Wraysbury Lake Sailing Club

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Follow our three step guide to getting started!

Many people who are looking to start sailing begin with the question “which boat should I get?”

At this stage in your sailing carer that’s about the most difficult question to answer. The answer is “It all depends”.

You see, it depends upon what you want from your sailing. And, if you are only just starting out, you may well not be sure.

It could be that you have a very distinct purpose in mind as a result of talking to someone who knows, in which case, good luck to you and I hope you enjoy your sailing as much as I enjoy mine.

But most people are not sure. I certainly was not when I started. I just know I wanted to get some exercise and fresh air in a friendly and relaxed environment. And sailing is a brilliant choice for that!

But back to the question. What is the right question? A better question is to ask what sort of sailing would I like to do now?

If you have even a bit of an idea there then you can start to look.

The Topper is ideal for new sailors, young sailors and anyone under 10st/ 60kg.

You see, sailing is organised largely by the various sailing clubs. Yes you can go and launch a dinghy in large numbers of places and go and have a wonderful day’s relaxation and exercise. But to get the most from it, especially when you are starting out, you should look for a suitable club. Once you have found your club, your choice of boat is much simplified.

So the question becomes:-

How do you choose a club?

First decide how far you are prepared to travel on a regular basis. If the club you select is too far, or difficult to reach, you will not go there regularly. When you are learning easy access and frequent practice are important. That way you will get the most from your sailing experience and will soon get the hang of it.

Next decide if you are looking for an out and out teaching establishment, a keen racing club, a sea based club or a family friendly dinghy club. How do you decide if you do not know? Go and see them. Most sailing clubs are pleased to see prospective new members and delighted to share their facilities and explain how they operate.

But most of all, choose a club where you feel comfortable and welcome. Don’t pick one just because it has a fancy bar or a smart clubhouse. They are nice to have, but it’s the people who make a club, not the fancy surroundings. It’s not a "once for life" decision, you can always move elsewhere later if you decide you want something different.

The Optimist is designed for youngsters from five to fifteen. Small it may be, but it breeds God Medal winning sailors like Ben Ainslie and Ian Percy.

Our club, at Wraysbury, is ideally suited for many at this stage of their sailing career. We are based on a small lake of 65 acres giving pleasant surroundings conveniently situated close to the west of London. Not far from Sunnymeads station with trains from Waterloo you do not even need a car.

We aim to provide initial friendly tuition if you need it, the use of club boats for a contribution towards insurance and maintenance costs, and a warm welcome to our club used by sailors from 6 to over 80 years of age.

Click here to find out about what kit you might need in Part 2.