Sailing Advice

Learn the conditions you are competent with, make the experience enjoyable. During organised club events pay attention to the ‘Traffic Light System’.

Always tell someone ashore when, where and how long you intend to sail, and tell them when you return.
Wearing adequate personal buoyancy at all times while afloat is strongly recommended for adults and is mandatory when racing or taking part in club activities when on the water.
Youth Members must wear adequate personal buoyancy at all times while afloat or on the slipway.
Know the local weather (wind) forecast – Current weather forecast from Windy.com is shown on our weather page. Other good sources of weather forecast include XCWeather and Wind Guru.
Check the tides – Know what time High/Low Water is, the tidal flow changes direction approximately 60 minutes before H.W. and L.W. Conditions can then change dramatically if the wind is against the tide. Tide times for PDSC are shown on our weather page.
Always consider the weather, sea conditions, your boat, equipment, clothing, hat, and shoes are suitable for conditions you may encounter and your own experience and competence, before going afloat.
Remember safety boat cover is only provided for club activities, you go afloat at other times completely at your own risk. On racing days it’s worth letting the Race Officer know you’re going out, you might get good sailing advice.

Take care, the slipway can be very slippery, and the water becomes suddenly very deep off the edges and the bottom end. When going down the slipway let the boat go first (get help if necessary). If you slip the boat won’t run over you.
Always rig your boat head to wind, don’t let inexperienced people stand near the boom (they often have the urge to grab hold with disastrous consequences).
Never leave your boat unattended with the sails up.
Please show consideration to, and keep clear of, other boats, both while afloat and when you launch and recover. The tidal flow is deceptively strong, always pass down-tide of moored boats and other obstructions.

It’s safer when going off to go up tide as sometimes the wind drops – particularly in the evening. If you capsize or have a problem that way you will drift towards the club (not away).
Remember your duty to help any vessel or person in distress, when you are in a safe position to do so.
Boats kept at, or sailed from, the club must be insured against third party risks for a minimum of £5,000,000. You may be asked to provide evidence of this by the management committee.
Don’t be shy, try joining in with a race.

If in doubt or uncertain about anything ask someone. They will be pleased to pass on their knowledge to you.