Come Sailing

Come Sailing

When do we sail? 


We sail from April to the end of October on a Tuesday and Thursday. 
For client sailors, the day usually starts at 10:00 and finishes at 14:45, with a break for lunch at around 12:15.  

What if Sailing is Cancelled?                                        

 

Always check the ‘Message’ section on the front page of the website. As weather conditions be localised and changeable e.g exceptionally windy, and occasionally Chipstead Sailing club events may mean a session is cancelled. 

So, by 8.15am on a sailing morning a message will confirm if sailing is going ahead that morning.  

Who can sail with us? 

We try to cater for anyone and everyone with a disability. 

  • We accept people with any disability providing they are at least 7 years old. There is no upper age limit. 
  • If we do not have a solution to a problem, we will try to find one. 
  • If you need to be accompanied on the water, then that is not a problem. We are happy to involve carers and our own volunteers to help where needed. 

What do you need to bring?                                        

  

It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before you come.  

  • Outdoor clothing, suitable for the weather. It’s always colder on the water than on land. 
  • A change of clothing and footwear, (in case you get wet). 
  • Waterproof over-clothing (there may be rain and there will probably be spray). 
  • Suitable footwear. Trainers, or similar, that you don’t mind getting wet. 
  • Sunscreen – factor 50. 
  • A hat, cap or hood, that won’t blow off and will keep your head warm if it’s cold or, will give shade on hot days. 

Is Food Provided? 

  • Coffee/tea, biscuits and cake are available for a minimum donation of £1.00. 
  • If you intend to stay for lunch, you’ll need to bring food with you.  
  • There is a microwave, if food needs to be heated. 

We will provide 

  • Boats 
  • Buoyancy Aids 
  • Tuition 
  • Assistance getting in/out of boats 
  • Help from volunteers where needed 

Training 

  • Our aim is to develop each individual’s potential and get everyone to a level where they can sail on their own. 

Safety 

  • Anyone on the pontoon or on the water must wear an appropriate buoyancy aid. 
  • The majority of our volunteers have received First Aid Training. 
  • A Safety Boat will always be launched before any disabled sailor goes out sailing. It will have a competent driver and crew who will keep you out of trouble and help you if you get into any difficulty. 
  • Depending on the weather, we will decide the most appropriate boats for the circumstances, the needs of our client and the safety of others. 

Facilities and Equipment 

  • There is wheelchair access to all parts of the Clubhouse and onto the pontoon. 
  • There is an electric hoist available for assisting people into and out of boats. 

Safeguarding 

  • Please refer to our safeguarding policy under ‘Policies’. 
  • Our volunteers have training in safeguarding. 
  • As far as possible, our volunteers hold an ‘Enhanced DBS’. 
  • If you have any cause to be concerned about a safeguarding incident, please report your concern(s) to the Safeguarding Officer or Session Manager. 

Our Fees 

  • It costs nothing to come down and try for the first time. 
  • After the ‘taster’ session there is a charge of £5 per person per half day session or part of a session.  If we are busy, time on the water may be reduced.  
  • There is no charge for carers. 

Registration 

  • When you arrive, please park in the car park. There is plenty of room and its free. 
  • Make your way to the Clubhouse where you will register your arrival and pay your fee. 

Racing 

Racing takes place on a Thursday morning.