Trial membership - Sailing, Kayaking & SUPs

Introduction

Portchester Sailing Club is committed to helping you to access and progress in watersports. Our Trial Membership is an opportunity for you to try dinghy sailing or paddle-sports at our Club. If you like the Club, you can convert to Full membership after the trial; and we will continue to support you in your development.

If you are new to sailing, or not confident to sail independently, this trial is suitable for you as it includes access to our "Get Afloat" sessions. Alternatively, you can have a taster session at a Discover Sailing day Contact Us.

Existing sailors/kayakers/paddleboarders are welcome too: we are a friendly, active Club with access to a superb sailing area.

Details

The cost for the 3 month membership is £35 (including joining fee) for an adult or couple, together with their children aged 18 years or younger.

Everyone's first session will be a "Get Afloat" evening sail on a Friday. This is so that we can give you a briefing about the Club, and give you your new member's pack. You will be asked to choose your first date on the application form. The cost of the sessions is included in your membership fee. Dates are:

1. Fri 31 May
2. Fri 14 June
3. Fri 28 June
4. Fri 12 July
5. Fri 26 July (last date for novices to start, so that you have three sessions)
6. Fri 16 August
7. Fri 30 August

Please allow us a week to process your application.

You will have access to many facilities at the Club:

1. Carparking on-site
2. Dogs (under control) are welcome on-site
3. Bar and Galley
   
4. Changing rooms/toilets
5. Fishermans' Roost (basic kitchen)
6. Club boat / SUP hire (subject to conditions, including experience).
   
7. Storage of your own dinghy in our secure compound, at no cost during the trial
8. Use of slipway
9. The supported "Get Afloat" sessions for all levels of experience
10. Subject to your skills, take part in other Club activities
11. Social events

Please note, our training courses leading to RYA qualifications are for Full members only: you will need to convert to Full membership for access to these.

If you are new to watersports, you need to know what to bring:

1. Wetsuit
   
2. buoyancy aid
3. (optional) helmet
   
4. spray top
5. Close toed footwear: old trainers or wetsuit boots
   
6. Towel and change of clothes for afterwards
7. Water bottle, suncream , hat, sunglasses

We are unable to take unaccompanied children for the trial membership: they need to attend with parent or guardian.
Confident sailors (RYA Level 2 or equivalent) can hire our Club dinghies and sail independently or at any of our dinghy events.
Depending on demand on the "Get Afloat" evenings, inexperienced sailors may sometimes need to take part in stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), or ride in a motor boat - all good ways to gain confidence in watersports.
We will use a WhatsApp group to keep in touch with you throughout your trial membership.

Application Form Here

The last date to start the trial membership scheme is Friday 26 July 2024.