Start Sailing with Crawley Mariners Yacht Club

Starting out in the sport of sailing can be a bit daunting, there is so much to consider and many decisions to be made. However millions of people sail so it can't be that difficult, the secret is to approach task logically, it's amazing how many hurdles you can jump if you take them one at a time!

Leaning to sail

The National Sailing Scheme as set out by the RYA is a level based system, which ranges from Start Sailing to Performance Sailing. The idea is achieve steady progression from sailing in light winds on sheltered water, Sailing in moderate winds, to high performance sailing. Level 2 Basic skills is arguably the point at which most people feel confident to sail around the Lake in light airs.

The Start Sailing Level 1 course takes place over 2 full days at the end of which you should be able to get afloat in a relaxed enjoyable manner.

The Basic Skills Level 2 course takes place over 2 full days at the end of which you should be able to Rig and launch a boat, sail around a triangular course, be able to pick up a mooring and return safely to shore.

At the Mariners we tend to run Level 1 and Level 2 together over 5 days. The cost of which is around £90 less £20 if you have your own boat.

...read more about training

What to Sail

Boats, like people come in all shapes and sizes and referred to as classes, from very small single handers to high performance Olympic 'flying' machines. With the later demanding high levels of fitness and sailing skills. Temptation to go for a fast boat is probably best resisted at first in favour of a less demanding class. Top Tip try-before-you-buy, there is no shortage of classes within the club to choose from and most members will be happy to give a demo.

And finally.

As a member of Crawley Mariners Yacht Club you can take part in Cruising and Racing both at our own lake 'Hedgecourt' and at a variety of locations on the south coast. For more details see the programme. In an attempt to explain how to get started in the sport  we have compiled a list of  'frequently asked questions' please read on. 

q)   do I need to join CMYC to try sailing?

a)   No, simply come along to one of our ' Open Days ' to try sailing for free!, if you can't wait until then, e-mail the and arrange a visit. Alternatively, have look at the Programme and come down when an organised event is taking place, someone will show you around.

q)   If I decide to join the club do I need to have my own boat?

a)  No the club has a fleet of Toppers and Optibats for the juniors and some larger boats for the 'grown ups'. These are used mainly for training but are available for hire and for use at Saturday Club training.

q)   How do I learn to Sail ?

a)  The Sports governing body is the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), they set the standards for the National Dinghy Sailing Scheme. Training courses at CMYC for Juniors and adults are run to these standards by qualified instructors throughout the year. In addition the there are a number of Saturday mornings set aside (free of charge) for club members wishing to improve their sailing skills.

Note: If you join on an Open day you may even qualify for a free Level 1 course!

q )  What clothing do I need?

a) This depends largely of the weather, there can be no doubt that the best time to start sailing would be during the summer months, when no more than a pair of shorts a  tee-shirt are required. Obviously as the winter months approach more insulation is required.

q)   When can I use the lake and its facilities?

a)   Any time between dawn and dusk 365 days per year, as a member you will have your own key. 

q)  Sounds great "tell me more"

a)   For more detail read the items under 'about us' on the main menu or contact the membership secretary for further details

download an application form