Gurnard Sailing Club is the Island’s premier Dinghy Club with a 1,000 members, families are particularly well represented. We are an entirely self-help club offering high quality dinghy racing. We were established in 1931 and in 1996 received £500,000 of Lottery funding to build the present clubhouse. Grants were also received to build the apron and sea defences. This funding was given in recognition of what the club can offer the community. In 2008 we were voted RYA Club of the Year.
To be eligible to apply for a boat site or any of the training programmes scheduled for 2010, new membership applications will have to be received to the club by Monday 22nd November, for approval at the General Committee meeting on the evening of the 22nd. There will be no meeting in December so please submit your application now!
Download a membership application form
For further information, please contact membership@gurnardsc.org.uk
GSC is an RYA recognised training centre. We offer dinghy sailing courses up to club racing level to children in year 4 or above and adults; and powerboat, VHF and first aid courses. Courses are available to members only.
Cadet sailing courses are run over the spring and early summer, leading up to Cowes Dinghy Week at the end of July. Here the less experienced children can practice their skills in a junior regatta, and those with more developed racing skills take part in the full regatta week. >
There is no structured training during August and September, but Coaching weekends, using specialist class coaches may be held when there is enough demand.
Adult sail training includes RYA level 1&2 and Start Racing courses, and an Intermediate racing course for those with some experience of club racing
Powerboat level 2 courses are available from age 12, but cadets may not helm club RIBS until they are 16.
Safety boat courses are heavily subsidised, to encourage members aged 16 and over to gain the skills needed as volunteer safety boat drivers and take part in the club’s safety boat rota.
All GSC water based courses are organised and taught by volunteer club members with appropriate RYA qualifications. Many of our instructors are older cadets who have themselves taken part in training in the past.
For more information about courses, or if you would like to help with organisation or teaching please contact the Club Training Principal, Mark Harrison on 07973 839155, or e-mail markliz.harrison@onwight.net
The race management, safety boat crewing, preparation of meals, serving of drinks and general maintenance of the club is all carried out by members, and as a result we do expect assistance from all adult members in support of our continuing successful development. When deciding which box to tick please rest assured you will not be expected to do any duties for the first time without the support of other members. If you are the sort of person to get stuck in, the opportunities are limitless and voluntary duties are a great way to meet people and get involved in Club life. Senior members can opt for ‘light duties’ i.e. local mailings or buying small items when out shopping, if they feel full duties would be too much.
Membership applications are approved at General Committee meetings every month (usually the third Monday). Please send your application, with fee, to the clubhouse one week before the meeting. Please make yourself known to any of the Flag Officers or General Committee members who may be in the club when you call. Welcome to the Club!
Martin Bean
Commodore