Everything you need to start sailing at NHEBSC

OUR SUPPORTED SOCIAL SAILING SESSIONS FOR BEGINNERS AND NOVICES

Even if you’re completely inexperienced, Social Sailing on Saturday mornings is a friendly introduction. Senior members are available to help you start sailing at the Blue Lagoon. In 2024, Social Sailing runs from Saturday 13th April until September. Although we’re not a training centre, we are extremely lucky to have a fleet of boats, which include Laser Solos, Laser 2000s, Picos and Argos and a great team of experienced members. Club boats can be used at no extra cost to members.

START SAILING AT NHEBSC

Club member, David O’Shea has helped many a beginner start sailing at NHEBSC. David is a paragon of patience and a great teacher of technique. David has kindly put together a guide to starting to sail, based on the RYA Instructor Handbook and years of practical experience. You can find David’s handy guide here.

WHAT TO WEAR (YOU PROBABLY ALREADY OWN IT OR CAN BORROW OURS)

With social sailing starting in April we could have a range of weather. At the start of the season the Blue Lagoon won’t have warmed up, so a full wetsuit is advisable. We have a large range of donated wetsuits in the changing room in mostly children’s sizes, but there are some adult sizes too. Members can borrow our kit free of charge. On wet and windy days an old anorak/ raincoat/ wind-cheater over the top of a wetsuit will help keep you warm. 

As the weather warms up, quick-dry shorts, t-shirts and fleeces with a wind-cheater are clothes most of us have. So you don’t need to buy any specialist kit to begin with. You can also use a shortie wetsuit. Sun protection is also a good idea.

Footwear

Wetsuit boots or water-shoes are a good choice as toes are covered and offer some protection from bangs and scrapes. We recommend closed-toe shoes or sandals that won’t slide off. There are baskets of donated water-shoes (mainly for children) to borrow in the changing room.

Buoyancy Aids

We have a good range of sizes (for adults and children) and number of buoyancy aids in the changing room which members can borrow free of charge. Please ensure you wear one on the water and the jetty.

Helmets

Some of our Sunday racers regularly wear helmets as do the Scouts. Getting hit on the head is a risk, so a helmet can be a good idea particularly on gusty days. A bike helmet will do the job.