Learn to Sail

Why dinghy sailing?
Because sailing is fun, sociable as well as an excellent way of building confidence on the water and getting involved in a fantastic sport.

“If you can sail a dinghy you can sail anything.”

The principles of sailing are the same irrespective of the size of the boat you sail.

PLEASE NOTE –  We warmly welcome potential new members who have some experience and can sail confidently on the river unsupervised. As Up River Yacht Club is not a commercial organisation we do not employ professional sailing training staff and therefore cannot undertake any formal sailing tuition.  

Learning to sail at Up River Yacht Club

Learn to sail on the sheltered waters on the upper reaches of the River Crouch. Up River Yacht Club is ideally located in a scenic setting on the south bank of the river in the village of Hullbridge. There’s easy access by road and plenty of parking on site.

Enjoy relaxed and friendly sailing in the company of our experienced club members. Up River Yacht Club is an affiliated member of the Royal Yachting Association. 

I joined Up River Yacht Club because it’s situated on an ideal stretch of the river where my daughter could learn to sail in complete safety.  Dennis Haggerty 

Informal tuition

Members enjoy informal tuition, particularly during fun sails and when more confident, joining the racing fleet. There are safety boats in attendance at these club events, so even the most inexperienced person will gain confidence knowing help is close at hand.

However, if you want to learn to sail though taking a formal course we would suggest you go to a approved RYA training centre where professional sailing instructors will take you through a structured programme and award you with a certificate leading up to qualifications depending upon your requirements – please click this link for details. 

 

Fun sails and social events

There are plenty of opportunities to meet and get to know other Club members at evening and weekend Fun Sail events. In addition, you can join other club members at several social gatherings throughout the year. Please follow this link to Events and find out more.

 

The Up River approach

Our primary objective is to enable participants to develop their sailing skills and confidence so they can enjoy getting afloat by themselves or, if they prefer, as crew. Don’t worry, you can develop your skills over time as a club member. Sailing at Up River Yacht Club is for enjoyment, there are no exams or qualifications to achieve.

 

What’s included

  • Use your own boat and also, at club events, have access to 9 modern sailing dinghies maintained to a high standard
  • Boat and liability insurance when using a club sailing dinghy
  • Use of all club facilities
  • Spacious changing rooms
  • Modern showers
  • Social events
  • Free sailing events
  • Free parking in URYC private car park
  • Free wifi in the club house

The parents/responsible adults of individual child cadets are welcome to use the club facilities or lend a hand with club activities on the shore.

 

How much?

Up River Yacht Club subsidise sail training. ‘Fun Sails’, racing experiences and social events are all included in the cost of annual membership. Memberships range from ‘Family’ (including 2 adults,) Adult individual or Cadet individual for children only memberships. Please click this link for membership fee information.

 

Questions?

Alternatively, if there are some things you would like to chat through first, please email an outline of your questions. We will put you in touch with a member of the club who will be happy to help and talk about what the club can offer. Please get in touch or call our membership secretary for more information.

If you would prefer to speak to a club officer, please include your telephone number let us know good time(s) to call you.