Frequently Asked Questions
Who do I contact to talk about sailing?
Telephone or e-mail anyone on the Sailing Committee, or e-mail from the Membership page
How do I find Bexhill Sailing Club?
Directions are available on the Club Website at http://www.bexhillsc.com/
Who do I contact to talk about sailing at Bexhill?
The Fleet Captain is Phil Mears who is based at Hastings Police Station Tele 0845-607099
How do I find Pevensey Sailing Club?
Directions are available on the Club Website at http://www.pbsc.org.uk/
Who do I contact to talk about sailing at Pevensey?
The Fleet Captain is Owen Poplett who is based at Eastbourne Police Station Tele 0845-607099
Is sailing safe?
Every sport have an element of risk and sailing is no exception. In general sailing is a very safe sport. You are more likely to suffer from sun burn than anything else. Use your common sense.
Life-jackets or Buoyancy Aids must always be worn. If sailing alone always tell someone when and where you will return Always check local weather forecasts remembering conditions at sea can change quickly. Always wear enough clothes - it is always colder at sea than on land Ensure your crew/helm is adequately clothed and is warm If sunny put on sun cream/screen. Sail only in conditions that are within your own sailing capabilities. If unsure do not sail
What do I wear?
You are going to get wet.
There is no need to go out and buy expensive sailing equipment. Once you have been sailing a few times and seen what others are wearing you will get a good idea of what to get.
Some useful tips for what to wear when first going sailing
Do not wear good clothes - sea water ruins clothes Wear a very old pair of trainers Wear an old pair of socks Do not wear jeans - they get wet very quickly - do not dry out and chaff the skin Wear an old swimming costume Wear light trousers or track suit style trousers Do not wear woollen clothing - it acts like a sponge Wear many layers of thin clothing - a couple or more T shirts. Wear an outer garment that is wind-proof
Do I need to be able to swim?
The simple answer is No. Many sailors cannot swim.
Clearly to be able to swim is an advantage but certainly not essential.
AT ALL TIMES WHEN SAILING YOU MUST WEAR A BUOYANCY AID
these are available at each of the Sailing Clubs and the Fleet Captains can provide you with one
As time progresses you will become more water confident. Often non swimmers as time progresses find that they are able to swim.
Modern Dinghy boats do not sink and are designed to stay afloat even upside down. So when it all goes wrong you can hang onto the boat.
Ensure that your crew or helm are aware before you go afloat that you cannot swim or are nervous of the water
The safety advice is what ever happens stay with the boat - it is easier to see than a swimmer.
Can I use the Police Boats?
If you are an acknowledged competent sailor there is no problem in using any of the Police boats
Make contact with the Fleet Captain to ensure that the boat is available at the time that you want to sail.
Check the boat out thoroughly before you set sail. Buoyancy Aids are available if you do not have your own.
DO NOT SAIL WITHOUT A BUOYANCY AID.
DO NOT SAIL IN CONDITIONS BEYOND YOUR CAPABILITY
At the conclusion of the sail please ensure the boat is packed away.
If there is a fault or breakage please repair or replace it.
Make sure that the Fleet Captain is aware ASAP of any faults, damage or breakages you cannot repair.
Are the Police Boats Insured?
Yes they are.
However we have already made extensive claims on our insurance over the last few years and we are subject of an excess for any damage.
Report any damage ASAP. An Insurance claim can be dealt with quickly if the Fleet Captain is updated with full details to complete the Insurance claim form
Where can I get more information about sailing ?
There is comprehensive information on the website of the Royal Yachting Association