Using Club Boats

Member Guidance for using Club Boats

The club has various dinghies available to members to use and enjoy, free of charge. It is suggested that you talk to the Class Captain for those boats before using first time and contact emails are available under sailingsecretary@tbyc.org . The available dinghies are:

• 12 Optimists       Primarily used as a Cadet Boat
• 6 Laser Picos       Used by Cadets and Adults as a Training Boat
• 2 Lasers              For the more experience sailor  - Booking required
• 1 RS Feva            A more technical Cadet boat (has a Spinnaker)   - Booking required
• 1 Tera                 A more technical Cadet boat   - Booking required

The Following Rules apply when borrowing any of these boats:

• The use of Club boats by Cadets is permitted only in accordance with the TBYC Safeguarding & Parents Charter, available on the Clubs Safeguarding page.
• When borrowing a Club boat, members are responsible for assessing their own needs, skills, and experience. This includes paying close attention to the Sailing Programme, current and forecast weather, tide and sea conditions, and ensuring they wear appropriate clothing and a buoyancy aid at all times.
• All members use Club boats entirely at their own risk. Thorpe Bay Yacht Club accepts no liability for any personal injury or death sustained during, or as a result of, the use of a Club boat.
• Club boats are available on Short Term loan for the benefit of Club members i.e. a few occasions a year.
• There is no charge for a Club boat; however, users are expected to treat it as if it is their own.
• Club boats are normally available on a first come first served basis, in order of priority through booking with a coordinator :

• 1st Training
• 2nd Racing
• 3rd Practising
• 4th Leisure

To book please email a co-ordinator:

cadetrep@tbyc.org  or andras.gal@me.com with the date and boat that you would like to borrow after looking at the booking calendar Available in our 'Whats On Page'

Use during regattas and other events will be assessed on each occasion by the cadet committee. Club boats, in special circumstances may be booked for an event such as Cadet Week or club regatta through an application to the Cadet Rep or Class captain and approval by the Club. This does not apply to general Club Racing.

Members should photograph the sails and foils returned to the cadet container at the end of the session and email the coordinator to confirm this has been done. 

Club boat use:

Sails and foils can be collected from the cadet locker An adult will need to help children access the container. Padlock code is the same as the Front gate.

After every use the  club boat should be returned:

• Washed
• Returned to correct location
• Covered and straps secured
• Sails rolled 
• Sails and foils must be returned to the containers 
• Photograph taken once returned and emailed back to the booking coordinator.

Damage

Any damage or breakage caused to a Club boat should be reported to a Club Officer ASAP after it has occurred. Club phone 01702 587563 email secretary@tbyc.org and coordinator.

Any damage or breakage observed to a Club boats should be reported to a Club Officer before it is taken out and an assessment should be made on its seaworthiness.

Any wear and tear that is noticed during or before use should be reported to a Club Officer and an assessment should be made on its seaworthiness.

Under normal use the repair to damage, breakage or wear and tear will be at the Clubs expense.

Last updated 9:30am on 16 December 2025