Frequently Asked Questions
What does the club do?
Basically in a nut-shell, sailing. The rules of the club give the objectives ’’to encourage and train members to sail in offshore waters with a view to participation in cruising, racing and social sailing within the calendar of the SYP Sailing Section, PSUK and other bodies.’’
Do I need any previous experience or qualifications before I take part in a trip?
Absolutely not. The crew are generally made up of experienced and inexperienced members. However consideration has to be given by the skipper on selecting a crew so that he/she has sufficient experienced crew members for the trip. A full safety briefing is given at the beginning of each trip. These trips are a great way to sample sailing at a fraction of the cost of a commercial trip.
Where are the rules, can I read them?
They are on the website and are fairly short and so worth a read!
When do you meet?
Generally on club charters. We also have an AGM each January to which all members and new members are more than welcome and encouraged to attend.
Can I speak to anyone about the club and what it does?
Yes, please do. Any member of the club or a committee member will be more than pleased to tell you what we do. Please use the Contact Form.
How are club trips arranged?
The committee agree and publish a calendar of events at the AGM in January of each year, although other trips may be organised throughout the year. RYA qualified club skippers volunteer to run the trip and are subsidised to recognise their contribution. They finalise dates and the trip is then circulated by e-mail to all members. Names are collected and once you have paid for the trip you are guaranteed a berth.
How much does it cost?
This varies depending on the size of yacht, time of year, length of cruise and location. Generally, a 5-day cruise in the Solent in June has cost crew who are Sports & Social members around £180 - £250 after subsidy. This includes yacht charter fee, fuel, gas, mooring and most meals (we usually eat out on the final evening which is not included). All you will need to take is some spending money for drinks ashore.
What happens next?
The skipper, or trip organiser will arrange suitable yacht(s). A deposit will secure your place aboard with the balance usually required 10 weeks before departure. Chartering is expensive and so you have an obligation to commit yourself to the trip. Refunds would only be considered by the committee, given all the circumstances however, the deposit (usually £50) is non-refundable. You personally need to ensure you have arranged time off, travel insurance that covers sailing and, that you have a current valid passport in case we venture across the channel.
What happens if there are too many going?
We will, subject to funds, arrange as many yachts and skippers as possible to cater for all those who wish to participate and avoid refusing places where possible.
All sounds as though it’s now getting a bit serious?
Not really. We promote safe boating with an emphasis on learning and training under the Royal Yachting Association cruising scheme. However it is also about having fun in a safe and social environment. The trips are not ’leisure breaks’. Members are encouraged to buy a RYA Sail Cruising Log Book to record their trips and mileage. If you so desire you can work towards RYA sailing and skippering qualifications through these trips or remain a useful crew member, the choice is yours.
What happens next?
We will circulate joining times and where to meet. Crew will need to make arrangements to travel to the marina at the specified time with the appropriate clothing and sleeping bag for the trip. You can contact other crew to share transport arrangements.
Where or how do we eat?
The skipper will arrange ’victualling’ of the yacht to eat on board. We generally eat breakfast and lunch aboard. Crew are encouraged to bring one evening meal each. The final evening meal is usually taken ashore in a local restaurant (not included in the cost of the trip).
Where do we sleep?
On board the yacht. You may have to share a berth with a colleague or sleep in the saloon but the yachts we charter are modern and have a similar layout to modern caravans with 3 separate double sleeping cabins. We normally have a maximum of 5 crew for 8 berth yachts for comfort. Most yachts have hot air central heating so are warm and cosy, even in winter cruises.
Don’t forget your sleeping bag...and in some cases ear plugs!
Do I need my own lifejacket?
All the boats we charter are fully coded and compliant with all safety legislation. Lifejackets and all safety equipment are provided on board.
Where do we sail to?
The charters are varied. We have organised 5 day midweek and 3 day weekend trips in the Solent, Devon, Scotland and Suffolk / Essex coasts. In May there is the National Police Racing week. We may sail to France so remember that a current and valid passport is needed. If funds are available then we will arrange other charters or training during the year.
What happens if I am seasick?
Unfortunately some crew are prone to seasickness. It is unlikely that anyone will suffer within the Solent, but on longer passages further offshore this may be an issue. There are various medicines/pills you can take before departure, but do read the instructions carefully. You should let the skipper know if you suffer from any medical conditions or are taking medicine.
What happens if the weather is really bad is it cancelled?
More often than not we charter from the Solent area. If a passage trip was planned and it was too rough to sail cross the channel, then the skipper would amend the plan to sail in the Solent or along a coastal area where there would be suitable conditions and protection.
What happens if there is damage caused the boat, or loss of damage to equipment? Are we insured?
The cost of minor loss or damage up to £1,000 is shared by the crew. Yachts are insured but an excess of £1,000 applies providing there is no negligence. Details are on Club Rules & Constitution. Crew are advised to take out their own personal Travel Insurance, checking that sailing is included.
Do I need special clothing?
Suitable sailing/outdoor protective clothing is required. On long passage trips you really need proper sailing gear to protect you against prolonged rain or cold. You could borrow these from a friend or sometimes the charterers hire it for about £10 a day. You could purchase your own or have a look at eBay. New kit is expensive.
Do I get any training?
The skipper on the trip gives everyone a full safety briefing before departure. You will also be shown specific procedures and how to use equipment such as winches and various ‘halyards & sheets’ (ropes) on the trip. If you are new to sailing the internet is a mass of information and the Royal Yachting Association publish various books for training purposes. Also try your local library.
Can I gain specific sailing qualifications?
There are no formal qualifications provided by the Section but we may be able to arrange training for members who wish to skipper future trips under the RYA Cruising scheme. The scheme is based on theory Shorebased courses and Practical crewing and skippering courses. The RYA web site will give you further information on the syllabus for these courses.
You mentioned suitable kit earlier, what would you suggest?
The kit you bring will generally be dependent on the weather, so please be aware of the conditions and bring/wear appropriate clothing. Sailing often generates a lot of activity, so comfortable clothes and shoes (with no dangly bits!) are wise to wear. Also, wind chill factors get up considerably when you are sailing, so please bear in mind that several thin layers are better than one thick layer. As a suggestion:
• Warm clothing (multiple layers are better)
• Soft soled non marking shoes (ideally deck shoes)
• Wet weather gear
• Sea boots
• Sleeping bag
• Sunglasses
• Lip balm
• Cap or hat
• Sun tan cream
• Towel & wash kit
• Soft bag rather than suit case for storing your kit
• Sea sickness remedy
Okay I am now convinced, how do I join the club?
Fill in the contact form, stating your interest or email sypsailing@gmail.com. There is no membership fee. If you currently pay a subscription fee to the SYP Sports & Social Club (or paid upon retirement) you will be subsidised for any trips you take part in. If you are not a member of the S&S then the cost for each trip will be £50 - £75 extra.
As a new member how do I learn what’s going on?
Obviously you have found the club website which will be updated regularly. As a member you will also receive regular emails as and when new trips are organised along with details of social events, committee meetings etc.
Club Skippers – how do I arrange a charter?
· The committee arranges the club sailing calendar at the beginning of the year and you can volunteer to skipper any of the trips as long as you have the appropriate RYA sailing qualifications.
· Once the committee have agreed for you to act as skipper, it is for you to arrange the trip. Finalise the dates and joining times and circulate these through the club secretary who has the definitive membership list. Membership replies are sent direct to you with a copy to the treasurer.
· When you have all the names and cheques the treasurer arranges the booking and payment of suitable yacht(s). Yachts will not be booked until all cheques have been received.
· You update the crew with all arrangements, joining times, passage etc. This way you control all arrangements and know fully what is going on with your trip and your crew.
· You can ring the charter the week before the trip to agree handover times of the yacht. Then it’s all about having a safe and enjoyable trip with your crew!
Basically in a nut-shell, sailing. The rules of the club give the objectives ’’to encourage and train members to sail in offshore waters with a view to participation in cruising, racing and social sailing within the calendar of the SYP Sailing Section, PSUK and other bodies.’’
Do I need any previous experience or qualifications before I take part in a trip?
Absolutely not. The crew are generally made up of experienced and inexperienced members. However consideration has to be given by the skipper on selecting a crew so that he/she has sufficient experienced crew members for the trip. A full safety briefing is given at the beginning of each trip. These trips are a great way to sample sailing at a fraction of the cost of a commercial trip.
Where are the rules, can I read them?
They are on the website and are fairly short and so worth a read!
When do you meet?
Generally on club charters. We also have an AGM each January to which all members and new members are more than welcome and encouraged to attend.
Can I speak to anyone about the club and what it does?
Yes, please do. Any member of the club or a committee member will be more than pleased to tell you what we do. Please use the Contact Form.
How are club trips arranged?
The committee agree and publish a calendar of events at the AGM in January of each year, although other trips may be organised throughout the year. RYA qualified club skippers volunteer to run the trip and are subsidised to recognise their contribution. They finalise dates and the trip is then circulated by e-mail to all members. Names are collected and once you have paid for the trip you are guaranteed a berth.
How much does it cost?
This varies depending on the size of yacht, time of year, length of cruise and location. Generally, a 5-day cruise in the Solent in June has cost crew who are Sports & Social members around £180 - £250 after subsidy. This includes yacht charter fee, fuel, gas, mooring and most meals (we usually eat out on the final evening which is not included). All you will need to take is some spending money for drinks ashore.
What happens next?
The skipper, or trip organiser will arrange suitable yacht(s). A deposit will secure your place aboard with the balance usually required 10 weeks before departure. Chartering is expensive and so you have an obligation to commit yourself to the trip. Refunds would only be considered by the committee, given all the circumstances however, the deposit (usually £50) is non-refundable. You personally need to ensure you have arranged time off, travel insurance that covers sailing and, that you have a current valid passport in case we venture across the channel.
What happens if there are too many going?
We will, subject to funds, arrange as many yachts and skippers as possible to cater for all those who wish to participate and avoid refusing places where possible.
All sounds as though it’s now getting a bit serious?
Not really. We promote safe boating with an emphasis on learning and training under the Royal Yachting Association cruising scheme. However it is also about having fun in a safe and social environment. The trips are not ’leisure breaks’. Members are encouraged to buy a RYA Sail Cruising Log Book to record their trips and mileage. If you so desire you can work towards RYA sailing and skippering qualifications through these trips or remain a useful crew member, the choice is yours.
What happens next?
We will circulate joining times and where to meet. Crew will need to make arrangements to travel to the marina at the specified time with the appropriate clothing and sleeping bag for the trip. You can contact other crew to share transport arrangements.
Where or how do we eat?
The skipper will arrange ’victualling’ of the yacht to eat on board. We generally eat breakfast and lunch aboard. Crew are encouraged to bring one evening meal each. The final evening meal is usually taken ashore in a local restaurant (not included in the cost of the trip).
Where do we sleep?
On board the yacht. You may have to share a berth with a colleague or sleep in the saloon but the yachts we charter are modern and have a similar layout to modern caravans with 3 separate double sleeping cabins. We normally have a maximum of 5 crew for 8 berth yachts for comfort. Most yachts have hot air central heating so are warm and cosy, even in winter cruises.
Don’t forget your sleeping bag...and in some cases ear plugs!
Do I need my own lifejacket?
All the boats we charter are fully coded and compliant with all safety legislation. Lifejackets and all safety equipment are provided on board.
Where do we sail to?
The charters are varied. We have organised 5 day midweek and 3 day weekend trips in the Solent, Devon, Scotland and Suffolk / Essex coasts. In May there is the National Police Racing week. We may sail to France so remember that a current and valid passport is needed. If funds are available then we will arrange other charters or training during the year.
What happens if I am seasick?
Unfortunately some crew are prone to seasickness. It is unlikely that anyone will suffer within the Solent, but on longer passages further offshore this may be an issue. There are various medicines/pills you can take before departure, but do read the instructions carefully. You should let the skipper know if you suffer from any medical conditions or are taking medicine.
What happens if the weather is really bad is it cancelled?
More often than not we charter from the Solent area. If a passage trip was planned and it was too rough to sail cross the channel, then the skipper would amend the plan to sail in the Solent or along a coastal area where there would be suitable conditions and protection.
What happens if there is damage caused the boat, or loss of damage to equipment? Are we insured?
The cost of minor loss or damage up to £1,000 is shared by the crew. Yachts are insured but an excess of £1,000 applies providing there is no negligence. Details are on Club Rules & Constitution. Crew are advised to take out their own personal Travel Insurance, checking that sailing is included.
Do I need special clothing?
Suitable sailing/outdoor protective clothing is required. On long passage trips you really need proper sailing gear to protect you against prolonged rain or cold. You could borrow these from a friend or sometimes the charterers hire it for about £10 a day. You could purchase your own or have a look at eBay. New kit is expensive.
Do I get any training?
The skipper on the trip gives everyone a full safety briefing before departure. You will also be shown specific procedures and how to use equipment such as winches and various ‘halyards & sheets’ (ropes) on the trip. If you are new to sailing the internet is a mass of information and the Royal Yachting Association publish various books for training purposes. Also try your local library.
Can I gain specific sailing qualifications?
There are no formal qualifications provided by the Section but we may be able to arrange training for members who wish to skipper future trips under the RYA Cruising scheme. The scheme is based on theory Shorebased courses and Practical crewing and skippering courses. The RYA web site will give you further information on the syllabus for these courses.
You mentioned suitable kit earlier, what would you suggest?
The kit you bring will generally be dependent on the weather, so please be aware of the conditions and bring/wear appropriate clothing. Sailing often generates a lot of activity, so comfortable clothes and shoes (with no dangly bits!) are wise to wear. Also, wind chill factors get up considerably when you are sailing, so please bear in mind that several thin layers are better than one thick layer. As a suggestion:
• Warm clothing (multiple layers are better)
• Soft soled non marking shoes (ideally deck shoes)
• Wet weather gear
• Sea boots
• Sleeping bag
• Sunglasses
• Lip balm
• Cap or hat
• Sun tan cream
• Towel & wash kit
• Soft bag rather than suit case for storing your kit
• Sea sickness remedy
Okay I am now convinced, how do I join the club?
Fill in the contact form, stating your interest or email sypsailing@gmail.com. There is no membership fee. If you currently pay a subscription fee to the SYP Sports & Social Club (or paid upon retirement) you will be subsidised for any trips you take part in. If you are not a member of the S&S then the cost for each trip will be £50 - £75 extra.
As a new member how do I learn what’s going on?
Obviously you have found the club website which will be updated regularly. As a member you will also receive regular emails as and when new trips are organised along with details of social events, committee meetings etc.
Club Skippers – how do I arrange a charter?
· The committee arranges the club sailing calendar at the beginning of the year and you can volunteer to skipper any of the trips as long as you have the appropriate RYA sailing qualifications.
· Once the committee have agreed for you to act as skipper, it is for you to arrange the trip. Finalise the dates and joining times and circulate these through the club secretary who has the definitive membership list. Membership replies are sent direct to you with a copy to the treasurer.
· When you have all the names and cheques the treasurer arranges the booking and payment of suitable yacht(s). Yachts will not be booked until all cheques have been received.
· You update the crew with all arrangements, joining times, passage etc. This way you control all arrangements and know fully what is going on with your trip and your crew.
· You can ring the charter the week before the trip to agree handover times of the yacht. Then it’s all about having a safe and enjoyable trip with your crew!