On Water

This sailing section contains everything you need to know about getting afloat at Staunton Harold Sailing Club

At Staunton Harold there is a wide variety of sailing options, from cruising, racing and learning to sail plus paddleboarding and windsurfing.

Racing

At Staunton Harold Sailing Club we have a very busy racing calendar throughout the year with opportunities for all levels of experience including Rookie racing, fun adult and junior regattas, many competitive series and special one day events.
For our recommended fleets we host SHSC Fleet championships, open meetings and area or national championships.
The most popular race format is general handicap racing plus some pursuit racing but we also enjoy fleet racing for our more popular classes.
Racing takes place on Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesday evenings (may vary in winter months)
Our efficient race management is provided by experienced race officers using state of the art committee boat, race timing and results software.

For more information contact sailing@shsc.org.uk

Cruising

With 130 acres of water available for sailing and an open aspect, Staunton Harold reservoir offers a great place to sail, with a well-equipped and comfortable club house, large boat park and a family friendly atmosphere. The club is open all year, so even the hardy sailors are fully catered for. In the peak sailing season, the water is open for cruising on four days a week, with Friday evenings reserved exclusively for social sailing and training. Even when racing is in progress, the water is large enough to accommodate both social sailing and racers without feeling congested. Safety cover is provided whenever the water is open. Alongside the social sailing calendar, the club offers a well-supported shored based social calendar, and the bar is usually open for a post sail drink.

More info contact cruising@shsc.org.uk

Learning to Sail

Staunton Harold Sailing Club is an RYA recognised teaching establishment and has been providing sail training for many years. If you are taking your first steps afloat, SHSC provides an ideal safe and friendly environment.
All our courses are run to the guidelines and recommendations of the RYA, the National Governing Body for sailing in Britain. All instructors and safety boat drivers are RYA qualified and all equipment reaches a high standard.
Our fleet of training dinghies comprise 6 RS Visions, 4 Laser IIs, 4 Laser 2000s, 10 Optibats and 7 Toppers 2 RS Feva and 2 Teras
This year promises to be another exciting season for the Sailing School as we again offer a number of courses for adults and juniors, members and non-members.
Courses are very popular, so please apply early to secure a place and avoid disappointment.
The Principal of the training school is Paul Munro who can be contacted at training@shsc.org.uk

Paddleboarding

Our paddleboarding section started in 2022 and numbers have grown ever since. We are lucky to have Greg our skilled paddle board trainer and lots of members keen to promote the sport. The essence of SUP is to stand (or kneel) on a buoyant board, using a single bladed paddle as a means of propulsion and control.
SUP boards are being used for leisure, fitness, racing, touring, polo, surfing, yoga, downwind, white water, foiling and wind-SUP. Whilst most SUP paddling is still done with one person on a board, we have family members who take their youngsters out with them.

Beginner and improver training is available

More info contact sup@shsc.org.uk

Windsurfing

Windsurfing is often recognised as an extreme sport that provides limitless thrills and excitement in a range of disciplines. However, it is also a great way for the whole family to enjoy a beach holiday or have an active day out on the water at a more laid back pace. Whether your aspirations are to ride big waves, to compete in slalom or course racing, to sail freestyle, or just to sail for fun whilst on holiday with the family, there will be something for you. We are happy for members to sail their windsurfers.

More info contact sailing@shsc.org.uk

What should I Sail?

Firstly you need to make a few basic decisions: boats for one or two people; with one, two or three sails; sit-out or sit-in, trapeze or racks; spinnaker or not, big or small, fast or manoeuvrable, windsurfer or SUP etc and that's before you consider the price.For more information to help you decide either come down to the Club and have a chat, we are a friendly bunch, or take a look at our recommended classes page
The Yachts and Yachting magazine publishes a "Racing Classes Review" each year comparing around 175 different classes while we don't have quite that many racing at Staunton Harold sailing club, there are at least 20 different classes represented in the club.
At SHSC we allow any non-keel boat whose RYA Portsmouth Number (PN) is more than 900. Those with a PN less than 900 are considered too fast for the size of water.

Last updated 10:17 on 5 November 2024