Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Premier Sailing Destination in Ringwood
Spinnaker Sailing Club was founded in 1958 as a sailing club on Blashford Lake, evolving over six decades to include kayaking, paddleboarding and windsurfing. Our family-oriented community actively promotes sailing and water sports through structured racing programmes, RYA-certified training, and recreational access to our fleet of club boats. The committee and professional staff prioritise member safety while maintaining strong relationships with local stakeholders, including Wessex Water and the New Forest Sailability. Our commitment to environmental stewardship is evident through sustainable practices like solar energy adoption and invasive species management. With extensive experience across both competitive and recreational sailing, we provide accessible facilities for all abilities, including adaptive programmes for disabled sailors.Our location within the New Forest National Park offers unique opportunities for outdoor recreation while protecting the area's natural beauty through collaborative conservation efforts. The club's governance model combines volunteer leadership with skilled operational staff to ensure long-term viability. We maintain transparent communication channels and ethical standards that reflect our core values of inclusivity and community engagement. Through documented history preservation initiatives, we continue building our legacy while welcoming new members to shape our future.
Services
Dinghy Racing
Kayak Hire
Paddleboard Hire
Windsurfing
Powerboat Training
Youth Sailing
Adult Training
Chandlery Supplies
Boat Repairs
Team Racing
Details
- Year established: 1958
Highlights and features
- We offer 60+ years of sailing expertise in the New Forest National Park
- We provide RYA-certified training for all ages and ability levels
- Our competitive dinghy racing programme develops world-class sailors
- We maintain a diverse fleet of modern boats for hire and training
- Our environmental stewardship protects the lake's delicate ecosystem
Services
Dinghy Racing
Our competitive dinghy racing programme offers structured events for experienced sailors across multiple classes including Fireflies and Lasers. Weekly club racing and annual open meetings attract both local and national competitors while fostering skill development. The programme combines competitive racing with safety-focused instruction for improving racers of all ages.
Kayak Hire
Access to nine sit-on-top kayaks enables recreational water exploration for individuals and families. Hire sessions provide affordable opportunities to experience Blashford Lake's natural beauty at a relaxed pace. Equipment availability supports spontaneous water-based recreation during daylight hours.
RYA Training
RYA-certified instruction delivers comprehensive sailing education from beginner to advanced levels. Courses accommodate youth and adult learners through structured lesson plans and qualified instructors. Our training programmes develop essential sailing skills while prioritising safety and seamanship.
Chandlery Supplies
On-site chandlery provides essential sailing equipment including ropes, fittings and rigging components from trusted brands. Stocked inventory supports common boat maintenance needs while special orders enable access to specific parts. Professional staff offer technical advice for equipment selection and installation.
Boat Repairs
Experienced technicians deliver professional boat repairs for various materials including wooden, GRP and rotomoulded plastic hulls. Services range from routine maintenance to complex structural repairs using industry-standard techniques. Competitive pricing ensures accessible maintenance solutions for all boat owners.
People
Phil Tinsley
Commodore
Commodore with decades of sailing experience across multiple classes including GP14s and Solos. Oversees club strategy and leadership while actively participating in racing programmes. Promotes sailing excellence through volunteer governance.
Tom Clay
Vice Commodore
Vice Commodore with extensive racing background, including team racing umpiring qualifications. Serves as blue Firefly helmsman while supporting youth development initiatives. Contributes operational expertise from 25-year club membership.
Graham Stones
RYA Principal
Certified RYA Principal with 20+ years instructing experience. Teaches Fireball sailing techniques while maintaining marine industry connections. Balances instructional duties with family sailing activities.
James Oborne
Operations Manager
Professional sailing instructor with global industry experience. Manages day-to-day operations while delivering training programmes. Advocates for modern teaching methods while preserving traditional seamanship skills.
Jim Clarke
Treasurer
Financial steward with sailing heritage spanning four decades. Combines laser sailing expertise with fiscal oversight responsibilities. Supports youth development through strategic resource management.
Questions
What sailing membership options are available?
We offer individual, family, and group memberships with varying levels of access to club facilities and racing events.
Can visitors hire sailing equipment?
Basic equipment hire is available for eligible members, with online booking systems managing craft reservations and allocations.
Do you offer sailing lessons for adults?
Yes, we provide RYA-certified courses for adult beginners and experienced sailors through our qualified instructors.
Are there environmental protection policies?
We actively manage invasive species, maintain washdown stations, and follow 'Check, Clean, Dry' protocols for equipment hygiene.
What racing events are held annually?
Our calendar includes team racing championships, firefly open meetings, and weekly club races across multiple boat classes.
Is the club accessible for disabled sailors?
Through New Forest Sailability partnerships, we provide adaptive sailing opportunities and accessible facilities for disabled members.
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