SAILING SCHEDULE
When are the sailing dates?
We sail on the Thames every Tuesday evening and some weekends between April and September.
Please see the Sailing Schedule Calendar on the homepage for further details.
Non-members are unfortunately not able to join the Tuesday or Weeknd sail.
Please see the Sailing Schedule Calendar on the homepage for further details.
Non-members are unfortunately not able to join the Tuesday or Weeknd sail.
What time does the sailing session start on Tuesday evenings?
Please arrive at 6pm promptly to rig the boats.The sailing session can last from 90 minutes up to 4 hours, depending on the weather conditions and the time of sunset.
What time does the sailing session start on Saturdays? (Saturday sailing sessions are members only)
This will depend on a session. If there are Saturday sailing sessions, members will be notified via the Whatsapp Group. The sailing session can last from 2 up to 6 hours, depending on the tides and the weather conditions.
TASTER SESSIONS
Do I need previous experience to join a taster session?
No, these sessions are open to all. You don’t need any previous sailing experience to join the taster session.
How much does it cost to join a taster session?
Each session cost £40
Fees are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another taster session as numbers are limited.
Each person must register their place. There is unfortunately no waiting list, as we do not have the capacity to operate this as entirely volunteer run club.
You must book via the Sailing Calendar and then make a payment. You must do both at the time of registration, otherwise your place is not confirmed.
Fees are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another taster session as numbers are limited.
Each person must register their place. There is unfortunately no waiting list, as we do not have the capacity to operate this as entirely volunteer run club.
You must book via the Sailing Calendar and then make a payment. You must do both at the time of registration, otherwise your place is not confirmed.
I can’t make it any more, can you give me a refund?
Sorry, fees are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another session. If you can no longer attend, please find someone else to take your place and please email us.
Refund is made if the sailing session is cancelled at a discretion of the Club (ie due to weather). If your session is cancelled, we will refund the fees within 15 working days. You will need to re-book to join another taster session.
Refund is made if the sailing session is cancelled at a discretion of the Club (ie due to weather). If your session is cancelled, we will refund the fees within 15 working days. You will need to re-book to join another taster session.
How do I sign up for a Taster Day?
Please go to the Calendar view and signup via the form for the date you would like to attend, and pay £40 (non-refundable and non-exchangeable fee, then complete the consent form. Each person must register their place.
Is there a limited number of people who can attend Taster Sessions?
Yes, there are only 10 places available to book for non-members.
Is there a waiting list for taster sessions?
No, there is not a waiting list for taster sessions. The spaces are limited and are on a first come first basis.
Can I just show up for a Taster Session?
No, sadly you cannot as we have limited availability
How many times can I attend the taster sessions?
You may only attend a maximum of two taster sessions. After two sessions, you must commit to joining the Club, if you meet the requirements listed in the membership requirements.
MEMBERSHIP
How do I become a member?
You must meet the following criteria to join the Shadwell Sailing Club.
Membership Requirements:
Membership Requirements:
- You must have a RYA Level 2 Dinghy sailing qualification or similar sailing experience in tidal waters.
- If you do not have a RYA Level 2 Dinghy Sailing qualification already, you are willing to complete RYA Level 2 within the calendar year. We run some RYA Level 2 courses in the season, if you have completed RYA Level 2 with an intention to join the club, you will be able to join the Club immediately once you have done the course.
- Members must attend the maintenance weekends between February and March.
- Members must be part of member duty rota: duties include but not limited to helming (and taking non-members on board on taster days), safety boat driver, rib crew, beach master etc.
How much does Membership cost?
Membership costs £170 for 1 year and runs from April to March the following year. £120 Concession membership is available for ages 18-24, 65+, and students with valid NUS card. The cost of membership remains the same whether you join in April or half way through the year. When you have made payment, please email us. Once the payment has been confirmed, the Committee will add you to the Member only communication channels.
I was a member in 2024 and/or before. Do I need to renew my membership?
Yes, membership runs from April to March the following year. Please renew your membership in April 2025 to remain a member.
If you are not able to commit to full membership, there is an affiliate membership (£40 per session). You must be a former member to qualify. The spaces are booked subject to availability. Please contact us how to join a session.
If you are not able to commit to full membership, there is an affiliate membership (£40 per session). You must be a former member to qualify. The spaces are booked subject to availability. Please contact us how to join a session.
I did not join the Club last year, but i completed a RYA course with the Shadwell Sailing Club, can I become a Member?
You must have an appropriate sailing experience in tidal waters and/or a relevant qualification mentioned in the Membership Requirements, i.e RYA Dinghy level 2.
If you are not sure, please join a Taster Session and one of the Senior RYA Dinghy Instructors will be able to determine your level of sailing experience whether you would be able to join as a member immediately.
If you are not sure, please join a Taster Session and one of the Senior RYA Dinghy Instructors will be able to determine your level of sailing experience whether you would be able to join as a member immediately.
Can Under 18 join the Sailing Club?
Unfortunately, the Shadwell Sailing Club is an adult only club. We are not able to accommodate any under 18s.
Are there any discounts for under 25, over 65 or Students?
There are discounts in place for members under 25 years old and over 65 years old, and students with valid NUS card.
Concession membership is priced at £120 per year.
Concession membership is priced at £120 per year.
How do I sign up for sailing sessions as a club member?
Please add your name to the club Google sheet, which will be shared with your “Welcome to Membership” email
Is there a limited number of people who can become a member?
Yes, there can be a maximum of 50 club members. This is to be able to provide a consistent level of service and sail regularly.
I’m a club member and cannot make it to the sailing session anymore. What can I do?
Please take your name off from the Google Sheet and let us know in the Whatsapp Group chat that you are no longer able to make it.
How do I make a payment for membership?
Please pay the membership via BACS Transfer & email [email protected] once you have made a payment.
Payment should be made to:
Shadwell Sailing Club
Sort Code: 208915
Account Number: 93416801
Please put your name in Reference when you make a transfer.
Payment should be made to:
Shadwell Sailing Club
Sort Code: 208915
Account Number: 93416801
Please put your name in Reference when you make a transfer.
do you have a temporary membership?
For those of you who are not sure whether they can commit to a full membership, we have introduced a temporary membership in 2024. To qualify for a temporary membership:
- You have been a member of Shadwell Sailing Club previously
- You need to be competent helms, you have RYA dinghy Level 3 or above.
- You will be added to the new Shadwell Sailing Club Whatsapp and Access to the Sailing Schedule.
- You will only be able to sign up to a session 24 hours before, subject to availability.
- You will need to make a payment of £40 per each session.
RYA COURSES - Over 18s only
Do you run rya cOURSES?
Yes, we run limited number of courses for RYA 2 (open to all), and Powerboat Level 2 (members only) between April and September. Please see the sailing calendar for when the courses are. We do not run any courses during the weekdays, as we are a small club, run entirely by volunteers.
How do i book for courses?
Please go to the Sailing Calendar to see when the courses are taking place. We do not run any courses during the weekdays, as we are a small club, run entirely by volunteers.
how many places are available?
Maximum 6 places per course. Subject to availability. You must pay the fee at the time of registration to secure your place.
How much are the courses?
The courses are £250 for non-members and £195 for members. You must pay at the time of registration to secure your place.
WHAT TIME DOES THE COURSE START?
The courses often take place on a weekend. You will be contacted with arrival time. It usually runs from 09:00 - 16:00
Do you need to be a member of the shadwell sailing club?
No, you do not need to be a member of the Club. However, some courses are for members only.
Is there a waiting list?
No there is not a waiting list for the courses. They are first come first served.
CANCELLATIONS
What happens if there is no wind, or stormy weather?
Where possible, we will let everyone know 24 hours in advance if a session cannot go ahead. Sailing sessions are depending on the weather conditions and the Club may make a last minute decision to cancel the session.
If you are a member, you will be notified via the Whatsapp group. As non-members you will get notified on the email that you signed up with.
Please note that we do not cancel sessions due to rain.
If you are a member, you will be notified via the Whatsapp group. As non-members you will get notified on the email that you signed up with.
Please note that we do not cancel sessions due to rain.
will you give me a refund if sailing session is cancelled?
Yes, but only if it is cancelled at the discretion of the Club. The Taster sessions are non-refundable and non-exchangeable to another session.If your session is cancelled, we will refund the fees within 15 working days. You will need to re-book to join another taster session.
I cannot make it anymore to a taster session, can I transfer to another date?
Unfortunately the taster sessions are non-refundable and non-exchangeable to another session. Please find someone to take your place and let the Club know as soon as possible, ideally 24 hours before the session.
LOGISTICS
How do I get to the Shadwell Sailing Club?
The address of Shadwell Basin Outdoor Activity Centre: 3-4 Shadwell Pierhead, Glamis Rd, London E1W 3TD.
Nearest Overground stations are Shadwell and Wapping, and the nearest DLR station is Shadwell.
There is no car parking available on the grounds of the Club.
You will be able to park your bicycle, please bring your own bike lock.
The Sailing club is not and cannot be responsible for any damage or theft.
Nearest Overground stations are Shadwell and Wapping, and the nearest DLR station is Shadwell.
There is no car parking available on the grounds of the Club.
You will be able to park your bicycle, please bring your own bike lock.
The Sailing club is not and cannot be responsible for any damage or theft.
What do I need to bring/wear?
Please wear clothes and shoes that you are happy to get dirty/wet. You cannot wear open-toed shoes or shoes with no grip.
If you have a pair of dinghy boots, aqua shoes, or similar, you can bring your own.
If you have sailing gloves, please bring them along. The Club is not able to provide sailing gloves.
On sunny and hot days: Do not forget to bring water, sunscreen, hats and sunglasses.The club provides safety jackets for those who don’t have one.
It is mandatory to wear a buoyancy aid (or a life jacket) whilst sailing.
If you have a pair of dinghy boots, aqua shoes, or similar, you can bring your own.
If you have sailing gloves, please bring them along. The Club is not able to provide sailing gloves.
On sunny and hot days: Do not forget to bring water, sunscreen, hats and sunglasses.The club provides safety jackets for those who don’t have one.
It is mandatory to wear a buoyancy aid (or a life jacket) whilst sailing.
Do I need to bring a buoyancy aid or life jacket?
There are buoyancy aids available to borrow, if you have your own you are welcome to bring one.
Is there any storage available?
There are lockers available at the Activity Centre to store your belongings. You will not be able to take luggage onto the boats. Please bring 20p to use the lockers. The lockers are non-refundable. The Sailing Club is not responsible for any damage or theft.
Do I need a wetsuit to sail?
No, you do not need a wetsuit to sail with the Club. If you own one, you are welcome to wear it to a session. Unfortunately the Club does not provide wetsuits but there are some spray tops available to borrow.
GENERAL
How does the club operate?
The Sailing Club is run by volunteers and is not a commercial water sports centre. The Club relies on members to gain relevant qualifications to support the Club and the overall Shadwell Basin Trust.This is reflected in the expectations of our Club members.
dO YOU NEED A rya membership to join the club?
You do not need a membership to RYA to join the club. However, The Shadwell Sailing Club sails on the Tidal Thames busy with other crafts. You will need a RYA dinghy sailing level 2 qualification or similar sailing experience (ideally in tidal water). This to ensure that the Club can operate in a safe environment for members.
WHat kind of boats do you sail on?
We have Hawk, Drascombe, and 5 wayfarers (which of two are centre main). We usually take Hawk, Drascombe, and 3 wayfarers on Tuesday evenings.
Do you allow children?
We are over 18 only club, we are not able to accommodate children and do not run courses for children.