Information for prospective members

About Ripon Sailing Club

Ripon Sailing Club was formed by a group of enthusiasts from the Ripon area in 1957, sailing initially on the river Ure at Langthorpe, Nr Boroughbridge. The intention of these early members was that it should be a "Family Club" with good fellowship as well as good sailing. We are pleased to say that this is still the aim today, and the number of youngsters and families sailing at Farnham is testimony to that.

Ripon Sailing Club moved to Farnham Lake in 1972 after a few years sailing on the South Lake we moved to the then 20-acre North Lake where we have been ever since.

The area of water is now nearly 75-acres and is leased from a local property trust. The club owns the freehold of the land and built the present club house during the winter of 1985/86. It was officially opened in August 1986 by Dr Bill Jones, a former Commodore and long standing member.

It provides Changing and Shower facilities plus a large clubroom & lounge with Galley and Bar.

Advice about buying a boat, equipment & insurance

Cruising

Cruising members are welcome and form a large part of the club, the water is sheltered so it is an ideal place to introduce youngsters to the sport. The water is open for members 7 days a week so an evening or afternoon cruise with the kids is always available (the water is closed for open events from time to time). Access to the water

Racing

Racing takes place on Sundays from March to October with an open frostbite series during November and December. Wednesday evening racing is held from late April to mid August. Saturday Afternoon race training provides a gentle introduction to racing for those who can sail but feel they need to learn more about racing before joining the Sunday racing series.

Instruction (available only for members)

If you are considering taking up sailing as a new pastime then we can provide instruction by RYA qualified instructors. For further information about courses please telephone the club (01423) 865467 or Peter Chignell 07710734981

A Young Opportunity course is run each year for the youngsters, for this we use Optimists and Toppers, providing two days of supervised instruction. A certificate is presented to successful participants (RYA Stage 1 or 2). This course is always oversubscribed so early booking is essential.

Boat hire (available only to members)

We have 3 Toppers, 2 Mirrors ,9 Optimists and a Wanderer 2/3 man training boat available for training and for hire to members @£10-00 per day. (Prior booking is essential and the boats are only available at weekends)

Social

There are regular social events throughout the year, including the Annual Dinner Dance and Laying up Supper.

Impromptu barbecues may be held throughout the summer months making a pleasant end to a days sailing.

Duties

As a member of Ripon Sailing Club you are expected to take part in the running of the clubs activities, this usually takes the form of assisting the race officer and his team.

Working parties are held during the closed season (January - mid March) you are expected to lend a hand with the odd jobs and maintenance at this time.

Access

You will have access to the Clubhouse and facilities 7 days a week, however we do run a full program of Open meetings and Training Courses, so there may be times when we close the water and or parts of Clubhouse to all but those involved on the day. You are of course welcome to join any courses or enter Open meetings.

There are no safety boat restrictions so the water may be used for cruising at any time (subject to the above). You are asked to keep out of the way of boats racing.

We have Fleet racing for Enterprise, Laser and RS200 classes together with Fast & Slow Handicap flees currently comprising Streaker, Graduate, National 12, 420, Solo, GP14, OK, Merlin Rocket, RS300, RS400, Supernova, Mirror, Topper, Topaz, Pico,Byte etc.

Other handicap class boats may be considered for membership provided that they are monohull and no longer than 4.6m (15ft) overall length, and are considered suitable by the committee.

Details correct @ October 2004