FAQs

Is the club only open on Sundays for racing?

Many open meetings and special regattas are held on Saturdays and there is racing on Thursday evenings in the Summer. Sail training for Juniors is provided on Saturday afternoons.

There are also social events throughout the year. Please see the Events page.

Can I learn to sail at Tamesis?

Absolutely. We are an RYA registered training centre and offer a full range of adult and youth training in dinghy sailing. In addition crewing with one of our experienced helms (e.g. in a Merlin Rocket or National 18) is an excellent introduction to sailing .

How do I get to sail?

When you get in touch we will arrange an opportunity for you to crew with one of our experienced helms.

How do I join?

For full details on how to join just go to the Join Tamesis page.

How many times may I visit Tamesis before I need to join?

Please feel free to come and visit whenever you like. We do ask that after no more than six visits you make a decision on whether to join the club.

Can children become members?

We have a family membership option covering two parents or guardians and all children. Children qualify for individual Cadet (Junior) membership between the ages of 8 and 17.

Can I bring my own boat to Tamesis?

Indeed yes, and our facilities are well set up for the storage and maintenance of dinghies. Do please get in touch with our Harbourmaster who will assign a space and work out the relevant storage fee. We would prefer you to bring a type of dinghy of the kind we already sail.

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide facilities for canoes or rowing boats and would refer you to our nearby neighbours, the Royal Canoe Club and the Walbrook Rowing and Skiff Club. We do not provide facilities for motor boats.

Do you welcome visitors?

Of course. We also have many open sailing events throughout the year (where we invite sailors from other clubs) so we expect to have visitors on many occasions.

Do you have any connection with sailing on the South-Coast?

Indeed we do. We have an Offshore Group for members who own a yacht, have access to one, or are simply just interested in offshore sailing. The group has excellent connections with sailing organisations on the South Coast and organises an annual race and rally on the Solent around May. Please get in touch with the Offshore Group class captain.

What social events are there at Tamesis?

There are many social events throughout the year. We have parties such as the summer ball and Commodore's Cocktails for new members. The Lasers have an annual quiz, there is a Bridge Group which meets every Wednesday evening, and we have talks with supper on many Thursday evenings, especially during the autumn and winter months. The Vice Commodore's Dinner every February is held to present Uffa's Spoon (given in 1932 by the late boat designer Uffa Fox) for the biggest gaffe by a member made during the past year.
Of course the club is also used for socialising whenever there is racing, and non-sailing members will usually come along to watch the sailing and enjoy lunch afterwards.
Social membership is available for those who are interested in sailing but do not wish sail.

Do you permit dogs in the clubhouse?

We do. Although as courtesy to other members we do ask that they are kept under control at all times.

What facilities are there for disabled people?

There is access to the clubhouse via a ramp for wheelchairs and we have disabled toilet facilities for men and women. A club wheelchair is also stored in the clubhouse and is available to be used by members and visitors.

Do I have to own a dinghy to sail at Tamesis?

Absolutely not! Many of our sailors crew for boat owners, and we do have a fleet of club owned-boats that are available to sail, including ILCA/Lasers, 2000s, Wayfarers, Enterprises, Toppers, Fevas and Optimists.

Where can I buy a boat and is it expensive?

Firstly sailing is not an expensive sport! Although you can of course spend lots of money on it if you choose to. A perfectly adequate second hand Laser can be bought for as little as £300 (ideally for novices), and second hand Merlins start from around £1,200. New Merlins are considerably more expensive and can cost well in excess of £10,000, however there is a thriving second hand market.

If you are looking to buy a boat then do get in touch as members may be selling their boat because they are upgrading, changing class, or because they are moving out of the area. We can also point you in the direction of good websites that list boats for sale, and advise on what is a good price for a boat.

May I come down and try out a sail?

Of course. Although there may be a chance to sail if you just pop by the club, it's much better to get in touch in advance so that we can arrange a good day and time to take you out.

What type of boat would be good for me?

If you are new to sailing then it would probably be best to crew for helms in a multi-crewed boat, such as a National 18 or Merlin. Single handed sailing in a Laser is also terrific fun and usually more physical. If you're keen to sail a Laser then speak to our Laser Class Captain who can guide you on how to develop your single-handed skills.

I don't know any existing members. If I joined would someone introduce me to people?

Yes, of course. We appreciate that joining a club where you don't know anyone can be very daunting. When you visit, and if you join, we ensure someone is at hand to introduce you to members and to make sure you know your way around the facilities.

Of course spending time in boats is also a great ice-breaker and an excellent way to get to know people.

How much is a pint at the bar?

A pint of Rebellion costs lass than £4 a pint. We haven't checked, but we're pretty sure this is competitive!

Last updated 18:38 on 25 April 2024