AN INTRODUCTION TO
THE NOTTINGHAM SAILING CLUB
About the Club
The Nottingham Sailing Club was founded in 1955 at its present
location
on the West Bridgford bank of the River Trent. At this point the river
is wide and generally slow moving. This offers some of the finest river
sailing in the country.
The clubhouse is situated close to the river bank giving a good view
of the sailing activities from the warmth and comfort of the licensed bar
and tea bar. Changing rooms and showers are also provided.
All of the land surrounding the Clubhouse is owned by the Club and provides
a large secure dinghy park, plenty of space for rigging, launching from
a concrete slip and a well-fendered jetty. There is also ample car-parking and barbecue and picnic facilities.
The Club's main activity is racing with Saturday and Sunday races from
March to October and Thursday evening races from May to August. There is
also a Sunday frostbite series in November and December. The racing season
culminates in a traditional Open Meeting on Boxing Day each year. The Club
Regatta takes place every year and fills a whole
weekend of social activities along with the racing and fun sailing events.
Cruising
Many people enjoy their membership of the Club without ever racing. You
can sail upriver for about 2 miles, mainly through pleasant countryside,
as far as Lady Bay Bridge. Downstream, there is a wide section of river
approaching Holme Lock. Tuesday evenings are the most popular for cruising
during the summer months. There are rescue boats on the water and the bar
is open for refreshments. Members may however sail at any time from the
Club, which is ideal for anyone who has time available during the day.
The Club is a recognised Royal Yachting Association
training establishment and runs "Learn to Sail Weekends" several times each
year. These courses are intensive with a high teacher / pupil ratio, giving
excellent value for money. These weekend are open to non-members of the Club.
The Club also runs Level 2 and Power Boat courses for Members, and for Junior
Members, junior training on Saturday mornings throughout the summer.
There are many opportunities to improve your sailing skills, either
crewing for a more experienced helm or by purchasing your own boat. Advice
on boat handling, rigging and tuning, repairs and maintenance is readily
available from most members. The club owns a fleet of seven Toppers, a single-handed
boat ideal for training and junior racing. There are also four GP14s which
are used extensively for teaching purposes and an Access Dinghy which is suitable for diabled sailors.
Safety on the water is paramount and the Club can provide life jackets
for organised training courses. Rescue boats are on duty at these times
and during racing. Life jackets must be worn at all times whilst on the
water.
As well as the sailing, the Club holds social events throughout the year.
These cover many events not related to sailing, as well as the annual Regatta
barbecue in the Summer and Prize giving Buffet in the winter.
Non-Sailing Members
The countryside surrounding the Club is excellent for walking and cycling.
The National Watersports Centre is within a few minutes walk and this offers
a variety of alternative entertainments, including the white water slalom
course, cafes and a childrens' playground.
Visitor's
Fancy a little river sailing for a change ?
The Nottingham Sailing Club holds several
Open
Meetings throughout the year and welcomes casual visitor's at times
when the Club is open, ( at a small charge ).