Social Sailing

Pathway to Adult Sailing at Felpham Sailing Club

Introduction

Sailing is widely regarded as an outstanding sport by those who have been involved for some time. It offers a unique combination of tranquillity and the thrill of engaging with the elements. All of this takes place within a safe and supportive environment, ensuring participants can enjoy the best aspects of the sport with confidence.

Getting started, refreshing your skills or just having fun…

Whether you are new to sailing and eager to begin your journey, or you wish to refresh your existing skills, or just have fun on the water, our Social Sailing sessions are an excellent choice. Held on both Thursdays and Saturdays, these sessions have been carefully developed over recent years to meet a variety of interests related to boating.

Development

Full Sailing members

Social members

Non members

RYA Training

– Start Sailing
11 April/2 May/9 May (Saturdays)

– Keelboats Training
18 April (Saturday)

Yes

Yes

Yes

Thursday Social Sailing/Top Tips
23 April – 10 Sept

Yes

Yes

No

Saturday Development
25 April – 12 Sept

Yes

No

No

RYA Start Sailing

RYA Start Sailing Courses are provided by the club as part of their Recognised Training Centre and offer an introduction to the sport. RYA training is open to all – non-members as well as social and full sailing members. Once this course is completed, there are opportunities to further develop your skills through regular sessions on Thursday evenings and Saturdays.

Thursday Evening Social Sailing and Top Tips

Following the success of Women on Water for over ten years at Felpham Sailing Club and the introduction of Men on Boats, both events have now been merged into Social Sailing for all. Sessions are held at 18:00 on Thursday evenings and are designed for adults who have completed an RYA Start Sailing Course and can sail a triangular course, as well as those seeking to refresh or further develop their skills in an informal, safe, and enjoyable environment.

These sessions run weekly, with shore-based activities provided if the weather is inclement. Opportunities for social sailing are always available, with safety cover in place. A progressive Top Tips programme has also been devised to build up skills. This is open to social as well as full sailing members.

The programme also includes a monthly meal, encouraging sailors to share experiences, discuss successes, and consider areas for improvement.

Adult Sailing at Felpham Sailing Club

Thursday evening social sailing and top tips

Saturday Development Sessions

These sessions are mostly open to full sailing members and take place when the tide is low. Social Sailing opportunities are provided in a safe environment as well as opportunities to develop powerboat handling.

In addition to this, some sessions are also available to social or non-members to encourage those new to the sport to have a go for example Cake and Sail, Discover Sailing as well as 1:1 sessions which can be arranged by agreement with the club.

Pathway to Adult Racing at Felpham Sailing Club

A number of opportunities are available throughout the year to develop your racing skills, whether you are relatively new to the sport, a returner or someone who wants to practice their techniques in a fun and safe environment.

Opportunities

Full Sailing members

Social members

Non members

Saturday RYA Training – Start Racing

6 June / 13 June

Yes

Yes

Yes

Thursday Social Sailing and Top Tips

23 April – 10 Sept

Yes

Yes

No

Saturday Development

25 April – 12 Sept

Yes

No

No

Monday Night Race Training and Sprint

Jun/July

Yes

No

No

Club Racing

Sundays

5 April – 1 Nov

Wednesday

29 April – 26 Aug

Yes

No

 

RYA Start Racing

The club offers RYA Start Racing courses through its status as a Recognised Training Centre. These courses are designed to introduce participants to the fundamentals of racing. Open to everyone—including non-members, social members, and full sailing members—these sessions are an excellent way to gain a deeper understanding of racing principles. The course is intended to work alongside Thursday evening Social Sailing and Top Tips sessions, as well as the Saturday Development sessions, helping participants build the confidence needed to join regular Sunday and Wednesday races.

Thursday Evening Social Sailing and Top Tips

Throughout the season, sailors will have opportunities to further develop their racing skills during Thursday evening Social Sailing and Top Tips sessions. As the season draws to a close, participants will have the chance to race for the Cindy Bloor and Nigel Lester trophies, providing an extra incentive to put their improved skills into practice.

Saturday Development Sessions

As the season progresses, Saturday Development Sessions will offer opportunities for both more experienced and novice sailors to practise their racing and sailing skills together. These sessions are designed to build confidence and experience, culminating in participation in the Novice Regatta.

Monday Night Race Training and Sprint

Monday Night Race Training and Sprint sessions are provided exclusively to full sailing members, with both adults and youth members welcome to attend. These sessions, held in June and July, are focused on refining participants’ racing skills.

Club Racing See Racing