When do I have to be there? And when will I get home?
The boats are available from 7pm the evening before your trip dates. For a Saturday/Sunday trip, the crew will usually arrive on the Friday evening between 6pm and 9pm. That gives a head start on getting the boat ready for a full day sailing the next day. Sometimes, we might go out on a Friday night which can be lovely to sail with the stars. If you can't get down on a Friday night, then you should be prepared to arrive early on the Saturday morning - usually by 8am since there's stuff to do before we can sail. As always, talk it through with your skipper if there are any problems.
We usually aim to arrive back at the marina mid-afternoon on Sunday depending on tide times. After cleaning the boats, this usually means crews leaving between 4pm and 6pm. If there's something specific you need to be back for, please let your skipper know.
What do I need to bring?
Ideally bring your gear in a holdall or soft-sided bag, there's not much room for suitcases aboard!
You'll need a few changes of clothing including some warmer items like fleeces - even in the summer. Try to avoid jeans or things that take a long time to dry. And, obviously, the colder the weather forecast, thermal layers you might want to bring!
- Nightwear - a baggy T is fine
- Non-marking shoes, such as trainers, or sailing wellies to wear on board
- Suntan lotion - with a higher SPF that you might usually use as sun's effects are stronger on the water
- Sunglasses - the glare on the water can hurt your eyes
- Hat and gloves - it can be chilly sitting out on deck even in summer and you'll definitely need in early/late season
- Sleeping bag & pillowcase
- Tea towel
- Toiletries and a towel (camping-style microfibre ones are ideal but normal ones just take longer to dry)
- Any medication you might need - this might include prescription medicines, basic pain killers or seasickness pills
- Phone chargers or power banks - if you're a tech addict
- Camera - a zoom is useful as it's harder to get close to something you might want to photo
- Waterproof phone cover - if you want to keep it up in the cockpit
If you have any special dietary requirements, you may want to bring some extra food. Crews often bring some snacks (e.g. crisps/nuts/olives/biscuits) and drinks (beer/wine/cola) to supplement the onboard food order.
Is there any bedding on board?
We provide pillows and ask each member to bring with them a pillowcase to use and also a sleeping bag. There are some spare sleeping bags on board and also lots of blankets, so if you do not own a sleeping bag then these can be used.
What do I wear?
That really depends on the weather. It's a good idea to bring layers of clothing which you can use as needed. Shorts and tshirts, trousers, long sleeve tops and jumpers. It is also a good idea to bring sunglasses and a
hat as even when it is not a particularly sunny day there can be quite a bit of glare from the water. You will then be provided with an all-weather jacket and trousers which you can wear if it is cold or raining.
Do I need special equipment like waterproofs?
No, the Club has lifejackets and waterproofs that you can use. You'll just need some shoes with non-marking soles (or wellies if rain is forecast) and some sunglasses (if it's not).
Do I need insurance?
Cover is provided by the Partnership for legal liability: Partners are covered for injury to others, or damage to the property of others, which they may cause accidentally during their employment or the normal activities of a Partnership club. Partners are not covered for any criminal liability arising from injury or damage deliberately inflicted upon another person or property, whether on business or while participating in leisure activities of any kind. The Partnership can only be held responsible for injury to participants in leisure activities where
it has been in some way negligent and cover is provided by the Partnership's public liability insurance.
What cover is insurance is NOT provided by the Partnership?
Cover is NOT provided by the Partnership for injury to those taking part in Partnership sporting or other leisure activities, as Partners (and any non-Partners concerned) are considered to to be participating voluntarily and in their own time. It is Partners' own responsibility to consider the risks of injury or illness and to be aware that separate 'personal accident' insurance is not automatically provided by the Partnership. Participants should decide themselves whether to buy this cover. Nor is it provided for personal property, covering cancellation
fees or the cost of alternative travel return arrangements to the UK should your yacht not be able to return. Participants should decide themselves whether to buy these types of cover.
Do I need to be fit and healthy?
Sailing is an active and participative activity that can be dangerous if safety rules are not followed. Partners and their guests should make sure that they have sufficient mobility and fitness to fully take part in these activities, and are required to inform their skipper if they have a condition that may affect their welfare or ability to join in before they set sail. The Club reserves the right to allow skippers to be able to refuse an individual to sail if they deem the circumstances necessary.
Do I need a passport?
If you are joining a trip out of British waters you will need to have an in-date passport with you.