Denis Lockwood Commodore 2008.

Welcome to Minima.

We are a friendly low cost dinghy sailing club, easy to get to in the middle of Kingston-upon-Thames. The club is owned and run by the members who are of all ages, genders, shapes and sizes. A good variety of social activities include evening sails to nearby riverside pubs. We have a lovely bar with a balcony looking across the river to beautiful Hampton Court Home Park. On a warm evening as the sun sets it is one of the most picturesque spots on the Thames.

If you are a beginner we will teach you to sail. If you are experienced you will find there is lots of fun to be had learning the subtle skills of river sailing. And we are also affiliated to the Phoenix Yacht Club, with two sea-going yachts based on the Solent.

Mostly we sail Enterprises, Merlins, Solos and Toppers, but other types are welcome. Races are on Wednesday nights in the summer, Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon, so you can find a time to suit your lifestyle. Our season runs from March to December.

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History of Minima Yacht Club.

Minima Yacht Club, now in its 118th year, first raced in the summer of 1889 on the Hamble River. In the early days there were several Divisions of the Club, most being on the coast. In 1930 the Surbiton Division of Minima moved from the Sun Hotel to the garden of Nuttalls Restaurant, recently Millets.

During the Second World War racing continued from temporary quarters in Thames Sailing Club and Minima gave sailing instructions to R.A.F. pilots to enable them to handle their survival dinghies. Normal activities resumed in 1946.

Contributing to the beginning of the post-war boom in dinghy racing, Minima was the first Thames club to sponsor the Yachting World Cadet Class. The Club expanded considerably and members had successes in inland and coastal event.

During the 1960s uncertainty arising from the Kingston redevelopment plans eventually forced another move and the lease was secured of Nielson's former sail loft and store. These premises were converted into a fine new clubhouse by the members and, together with the large boat compound in Home Park on the Middlesex bank, now afford first-class dinghy racing facilities.

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General Information on Minima Yacht Club.

Boats are berthed and launched at the Bargewalk across the river, with access from Kingston Bridge. Vehicles may not be parked on the Bargewalk. A ferry service is operated on race days. Undercover space for boat maintenance is available at the club by arrangement.

The bar is open on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. Light refreshments are on sale during open meetings and on club race days.

Club cruising burgees, ties and keys, may be obtained from the bar. A range of club sweaters, Tee-shirts, etc., is available.

The club accepts no liability for personal injury or for loss or damage to boats or property on moorings afloat or ashore, nor on club premises. Articles of value may be deposited with the race officer.

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Affiliation with Phoenix Yacht Club -

Also See: Phoenix Yacht Club

Minima enjoys a formal affiliation with Phoenix Yacht Club, whereby full members of each club have mutual sailing and social rights at the other.

For Minima members, whose ideas of yachting occasionally stretch to thoughts of night passages to foreign ports, Phoenix has two ocean going yachts, "Spellbinder" (39') and "Enchantress" (33') on which members may book berths. Events include social sailing, extended cruises, rallies and serious competitive racing for which applications are always welcomed, notwithstanding the responsibility of the skipper for assembling a balanced and competent crew.

Individual bookings and specific enquiries should be made via the Phoenix booking secretary, Sheila Thomas, email: pycsail@globalnet.co.uk. Details of cruises, races and berth availability are displayed on the Minima notice board and individual members who intend to sail regularly may request inclusion on the Phoenix mailing list. General contact with Phoenix is maintained by the Minima Commodore.

Subscriptions of the two clubs are roughly the same but in the spirit of a trouble free affiliation members are expected to join and remain in the club which best represents their main interest, irrespective of financial considerations.

The committee hopes that both clubs will benefit from this union, that Minima members will enjoy the opportunity to extend our range of sailing activities and that Phoenix members will benefit from the social facilities provided by our bar and clubhouse.

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Want to Sail?

Never tried dinghy sailing before? We recommend that you take your first steps at one of the two excellent local authority centres: Albany Park or Wimbledon Park http://www.kingston.gov.uk/browse/leisure/albanypark.htm

http://www.merton.gov.uk/leisure/facilities/wimbledonparksport.htm

Want to race?

If you would like to learn how to race and/or crew for one our experienced helms, email our Race Training Coodinator Giles Hobart.

Want to join as a sailing or social member?

Membership Enquiry - eMail Eileen Barry Honorary Membership Secretary.

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Sailing Conditions?

Environment Agency yellow and red board warning system indicate the strength of the stream and the related risk to unpowered craft. (Please note this is only for guidance and decisions to sail or not will be taken by the race officer in consultation with fellow sailors.)

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