Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Local Dinghy Sailing Club in Crawley
Crawley Mariners Yacht Club has been fostering a passion for dinghy sailing since its establishment in the 1970s. As a volunteer-run organisation, we prioritise accessibility and community engagement, offering structured RYA training programmes for adults and juniors alongside competitive racing and social sailing opportunities. Our commitment to affordability ensures sailing remains inclusive, with club-owned boats available for members and flexible membership options catering to families.The club's unique self-help ethos empowers members to develop both nautical skills and organisational responsibilities through hands-on participation in event management and race officiating. With year-round access to Hedgecourt Lake and regular coastal cruises, we provide diverse sailing experiences suitable for all skill levels while maintaining our reputation as Sussex's friendliest dinghy sailing club.
Services
Dinghy Sailing
RYA Training Courses
Junior Sailing Programmes
Coastal Cruises
Saturday Clubs
Race Coaching
Model Yacht Sailing
Open Water Swimming
Instructed Kayak Sessions
Social Sailing Events
Details
- Year established: 1970
Highlights and features
- We offer volunteer-led RYA training courses delivered by qualified instructors
- Our self-help model keeps membership costs significantly below commercial providers
- Year-round access to Hedgecourt Lake with 100+ dinghy classes represented
- Established junior programmes including residential coastal sailing weekends
- Unique opportunity to gain race officiating experience through our duty rota system
Associations and certifications
- RYA (Royal Yachting Association)
Services
Dinghy Sailing
Our dinghy sailing programme accommodates over 100 boat classes at Hedgecourt Lake. Members without their own vessels can access club-owned Toppers, Fevas, and Optibats through our Saturday Clubs. The lake's year-round availability supports both casual sailing and structured racing events.
RYA Training Courses
Recognised RYA courses cover beginner to advanced levels, including Dinghy Sailing Stages 1-3 and Powerboat Level 2 certifications. Volunteer instructors deliver weekend training sessions using club boats, with junior courses prioritising safety and skill development in age-appropriate dinghies.
Junior Sailing Programmes
Monthly Saturday Clubs and summer Junior Helm Week develop young sailors aged 8-18. Residential coastal weekends in Chichester Harbour introduce tidal sailing, while club-owned boats ensure accessibility for non-owners. Group sizes are capped at 80 to maintain safety standards.
Coastal Cruises
Annual coastal cruises include Chichester Harbour weekends and Solent expeditions. Members participate in flotilla sailing with support from experienced skippers. The Greek Cruise programme offers extended sailing holidays with social activities integrated into the itinerary.
Saturday Clubs
Monthly instructor-led sessions provide informal training for adults and children using club boats. Participants pre-book morning or afternoon slots, with equipment allocation based on experience level. These sessions form the primary introduction route for new members without prior sailing experience.
People
Duncan Newell
Membership Secretary
Duncan oversees membership recruitment and retention, welcoming both experienced sailors and complete novices. He coordinates initial inquiries and facilitates introductions to club activities, maintaining our friendly and inclusive environment.
Questions
How do I join Crawley Mariners Yacht Club?
Contact Membership Secretary Duncan Newell via phone (07963 801073) to discuss membership options. Complete the application form online through our WebCollect booking system after reviewing the subscription rates.
What RYA courses are available?
We offer RYA Dinghy Sailing Stages 1-3, Powerboat Level 2, and Safety Boat courses. Training occurs during summer months using club boats, with junior courses prioritising Topper dinghies and adult instruction conducted in larger vessels.
Can I use club boats without owning one?
Yes, Saturday Clubs provide access to club-owned Toppers, Fevas, and Optibats. Members may also crew on cruises or participate in racing events without boat ownership, though personal vessels offer greater flexibility.
Are there sailing opportunities for children?
Our junior programmes include monthly Saturday Clubs, summer Junior Helm Week, and residential coastal weekends. Club boats like Toppers and Optibats cater to different age groups, with safety ratios maintained for all activities.
What are member responsibilities?
Adult members must complete three half-days or two full days of event support annually, typically as race officers or support boat crew. Family memberships include duty requirements shared among adult members.
How do coastal cruises operate?
Annual coastal cruises to Chichester Harbour and the Solent involve flotilla sailing with support boats. Members participate as crew or skippers, with social events integrated into the sailing programme. The Greek Cruise offers extended holiday sailing.
