If you have been inspired by Essex’s Saskia Clark, or Britain’s most successful Olympic sailor, Ben Ainslee, then now is the right time to take to the water. As well as Essex sailing clubs we have included a few on the borders too as these may be more conveniently located for you.
Ardleigh Sailing Club
Sailing on 136 acres of peaceful and secluded water for both families and competitive sailors. Sail Training provided for adults and children. Boats provided are Wayfarers, Oppies and OK’s.
Ardleigh Sailing Club, Clover Way, Ardleigh, Colchester. Tel: 01206 230703. Web: www.ardleighsc.com
Blackwater Sailing Club
A RYA approved sailing school with a cadet week in the summer holidays as well as some weekend training. Plus a Volvo Squad where cadets are coached in racing techniques. Training is also provided for adults.
Blackwater Sailing Club Ltd. Basin Road, Heybridge, Maldon, Essex. CM9 4SD. Tel. (01621) 853923. Web: www.blackwatersailingclub.org.uk
Brightlingsea Sailing Club
On the north east coast of Essex where the Colne Estuary meets the North Sea. Sailing with dinghies, catamarans, and windsurfers. Caters for novices and national champions. Has a Sailing School which runs courses for both non-members and club members. Also runs Dinghy Sailing Taster Sessions for just £10 (Aug 2012 prices) and RYA Beginner Courses which are 4-5 day intensive courses for adults to attain the RYA Level 1 and Level 2 sailing qualifications.
Brightlingsea Sailing Club, Waterside, Brightlingsea, Colchester. Tel: 0120630 3275. Web: www.sailbrightlingsea.com
Clacton Sailing Club
Clacton Sailing Club is a friendly Club that offers racing, sail training, a variety of membership options along with boat compound facilities.
Clacton Sailing Club, The Esplanade, Holland on Sea, CO15 5TU. Tel: 01255 813027. Web:www.clactonsailingclub.org.uk
Colne Yacht Club
Located alongside Brightlingsea Sailing Club, this club has Saturday Morning Cadet sessions for those aged 8-18 years.
Colne Yacht Club, Waterside, Brightlingsea, Colchester. Tel: 01206 302594. Web: www.colneyachtclub.org.uk.
Dabchicks Sailing Club
Family sailing club, and also where Saskia Clark and Hannah Stodel sail.
Dabchicks Sailing Club, 143 Coast Road, West Mersea, Colchester. Tel: 01206 383786. Web: www.dabchicks.org
Docklands Sailing & Watersports Centre
Actually in Essex, but ideal for those in west Essex along the London border as they provide British Canoe Union courses in paddlesports. They have a Royal Yachting Association recognised training centre with courses in Sailing, Windsurfing and Powerboating, plus Active social group. More sailing than rowing really.
235a Westferry Road, Docklands, London, E14 3QS. TEl: 020 7537 2626. Web: www.dswc.org
Essex Yacht Club – Leigh-on-Sea
Various yacht classes are sailed. Cadet training. An extensive sailing program runs from Easter to October, with races and events that cater for beginners in Optimists through to high performance dinghies and Cruisers.
The club is between Leigh and Chalkwell. No vehicle access, nearest parking at the Bell Wharf car park in Old Leigh. Essex Yacht Club, HQ Ship ‘Wilton’, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 1BD. Web: www.essexyachtclub.co.uk
Harwich Town Sailing Club
A family friendly sailing club with an active social club. Regular training sessions, both evening and daytime.
Harwich Town Sailing Club, Angel Gate, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3EJ. Tel 01255 503200. Web: www.htsc.co.uk
Havering Sailing Club
Havering Sailing Club sail on Saturdays from March to November between Midday and 6.00pm. They have a mixed fleet’ including mirrors, streakers, GP14 and they organize races and fun events. Also at the same location are Stubbers Young Mariners, who meet on Sundays (see below for more information).
- Stubbers Sailing Centre, Stubbers Adventure Centre, Ockendon Road, Upminster, Essex, RM14 2TY
Marconi Sailing Club – Southminster
Both leisure and competitive sailing on the River Blackwater and on the East Coast. Cater for all types of sailing, including windsurfing, dinghy, cruiser and catamarans.
Marconi Sailing Club is situated on the south side of the river Blackwater in Essex and is easily reached from the M25. Addr: Marconi Sailing Club, Stansgate Abbey Farm, Stansgate Road, Southminster. Tel: 01621 772164. Web: www.marconi-sc.org.uk
Royal Corinthian Yacht Club
Home of The Otters, a youth sailing club for 6 to 18 year olds.
Corinthian Otters, RCYC Clubhouse , The Quay , Burnham on Crouch , Essex, CM0 8AX. Web:http://royalcorinthian.co.uk
Stubbers Young Mariners (SYM) Sailing Club
A Sunday sailing club providing instruction for both young and older members with RYA approved courses.
- Stubbers Adventure Centre, Ockendon Road, Upminster, Essex. RM14 2TY. Web: http://www.sym.org.uk
West Mersea Yacht Club
RYA courses are run. Regular regattas and social events.
West Mersea Yacht Club, 116 Coast Road, West Mersea, Colchester, Essex CO5 8PB. Tel: 01206 382947. Web:www.wmyc.org.uk
Wivenhoe Sailing Club
The Club has both dinghy and cruiser sailor members. Dinghy races take place most Sundays between April and December. Cadet Sailing.
Wivenhoe Sailing Club, Walter Radcliffe Way, Colchester. Tel: 01206 822132. Web:www.wivenhoesailing.org.uk
You list Stubbers Young Mariners, but Stubbers is also home to Havering Sailing Club. The Young Mariners with whom we have a close relationship sail on Sundays and we sail on Saturdays from March to November between Midday and 6.00PM. We have a mixed fleet’ including mirrors, streakers, GP14 and we organize races and fun events. Please give us a mention. Regards, Bill Still
Will do Bill, and thanks for the information.