New member enquiries – How do I visit the club?
What is the best time to visit and see the club?
Sunday morning (all year round).
Thursday evening (May-Aug). Arrive at 6pm
Contact us to let us know you would like to view the club.
Will someone meet me?
Members arrive at this time for regular sailing, so please introduce yourself and they will grant you access.
Please contact us so we know to expect you.
How does the gate work?
The gate must always remain closed (as per Thames Water instructions). Once you become a member, you will be provided with a key/combination so that you can come and go as you please.
New member enquiries – Adult (No Experience)
Do you teach people to sail?
Yes, visit our Learn to Sail pages and Learn to Windsurf pages.
Courses are Royal Yachting Association (RYA) compliant which means wherever you go, the accreditation is recognised.
What happens after the course?
Join King George Sailing Club. Get in touch with us after your certification with LWC using the Contact Us button.
LWC instructors run supervised sailing sessions. These are designed for all sailors to sail together and share learning experiences. To be a part of these, you must become a member of the club.
Next Steps?
New member enquiries – Adult (Experienced)
How does it work?
If you sailed previously you have three options
Take a refresher course with us.
Sail as part of a supervised sailing session with us.
Supervised informal training sessions for improving sailors. Ideal to practice new skills in a safe environment. Must be a club member.
Attend the club racing on a Sunday.
Whilst the racing can sound daunting, all our members are very welcoming and are keen to encourage new members to take part. (Everyone was last at some point).
Do I need my own boat or windsurfer?
For the training courses, the club provides boats and windsurfers.
We also have boats (RS FEVA, Wayfarer, Laser, Laser Pico, Optimists ) and a selection of windsurf boards and rigs which you can hire through the clubs membership website.
For members looking to sailing on a regular basis, the club recommends purchasing your own boat or windsurf kit. For inexperienced sailors, it’s best to discuss the type of craft with an instructor first.
Can I sail at any time?
Yes, as long as you have a buddy or there is a safety boat out.
When are safety boats out?
Every Sunday morning (for the dinghy racing). Most Saturday morning and Thursday evenings during the summer.
Why do I need a buddy?
The club operates a safety system where at least two dinghies, or two windsurfers must be on the water at the same time. This is to ensure someone else is around to help, or to call for help, if you are having difficulties.
Insurance
All members with their own craft (boat or board) are required to have 3rd part liability insurance, to the value of 3million pounds. (Most policies are 5million).
Windsurfing Questions
(Though many are equally applicable to dinghy sailing)
Can I sail without being a member?
No, membership with valid insurance is required to use the facilities. See our membership page for more details.
Can I store my kit at the club?
Yes there are shipping container pods available for a small annual fee. Please note, these are heavily oversubscribed and there is a waiting list for these.
Is there kit available for hire?
Yes, there are lots of sails for most wind conditions and many boards, mainly for beginner and intermediate standards. Most of the kit is in very good condition. All available through the clubs membership website.
Can I windsurf at any time?
Yes, as long as you have a buddy or there is a safety boat out.
When are safety boats out?
Every Sunday morning (for the dinghy race). Most Saturday morning and Thursday evenings during the summer.
Why do I need a buddy?
The club operates a safety system where at least two dinghies, or two windsurfers must be on the water at the same time. This is to ensure someone else is around to help, or to call for help, if you are having difficulties.
How do I find windsurfing buddies?
On joining, you will be given a google group address when you join the club. Most calls for a buddy are answered quickly. There are lots of people at the club that sail during the day all week.
I'm a beginner, will there be help setting my kit up?
Yes, it's a friendly community and everyone is willing to help each other. LWC will be able to assist you as well.
Are there courses available?
Yes, visit our Learn to Windsurf pages.
Do people sail all year round?
Yes, but its a more vibrant community during summer, spring and autumn.
What are the conditions like?
Flat water, but the reservoir's height means that the winds are cleaner than the surface. It is the best sailing so close to the centre of London.
