Originally called “The Pirates Cruising Club”, Channel Sailing Club was formed over 30 years ago to encourage sailing enthusiasts to add practical skills to the theory of navigation and seamanship. Over a number of years,hundreds of members have gained practical sailing skills and confidence to either skipper their own boat, to charter or to act as competent crew for others.
By sailing with and meeting other like-minded people, members can draw on the extensive knowledge of others in a friendly, sociable atmosphere and at a very reasonable cost.
We welcome a spectrum, from complete novices, who may only want to see what sailing is all about, to experienced boat owners, who appreciate the advantages of experienced crew and sailing in company.
Our current membership is around 250 with approximately 60 owning boats ranging from 18 to over 40 feet in length. We organize a whole host of events throughout the year covering a wide range of activities from Solent cruises, trips across the Channel, overnight sailing, racing weekends and an on-the-water treasure hunt.
The highlight of the busy programme are The Spring Cruise and the Late Summer Cruise where our flotilla heads off for nine days of sailing and socializing, often to the Channel Islands, France or the West Country.
Cruises are carefully planned and organized to take into account available boats, crew needs and the skills available, ensuring the correct balance within each group
Accomplished yachtsmen make every effort to help those new to sailing allowing them to put into practice what they’ve learned ashore, never forgetting the key goals – safety and of course fun! If you’re new to boats, we’ll match you up with an experienced skipper so that you can learn the ropes. All you’ll be asked to pay is a share of the food, drink, fuel, mooring fees etc.
For those new to sailing, perhaps a first-time boat owner or those who just seem to stumble across knotty problems, help is at hand. Other members are always keen to assist and you’ll soon be up to speed with the art of sailing as well as boat maintenance. The Club also operates a bosunry for its members and encourages would-be students to take night-school classes in navigation and seamanship. Need an Almanac or help with cleaning your boat ? Now you know where to come!
It goes without saying that the social side of the club is by no means neglected! While we’re not out on the water, club members meet weekly on Tuesday evenings at the Epsom Sports Club to socialize over a drink, organize the next trip and generally chat about their last voyage. It may seem a strange place to have a Sailing Club, but as many boat owners live locally, so mid-week is a good time to meet and talk, and also to get together before a weekend event. In addition, we run a number of other shore-based activities such as a BBQ, a curry night, a quiz evening and talks by internal and external speakers on subjects related to both the sea and sailing.
