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Home / Our Club / Join Us / FAQ's
Home / Our Club / Join Us / FAQ's

Join Us / FAQ's

Portchester Sailing Club welcomes new members.

Use our online application form

Do I need to know, or be nominated by an existing PSC member to join?

You don't need to know or be nominated by a Member to joing us. Our process for joining is explained on our Online Membership Application page.

I don't know how to sail and my children would like to learn, can we join as a family?

Yes you can, we have specific family membership packages and the good news is there is no limit to the number of children per family. We have a great social side at the Club Family Friendly Friday night sailing. We have Adult Sailing sessions too, so if you have never sailed a boat but would like to learn, there are opportunities for you. Find out more under Training ».

Do I need to be interviewed, approved by, or talk to the committee to join?

Definitely not, we do not require any formal letters, presentations or interviews to join the Club. PSC is "Open to All". We do ask you to attend a Members' Night before you join, so that we can understand your expectations and requirements, answer any questions and explain how the Club works. See the Online Membership Application page for full details. New memberships are approved by the management committee each month, but this is just a formality.

What's the social side of the Club like, or is it just all about sailing?

We have a great social side to the Club and we have members from many and varied professions and backgrounds. Friday nights are family nights and usually fairly busy in bar and galley. Weekday evenings we have talks in the winter and Adult Sailing in the summer. We have various events throughout the year e.g. PSC Regatta, monthly family days, cruiser rallies, bank holiday races and many more.

We don't have a boat for us or our children, is that a problem?

Not at all, PSC has its own club boats that you and/or your children can borrow for training, racing or cruising. Find out more through the training and sailing 'pathways' ».

What equipment or gear will we, or our children, need to go sailing?

In the summer months all you will need is your own buoyancy aid, spray top and suitable footwear. These items are not expensive and can be found in any local chandlery. Ask any PSC Member for advise and outlets.

How much does it cost to join?

We have different membership packages to suit everyone. We have a family membership, individual or joint adult, young adult & cadet. Ducklings (age 5-8) are associated with a Full membership for free. 2024 annual subscriptions details are available here PSC Membership Fees 2024.pdf, and you can download a membership form at the bottom of the page. For Full memberships there is a joining fee of £50, of which £25 is put onto a bar account to use on food & drink.

Can I join any time of the year?

Yes, we have no specific "joining period" what-so-ever. You can join the Club at any time throughout the year.

You say that you are a volunteer run / self help club. What does that mean?

We have an expectation that members will help out. We organise working parties so that members can easily satisfy their minimum requirement in a single day each year, and a fee (£150) is levied at the following year's renewal time if a "duty day" has not been completed in the previous year. The requirement is one duty day per year for each Membership (single or joint).

I don't know anyone that is a current PSC member.

The great news is we are a friendly bunch and welcome new members. The first time you come to the Club we will ensure you are introduced to our Commodore and Flag Officers . They will then introduce you to various other members at the Club. We have many members from varied backgrounds and professions, so there is bound to be someone you will have something in common with.

Do I need any sailing qualifications to join?

Not at all, we don't have any prerequisites for joining the Club. However If you are interested in doing some training we can arrange discounted Adult Sailing sessions to learn how to sail, we run RYA Powerboat 2 courses to enable you to drive RIB's and we can provide instruction for cruiser sailing too.

Is the Club only open in the summer?

Definitely not. The Club is open all year round, 7 days a week. We have fantastic programs for the cadets and adults right through the summer and winter, on and off the water. We have a carol concert and Christmas party, bonfire night and new year celebrations and various other events. Our Friday nights and Sunday Lunches are always well attended even in the depth of winter!

I am a serious racer, is PSC for me?

Absolutely! We have a full race programme that runs from April to October for all types of boats from fast and slow handicaps to cruisers and everything in between. There is class racing for Solos and Toppers. Our racing takes place in the Harbour and starts from the Club race box. It is competitive, challenging and enjoyed by all.

Do you have a try out or any open days so we can see what the Club is like before we join?

If you would like to join us for a drink and talk to someone about the Club you are welcome to do that any time. Just call us on (44) 023 9237 6375 or email membership@portchestersc.org to arrange a convenient time for you to come to the Club and see what it is all about. If you would like to try out sailing and find out what it is like to sail at the PSC, just ask, we arrange taster sessions throughout the season.

I quite like the sound of the Club, but can I talk to someone before I join?

Absolutely, we are more than happy to answer any questions you have either in person at the Club, over the phone on (44) 023 9237 6375 or email membership@portchestersc.org.uk.

How do you store or use my details?

The contact details that you give us when you join or during your membership with PSC are stored in our Club management software. We use Sailing Club Manager a widely used sailing club management system. We comply with GDPR and you can see the details of our process here Data Privacy Policy v2.pdf.

What benefits does the Club offer?

There are many benefits, we have listed some below:

  • Club racing on Wednesday and Friday Evenings and Saturdays with fleet racing for Fast and Slow Handicaps plus Cruiser racing on Tuesday or Thursday evenings and at weekends
  • Open Adult sailing for members over 18 years old with RIB support cover on Thursday evenings
  • Cadet sailing for members 8 to 18 years old, including a Summer Holiday Club week
  • RYA training courses
  • Clubhouse which is open 7 days a week
  • Club bar with reduced members' prices
  • Galley with food available Friday evenings and Saturday and Sunday lunchtimes
  • Secure dinghy park
  • Cruiser moorings and club sublift
  • Club boats to borrow for club events or casual sailing
  • Clubhouse and meeting rooms available to hire for private functions

Apply for Club membership online.

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