2022 Tasters » Sailing taster
Come and try sailing for free at South Staffs Sailing Club. Are you looking for something new to do in 2022? Experience the unrivalled excitement of dinghy sailing with our experienced club members and RYA Dinghy Instructors at a welcoming and friendly club. We are a non profit making club run by our members who volunteer their time to share their passion for dinghy sailing and racing. We welcome sailors of all abilities from absolute beginner to world champions! No experience is preferred for these tasters, only a sense of adventure and suitable clothing.
HOW DO I GET THERE?
To find us please turn off the A5 onto Gailey Lea Lane (first left after the M6 Junction 12 towards Cannock). We are at the bottom of the lane, please use the second entrance for the car park, and take care on the lane. Please aim to arrive 15 minutes before the stated start time to allow time to park and for introductions etc.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
It is very unlikely you will get wet but you can never say never! So please bring a change of warm clothes just in case. It is generally recommended that you wear sports clothing for your taster, rather than cotton or denim, which absorbs water and makes you cold when wet, soft soled pumps/trainers are essential. A waterproof outer layer should be worn if it is raining.
WHAT GENERAL RISKS ARE INVOLVED IN SAILING?
As with any sporting activity there are always risks and clearly there are inherent risks in water sport. For this reason the wearing of a personal flotation device (PFD) or "buoyancy aid" is mandatory at South Staffs Sailing Club both on the water and on the Jetties. A correctly fitted/sized PFD will prevent you from sinking but will not keep you face up in the event of unconsciousness, unlike a Life Vest. If you have your own PFD or Life Vest please bring it with you for your taster, otherwise we can provide a PFD but please note that we do not have Life Vests. Injury from the boom (metal pole extending from the mast with the sail above it) is also a recognised risk particularly when tacking or gybing (when the boat turns through the wind). This includes the risk from your own and other boats when launching and recovering on and around the slipway/jetty. Head protection can be worn for this purpose but is not provided. Entanglement in ropes during a capsize is rare but can occur, a small safety knife can be carried for this eventuality.
WHAT SPECIFIC RISKS ARE INVOLVED IN SAILING AT SSSC?
Please take care when launching and recovering boats from the slipways as they can become extremely slippery below the waterline, efforts are made to scrub them regularly but they are a recognised hazard despite this. Gailey Lea is known to contain blue green algae, which can cause stomach and skin problems. It is generally recommended to drink some cola if you consume any water.
Last updated 6:19pm on 7 April 2024