Sailing

Twickenham Yacht Club offers a range of sailing opportunities including racing, social sailing and Improver or beginner sessions for both adults and children on the river.

Sailing at TYC's current premises has been taking place since 1924. The club has a rich history of which can be viewed here..

The club has 3 main dinghy classes; Enterprise, Solo and National 12. However the club also has Optimists, toppers, lasers & RS quests available for hire or training use. Some of our members also have Wayfarers and Merlin Rockets.

Club History

Club Dinghy Classes

Club Sailing Fixtures

Club dinghy racing and casual sailing from March to December. The fixtures list outlines all our organised sailing events for the year.

Volunteering Sailing Duties

To align with the clubs volunteer led ethos, all sailors are encouraged to volunteer for at least 4 sailing support duties per season.

Race Officer

Race Officer Assistant

Support Boat Operator

Support Boat Assistant

Assistant and crew roles aim to develop your skills, so you can undertake the role of 'Race Officer' or 'Support Boat Helm' when ready.

Training for these roles are provided throughout the year at the club, it is advised to attend the training. Refer to the club led courses.

Boat Storage
Members dinghies can be stored in the lower dinghy park which has approximately 24 places for a small annual fee.

Club Dinghy Parks

Dinghies can be parked in the Lower Dinghy Park, which features a slipway and the starters hut, from which racing is normally managed.

Dinghies and trailers can be stored in the Upper Dinghy Park, which is a secure storage facility near the club.

Club Sailing Task Roles

As part of club land space rental for boats, the club member shall be responsible for a task outlined below.

Dinghy Park Space Rental

On the Water Activities

Racing

Members launch their dinghies from the lower dinghy park slipway. Sailing takes place March to December. There are a variety of series with prizes awarded for these at our annual prize giving.

The Summer Series: March until October on Sunday Mornings
Wednesday Evening Series: May - August
Winter Series: October to December on Sunday Mornings

If you are interested in crewing as a new or prospective member, please come to the dinghy park 45 minutes before the race start time (as listed on fixture list) and report to the race officer.

Improvers Sailing

Calling those who have done a bit of sailing or have some sailing experience but would like to practise informally with advice and support standing by. Here’s a chance to notch up your hours and progress! We can help you to develop skills at RYA Level 2 or 3. These sessions run April - September. All young people must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Sessions can be booked via courses.

Keyhaven Yacht Club

Twickenham and Keyhaven Yacht Club have been formally sister yacht clubs since the 1960s. The Yacht Club is based in the picturesque hamlet of Keyhaven, walk-able distance from village, Milford on Sea, near Lymington Town!

Twickenham members have great fun, sailing their own and TYC club dinghies on the sea, go for a voluntary / involuntary swim at Hurst Castle Spit, and visit the local gin bar! Seeking members with tow bars to help with towing club boats, either one or both ways!

KYC welcomes TYC members to their club to participate in their regatta.

Each evening is catered for with entertainment such as quiz night, games, live music and BBQs!

If you haven’t been before, it is worth coming down for a few days, usually around 40+ members attend throughout the week.

It is advisable to book accommodation as soon as possible, plenty of Air BnB’s or hotels, but they book up quick. There are also camp sites, a short bike ride away.

The full calendar hasn’t been released yet but it will first appear here.

Lifeboat Week

A mid-summer Monday to Friday evening racing series.

Sail each evening for lifeboat week, usually held in June.

Dating back to 1965, in memory of Harold Smith, 1965. Run for many years by late (first female) commodore, Lesley Williams and her husband, Ken.

An entry fee applies which raises money for the RNLI!

The winner of each race, gets an extra-3 minute handicap each day with the last boat getting a 3 minute advantage. By the end of the week, each boat could be starting at different times due to accumulated handicap changes. Best of 3 races.

Any topper sailing will be first off at 7.22pm and the finish will be at 8.30pm.