes! Some incorporate sailing, and some do not. Regular annual fixtures include an end of year awards dinner, and a fireworks party on bonfire night. In the summer we like to run the occasional BBQ or meal.

Do you run mid-week sailing?

Rarely, in summer, when someone volunteers to run the event. Sometimes in summer there are midweek inter-club races that our members can join.

Ready to try?

Move on to the Join the Club page to request a taster day or (if you already have) fill in a membership form!