A bit of history

Crawley Mariners Yacht Club, which has been in existence for over thirty years, was founded by sailing enthusiasts working on Crawley's Manor Royal Industrial Estate. The club has always been based at Hedgecourt Lake on the A264 between Crawley and Felbridge. Initially the club leased the water, but when the lake came on the market, the club raised a mortgage and bought it. The sale included a large area of wet lands, now designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Gradual, but steady, development over the life of the club has allowed the activities to be moved away from the original launching area in Mill Lane to a more established base at the West end of the lake. Where members once had to change into and out of their sailing gear in their cars (much harder than sailing itself) the club now boasts an attractive clubhouse with kitchen, toilets and showers. Now that the club has gained ownership of this beautiful stretch of water the Mariners are able to allow other organisations, i.e. Sea Cadets, Scouts, disabled groups etc. to enjoy the facilities of Hedgecourt.

At the beginning the club was quite nomadic. With no club storage, members had to keep their boats at home on trailers. This had the advantage that the boats could be easily be taken to sailing venues other than a home lake. Hence the club's sailing programme was developed to include cruising in Chichester and Langstone Harbours, from Hillhead in the Solent and visiting South Coast sailing clubs, to enjoy sea racing. This programme continues, even though the club now owns Hedgecourt Lake.

The Crawley Mariners Yacht Club greatly appreciates the encouragement and financial support that it receives from Tandridge District Council, The Surrey Playing Fields Association and The Sports Council