Sandbox
ABOUT US
Southwold Sailing Club is situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty at Southwold Harbour, approx. one mile from the mouth of the River Blyth on the Suffolk Coast. The objective of the club is to promote and provide facilities for coastal sailing.
The club has approx 150 members who include: dinghy and cruiser sailors with skill levels ranging from complete novice to very experienced (new members are always welcome).
The amenities at Southwold include visitors moorings, local shops and a wide selection of pubs and restaurants.
Extensive boatbuilding and marine engineering facilities are also available locally.
The sailing programme features regular Sunday racing for dinghies either at sea or up the river and the legendary Friday night series for the cruisers with the occasional longer passage race.
The dinghy fleet comprises a wide range of craft including Javelins, Lasers and Wayfarers.
The cruiser fleet includes both lightweight cruiser-racers and heavy displacement cruisers ranging in size from 7m to 15m.
The dinghy and cruiser races which are conducted under RYA Rules are open to all classes and handicaps are applied by the Racing and Handicaps Committee in line with the Portsmouth Yardstick Ratings.
The dinghy races are keenly contested (mostly!) but in the case of the cruisers a more ‘laid back’ style is the norm – sitting on the windward rail is much too uncomfortable.
The following events are regular features of the sailing programme:
- White Hart River Races,
- Sizewell Race,
- Spring, Summer & Autumn series
- Barnard Buoy Race
- Gabbard Grail Cruiser Race
- John Leach Memorial Trophy Southwold to Ostend Cruiser Race
- August bank holiday regattas.
In addition the Club hosts larger sailing events such as, National and European Championships, Open meetings, Gaffer meets and races.
We also welcome visiting yachts and yacht groups from the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and from round the UK.
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT
Regardless of experience, at Southwold Sailing Club you can enter the exhilarating world of sailing, both upriver and on the sea. Our friendly and informal club is perfectly situated for dinghy and cruiser sailing and welcomes members with a wide range of backgrounds, ages and level of experience.
With a younger dynamic, we are a family-friendly club with a thriving social scene, and members can always find out what’s happening via the Whatsapp Group. Our more experienced members are always happy to help and advise, allowing you to be out there in the elements, taking control and gaining confidence. The well-appointed clubhouse includes a cosy bar and a larger function room. Its stunning location ensures that members or visitors can sit on the balcony with glass in hand to catch all the action on the river, or the best sunset view in Southwold.