New Members Start Here

So you’ve taken the plunge and joined Grafham Water Sailing Club. What happens next? We know that it can be a daunting process joining a new club. Learning how things work and who to ask can be a challenge.

We are a friendly club and aim to help all new members find their feet as quickly as possible. The following information should help you get started:

Website

This website contains a lot of essential information including things like opening hours, how to book a club boat or the training school calendar. The search box can also help you find what you need to know. The On the Water page tells you all you need to know about all our sailing activities.

The Office

Our friendly office is open from 10.00-3.00pm six days a week (closed on Tuesdays) and is on-hand to answer questions. You can contact them on 01480 810478 or 07943 196522 or email office@grafham.org. The office is at the top of the stairs in the main clubhouse.

The Coxswain

The Coxswain’s shed is your go-to place for many things. It is located on the main slipway by the jetty. If you are unsure about weather conditions, or which area to sail in, or what activity is going on that you need to keep clear of, ask the Duty Coxswain. There is someone on duty whenever the water is open. The Coxswain will also launch and recover your cruiser or keelboat using the tractor.

Club Mentor

On joining we will optionally introduce you to an existing member who will be on-hand to guide you through your first weeks with the club. Depending on your interests this may be a Fleet captain, another club member, a Council member or a sailing instructor.

Bringing my Boat to the Club

Please speak to the office, who will allocate you a berth and update your record.

Club Boats

These are available for club members who have RYA Level 2 (adult) or Stage 2 (under 18) to hire. Click for more information.

Training

If you don’t yet have RYA Level/Stage 2, visit the Training section of this website where you can find full details of our complete training programme.

New Members Welcome Meetings

We hold regular meetings for new members where you can learn all about the club and ask any questions you may have. There is a link to register on the Club Members Only page.

The Clubhouse

The cafe is located on the ground floor of the clubhouse (entrance on the water side of the building). Lisa and her team at Viking Catering serve hot and cold food and drinks on Saturdays and Sundays. If you are going sailing you can pre-order before you go afloat. During the summer Wednesday evening series they also serve a two-course dinner after racing in the top floor bar.

Our spacious changing rooms are on the middle floor of the clubhouse, entered from the main steps opposite the roundabout. The toilets are in the same location.

The top floor houses our stunning bar and lounge as well as the office and chandlery.

Volunteering

We are a members’ club and rely on volunteers for race management, safety boat duties and many jobs onshore. Find out all about Volunteering here.

Social Media

The club has a WhatsApp group, Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram feeds (@grafhamwatersc) for sharing news with members quickly. There is a link to join the WhatsApp group on the Club Members Only page.

In addition, many sections of the club such as the Tuesday and Saturday groups, Team Grafham and the Racing Fleets have their own WhatsApp groups where group members swap advice and news with each other.

Crew Register

The website includes a crew register, where you can post details if you don’t have a boat and are looking to crew, or are looking for a crew.