The Club
Founded in 1885, Tamesis is one of the most active and popular sailing clubs in south west London. Our clubhouse in Teddington is on the first non-tidal reach of the River Thames between Kingston Bridge and Teddington Lock. We provide racing for five different dinghy classes every Sunday morning throughout the year and handicap races on Thursday evenings in the summer. We also hold a number of Regattas and Special Races (see Events page).
We are a friendly, family club offering excellent facilities, sail training, and a lively social programme. New members are welcome. Please visit us any Sunday morning if you would like to join or find out more about us.
Location
Tamesis Club is local. We are not in the middle of the countryside or down on the coast, but right in the heart of South-West London. We are situated in Teddington just off Broom Road, are only a 10-15 minute walk from Hampton Wick station, or a 10 minute walk from St. Marks Road bus stop. There is also a large car park for those driving.
The sailing
The club exists mainly for dinghy sailing and racing which is varied and fun at Tamesis. The river location offers its own unique challenges and wind conditions can vary from a light breeze (for those of us wanting a more sedate race) to strong winds (for those of us wanting a real challenge).
There are ample opportunities to crew, and you definitely don't need to own a boat to be able to sail at Tamesis (many members don't).
Sailing is also for all ages. We have children as young as eight sailing as part of the Junior Sailing section (which meets on Saturdays throughout the summer), and also racing with the adults on Sundays all year round and one of our regular Laser members is about to turn 84!
Make friends
We are a very friendly and open club and welcome all visitors and prospective members. Once you become a member (sailing or social) you will get to meet and make friends with many others through the sailing and post race lunches, dinners and other social events. All at Tamesis have an interest in sailing, socialising, and supporting each other.
Social events
The club is not solely about the sailing. In addition to lunch every Sunday and supper on Thursday evenings during the summer, we have many other social events throughout the year, including dinners, quizzes, BBQ's, summer parties, evening talks with supper, and much more.
There are also groups within the Club that use the clubhouse, such as the Bridge group on Wednesday evenings.
Phil's Bar
Named after our late great Honorary Club Architect, Phil England. Phil was a stalwart of the club for over half a century and we have him to thank for how the clubhouse is today, the key feature of which is Phil's Bar which is at the busy end of the Clubhouse by the entrance to the lawn.
Phil's bar serves a wide selection of wines, spirits and soft drinks and has REBELLION BEER on tap all at very reasonable prices.
The lawn
The club lawn, next to the clubhouse veranda, is an ideal place to bring the family to relax, have a bite to eat, and watch the sailing.
Junior Sailing
The club is suitable for all ages. The Juniors (aged 8-16 years old) have their own mini-clubhouse that overlooks the main lawn. Organised Junior Sailing sessions run most Saturday afternoons from April through October. Our Juniors are also encouraged to join regular racing on Sunday mornings throughout the year and Thursday evenings (summertime only). More info on the Junior Sailing page.
The Boat Park and Boat Shed
For those who wish to own and maintain a boat there is plenty of room at Tamesis. The Boat Park has some covered storage for those boats that need it, and a storage area for road trailers. The Boat Shed provides a convenient place to work on your boat whether that is to add new fittings or varnish a wooden deck. Additionally, many members at Tamesis are highly experienced in boat maintenance and are always willing to lend a hand and give advice.
How the club is run
Tamesis is run entirely by its members. The elected flag officers and Committee of Management, chaired by the Commodore, are responsible for overall management. Racing is organised by the Sailing Committee, chaired by the Rear Commodore Sailing, and social events and catering are supervised by the House Committee, chaired by the Rear Commodore House. There is a class captain for each of the dinghy classes and the Offshore Group. All are volunteers. Individual members do race officer and patrol boat duty twice a year.
And lastly
It was the Romans who gave the Thames the name Tamesis, "a combination of Isis, the old name for the river from its source to Dorchester, and Thame, the tributary it meets near Dorchester". (From The Thames by Paul Atterbury & Anthony Haines, ISBN 1-84188-175-9, published by George Weidenfeld & Nicholson in 1998).
"I walk my beat before London Town, Five hours up and seven down, Up I go till I end my run, At Tide-end-town, which is Teddington." (from The River's Tale by Rudyard Kipling).
Last updated 18:38 on 25 April 2024