FAQ’s
How do I join Downs SC?
Before
you get involved with form filling, come down to the Club on one of its
race nights or weekends, and meet some of the members..
Then
complete the application form, have the sponsors and sign it, and send
it to the Membership Secretary. Your application will be displayed
before being submitted to the Exec Committee for approval.
Is there a waiting list and if so what is the waiting time?
New members are always welcome; we do not have a waiting list
Do I need to own my own dinghy before I can join the club?
Downs SC encourages all members to own their own dinghy, or crew for
members who do, but the club does have some boats available for members.
It is possibly more important to establish the type of sailing one wants
to undertake before purchasing your dinghy.
What is the
minimum/maximum age for a junior seeking membership of the club?
Young sailors are most welcome and the Club encourages
their participation in sailing and social events. Cadet membership is
available to those 18 years or under. Any one wishing to join under the
age of 16 must however also have a responsible adult in the family as a
member although they can be a social member.
Do I need to
know how to sail before I can make application to join Downs SC?
The simple answer is no.
Are the club facilities and
sailing available to the general public?
We are a
member’s only club, however members are allowed to bring sailing and
non-sailing guests to the club. (The club rules cover the frequency of
this)
Am I expected to undertake any duties at the club?
Downs SC does not employ staff and is run by volunteers. Members are
expected to contribute and will normally take on a maximum of 6 evening
or morning duties over the whole sailing season, such as
Rescue Boat Helm/Crew Race Officer/Assistant.
The duty will depend upon the individual’s skills before being called to
undertake Rescue Boat or Race Officer Duties. Appropriate Training is
provided where necessary.
What facilities are there in
the clubhouse?
The Clubhouse is purpose built with
galley, bar, male and female changing rooms complete with hot showers.
Plus changing, toilet and shower facilities for disabled. The seating
area has views over the sea.
What catering facilities are
available?
The club runs it’s own galley on sailing days
and likewise runs its own bar with beer etc sold at very competitive
prices. Galley and Bar duties are on a voluntary basis and members
participate on a club rota.
Are there any restrictions on
the type of dinghy I can sail at Downs SC?
All classes
of dinghies and catamarans are normally accepted providing they can be
moved by our club winches. (Lighter boats are much easier to launch from
our beach) Popular classes include Buzz, Laser, Laser 2000. RS200, RS400
and Topper.
Does any safety cover have to be in place
before any sailing can commence?
Whether to go afloat is
the responsibility of the individual. Safety cover is available during
club organised, events only although this does not prevent members going
afloat at other times.
When does the club hold races?
Racing is held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and on Sunday
mornings. Informal sailing takes place on a Friday evening during the summer.
Where could I store a boat?
The boat park has plenty of room for new members’ boats.
Launching is from the beach. Most boats are kept on sledges that act as
launching trolleys and are pulled back up the beach by electric winch.
Does the club own its own training dinghies?
Club owned boats include topper, laser, laser200 and Dart16, which
are available for hire by competent club members as well as available
for training.
Do you run sailing courses for beginners?
We are a registered, RYA training centre but are not a commercial
training centre. However we do run courses for beginners. We run a
series of children’s and adult sailing days during the summer to
introduce people to sailing, enabling them to have fun afloat and will
work with them towards the RYA Start Sailing Level 1 & 2 Award. This
is open to adult members and child members who should be at least 7 years old.