Dinghy and Catamaran Racing Fleets and Classes
There are 14 fleets represented on our Sailing Committee, who meet once a month to discuss all matters sailing.
Each fleet has a Fleet Captain who is elected annually by members of that fleet.
Fleets range from Cruiser, Asymmetric, Symmetric, Catamaran, Medium and Slow.
There are also specific Class Fleets such as Solos, Lasers, RS400 and Sprint 15s
Details of the boats within the fleet starts and the handicaps are given in the Sailing Instructions.
Novices are very welcome to enter all races. This is a great way to learn how to race.
The club organizes Training Courses on "Starting Racing" and there is a simple RYA Summary of the basic rules available from the club office.
However the Club isn't just about racing Many boat owners from all fleets choose just to recreational sail simply for fun and relaxation and the social cameraderie not to mention the great food and refreshments from the Galley.
To view a range of documents relating to Club Racing please click here
These include amongst others, the Racing Calendar, Sailing Instructions, Fleets and Handicaps.
The Fast Asymmetric Fleet
This is where to get the thrill of asymmetric racing.
Club racing provides a windward/leeward course for this fleet on Sundays and this provides good racing for a strong handicap fleet.
If you are seeking this or looking to get involved then we give a friendly and competitive programme.
Look at our great membership packages.
The fleet is supportive and friendly, so make yourself known to the fleet who will help you settle in.
The boats sailing in the Fast Asymmetric Fleet include:
| 29er | 49er | K6 | Musto Skiff | RS200 |
| RS400 | RS600 | RS700 | RS800 | V3000 |
The Fast Symmetric Fleet
The Fleet is based on P.Y. handicaps for fast handicap racing on Wednesdays. This allows for exciting and competitive handicap racing in a really friendly atmosphere alongside the Asymmetric Fleet and Catamarans.
On Sundays the fast fleet is divided to allow the Asymmetric Fleet and Catamarns to compete together and the Symmetric rigged boats to sail a course more suited to a wider variety of classes.
This arrangement allows for competition for all classes and abilities.
The boats sailing in the Fast Symmetric Fleet include:
| Foiling Moth | Javelin | Osprey | Tempest | |
The Catamaran Fleet
About the Fleet
The Catamaran fleet is made of a number of classes from makes including:
| Dart | Hobie | Hurricane | Nacra | Prindle |
The Catamaran fleet is split, based on performance and sailing characteristics, racing with the medium or Fast/Asymmetric fleets.
Racing
Racing takes place on Sundays and Wednesday afternoon and evening (light permitting), as well as informal racing on Saturdays.
Racing is rated under the P.Y. system which assures a fair result for all competitors.
Training
We are very fortunate having a significant number of RYA Catamaran Instructors who not only instruct but also sail and race catamarans themselves.
As an official RYA training centre, courses in catamaran sailing can be given at any level and it is our suggestion that if this area of sailing interests you, for you to either come along and talk with one of the sailors on 'cat-alley' or to book a taster session through the office. (01629 540609)
The Club also has suitable Catamarans which are used for training purposes.
The Medium Fleet
This Fleet currently includes:
| 2000 | Aero | D Zero | Flying Fifteen | K1 |
| National 12 | Phantom | RS200 | | |
Other classes with either a conventional spinnaker or jennaker also make up this fleet; all looking for friendly competition.
As this class is based on performance we include all boat within a specified PY range. The Sailing Committee review the range of boats in order to encourage good racing.
The Medium Fleet races on Wednesdays evenings and Sundays.
To cater for all, the Club has also introduced racing on Wednesday afternoons under a mixed handicap single start, to encourage those with flexibility in their time.
The Slow Fleet
There are a wide variety of boats in the Slow Fleet. Something for everyone, whatever your physical ability, weight and experience.
These include:
| Single Handers | Bytes | Comets | Laser | Optimist | Picos |
| Solos | Supernovas | Toppers | Varios | ||
| Double Handers | Comets | Enterprise | Wanderer | Wayfarer |
This means that all boats in the Slow Fleet will be able to race against each other from the same start in the Sunday series and Wednesday series. These boats can, of course, race in the Regatta Events, and the Club Championship series. So there is plenty of opportunity to enjoy a variety of race formats, whatever the level of experience of helm and crew.