FAQ's
Questions and Answers ...
Is there a joining fee?
There is no joining fee this year. Indeed, there has been no joining fee
at Weston Sailing Club for a number of years. We try to encourage people
to enjoy sailing, not price them out of the sport!
Is there a waiting list?
Please e-mail the membership secretary if you require info for either membership or pound space.
Our facilities are more than adequate for our current membership and the
dinghy pound has space for up to 350 boats.
Can I sail at Weston without becoming a member?
If you don't want to commit yourself to full membership of Weston, there
are two possibilities:
You can sail on a daily basis for £5 per person per day although you
won't be able to leave your boat at the club.
You can apply for temporary membership on a month by month basis. This is
more expensive per month than full membership, but if you wish to sail for
less than six months, it's worth considering.
Can I be a member of Weston without owning a boat?
You don't have to be a boat owner to enjoy sailing at WSC. We have a number
of members who are always on the lookout for willing crews. This year, we
are compiling a register of members willing to take new members sailing
so we should be able to find you a sail.
I want to delay joining WSC until later in the
year. Will I still have to pay the full annual fees?
Because our sailing calendar runs from the beginning of February right through
to the end of December, a great deal of sailing is available to members
who join later in the year. Nevertheless, we do recognise that people wish
to get value for money so we start to discount membership from August. Members
joining in August pay 5/6 of annual membership and pound fees, those joining
in September pay 4/6, October 3/6 and so on.
Can I sail any boat at Weston?
There is no restriction on types of boats at WSC other than your ability
to launch and recover them safely. All types of boat are currently sailed
at the club from established classes such as Mirrors and Enterprises to
the latest asymmetric boats such as Laser 4000 & 5000, RS 700 &
800 and 49er.
My partner and family don't sail. Will they be
welcome at the club?
Weston Sailing Club is a friendly family club. We are always pleased to
welcome non sailing members of your family, or friends. There is a large
patio at the front of the club where non sailors can relax and watch the
racing or just soak up the sun. Children can run around and play on the
patio, foreshore or park adjacent to the clubhouse.
Can I bring my friends to the club?
You are welcome to brings friends to sail at the club or just enjoy the
facilities. However, if they are regular visitors, we would encourage them
to become full members.
When can I launch?
Because of the unique double tide in Southampton Water (more details), launching
and recovery is always possible two hours before the first high water and
up to four hours after. When there are spring tides, the water can recede
100m offshore but, during neaps, the tide sometimes never leaves the end
of the longer of the three slipways. However, if you are really keen, with
two or three people to help, you can launch and recover across the mud at
any time.
Can I use the facilities when there is no racing?
Access to the dinghy pound, changing rooms and hose cupboard is always available
provided you have a key. These are available from the membership secretary
on payment of a £5 non-returnable deposit. Hot water is always available
for showers. However, when there is no club racing, the clubhouse area is
locked and alarmed. Therefore you will not have access to the galley or
bar.
How is club racing organised?
Club racing is organised on a handicap basis and all results are computerised.
There are starts for catamarans, fast and slow monohulls, with a class start
for Optimists. Currently, monohulls with a PY of 1053 or less start in the
fast fleet with the remainder in the slow. However, if you can organise
enough boats of one class to race on a regular basis, the sailing committee
will consider giving you your own start.
Do I have to enter club racing?
It is a commonly held belief that Weston is only interested in members who
race. This is not true. We welcome anyone who enjoys sailing no matter whether
their preference is for racing or cruising. We do believe that the best
way to improve your sailing abilities is to sail in a fleet with other boats
and club racing gives you the ideal opportunity to do this.
What safety cover is available?
During club races, there is always at least one safety boat on the water.
This is in radio contact with the Race Officer on the shore. The Race Officer
is constantly on the lookout for boats in difficulty and will direct the
safety boat(s) accordingly. This safety cover is available to all sailors
in the vicinity of the club, whether racing or cruising.
When is the galley open?
The galley is open to coincide with club racing so would normally be open
when sailing is possible. It is not available if you sail at other times.
Do I have to do club duties?
The smooth running of most sailing clubs depends on members carrying out
duties during the year. All members, other than Associate and Honorary members,
are expected to participate. Duties are allocated on a rota basis and should
not exceed three times a year.
