Business Details
Welcome to Stokes Bay Sailing Club
Stokes Bay Sailing Club is a family-friendly, award-winning organisation located on the north shore of the Eastern Solent. We provide exceptional sailing and watersports opportunities for enthusiasts of all skill levels, from casual cruising to competitive national-level racing. Our club boasts access to diverse fleets including Musto Skiffs, ILCA, catamarans, and dinghies, with racing events held weekly throughout the year. The community extends beyond the water through vibrant social activities, including summer parties, live music nights, and our renowned Christmas Ball. Our facilities feature a fully stocked bar open three days weekly and a galley serving meals during peak hours.With a strong focus on youth development through our Cadet Club and a history of producing national champions, we combine tradition with innovation. Our dedicated committee ensures smooth operations while maintaining high standards of safety and inclusivity. Members benefit from free boat parking during winter events and access to local amenities. The club's achievements in competitions like the RS300 Nationals and Musto Skiff Championships underscore our commitment to excellence. We prioritise accessibility, offering equipment hire for cadets and flexible participation options for families. This holistic approach has established us as a leading sailing community on the south coast.
Services
Sailing
Watersports
Racing Events
Social Events
Cadet Training
Highlights and features
- We offer year-round sailing with access at all tides
- Our club has produced multiple national championship winners
- We provide youth development through our Cadet Club program
- Our facilities include dedicated racing support and social spaces
- We maintain a family-friendly environment with inclusive policies
What people say
Excellent racing facilities
Vibrant social scene
Great youth programs
Well-maintained facilities
Inclusive environment
Services
Sailing
We provide access to diverse sailing opportunities across the Eastern Solent. Our members enjoy year-round racing and leisure sailing with fleets ranging from dinghies to high-performance catamarans. The club supports competitive sailors through structured race programs and training initiatives.
Watersports
Our watersports offerings include windsurfing, wing-foiling, paddleboarding, and kayaking. The club maintains equipment storage facilities and provides safety support for all water-based activities. Regular events encourage participation across skill levels from casual enthusiasts to competitive athletes.
Racing Events
We host weekly racing events from April to September and winter series from November to March. Our calendar features national-level competitions across multiple classes including Musto Skiffs and RS300s. The club provides race management, timing systems, and post-event analysis for competitors.
Social Events
Our social programme includes summer parties, live music nights, quiz evenings, and the annual Christmas Ball. The club's bar and galley provide refreshments during events, with special arrangements for race days and open meetings. These gatherings foster community connections among members.
Cadet Training
Our Cadet Club introduces children aged 6+ to sailing through parent-led sessions. We offer equipment hire and basic training for beginners, with progression pathways to competitive racing. The program operates May-September and includes safety instruction and race preparation for interested participants.
People
Carl Downing
Commodore
Carl leads our club with extensive sailing experience and a commitment to maintaining our competitive edge while ensuring accessibility for new members.
Dan Vincent
Vice Commodore
Dan oversees racing operations and serves on the management committee, bringing decades of competitive sailing expertise to our event organisation.
Peter Davidson
Rear Commodore
Peter supports club operations with particular focus on facility maintenance and member engagement initiatives across all sailing disciplines.
Debbie Woodward
Club Administrator
Debbie manages day-to-day operations and serves as primary contact for membership inquiries, event registrations, and general club administration.
Charlie South
Asymmetric & Fast Handicap Fleet Representative
Charlie, a recent RS300 National Champion, represents competitive sailors in our fleet management and race planning processes.
Questions
What sailing opportunities are available for beginners?
We offer introductory sessions through our Cadet Club and provide equipment hire for adults. Our community supports all skill levels from casual sailors to competitive racers.
Are non-members allowed to participate in events?
Yes, we welcome visiting sailors at our open meetings. Contact our administrator for event registration details and temporary membership options.
What facilities are available for competitors?
We provide free boat parking during winter events, changing facilities, and equipment storage. Our galley and bar offer refreshments during race days and social events.
How does the club support youth sailing?
Our Cadet Club offers parent-led sessions for ages 6+, equipment hire, and progression pathways to competitive racing with experienced mentorship from national champions.
What social activities are available?
We host summer parties, live music nights, quiz evenings, and our annual Christmas Ball with regular bar and galley service during peak hours.
What racing classes are supported?
We maintain fleets for Musto Skiffs, ILCA, catamarans, dinghies, and high-performance classes like RS300 and Moth, with weekly racing programs.
