Bembridge Sailing Club

About

Bembridge Sailing Club was founded in 1886, initially as the Isle of Wight Corinthian Sailing Club. The club was established to promote amateur seamanship and racing, with early founders including Colonel Macdonald Moreton and Captain Ernest Du Boulay. The club has a long tradition of hosting one-design classes developed for Bembridge.

Sailing Programme

The club offers a year-round programme of dinghy and keelboat racing, regattas, and cruises. Summer racing includes Bembridge Redwings and Bembridge One Designs on weekends from Easter to the end of September, with daily races in August. Additional activities include Bembridge Scow racing in July and August, an Illusion winter fleet from October to April, cadet sailing weeks, and various cruising rallies and East Wight Combined Clubs events. More details can be found on the club's sailing programme page.

Training Opportunities

Bembridge Sailing Club is an RYA Recognised/Approved Training Centre and RYA Champion Club, providing structured courses and coaching. This includes cadet weeks with RYA-accredited qualifications, a Shrimps club for very young children, youth Cadet and Oppy weeks, and RYA powerboat courses. The club publishes an annual Training Booklet and handles enquiries and bookings via email. For more information, visit the training opportunities page.

Facilities

The clubhouse is located on the Embankment at Bembridge Harbour and features a balcony with harbour views, two function rooms (Library and Dining Room), an all-year bar, a training/conference room, changing rooms, and a dinghy park with pontoons. There is also a fuel quay and an adjacent car park for members and guests. Additional details can be found on the facilities page.

Dining Options

The club provides on-site catering with a dining room and a resident chef. Regular Friday Supper evenings and Sunday lunch services are offered seasonally. More information about dining options can be found on the visitors page.

Membership Information

Membership categories include Provisional membership for one year, Full membership (which requires a proposal from existing members), Temporary membership for short-term participation, and Overseas membership arrangements. Applications for Full and Provisional membership are presented at monthly Management Meetings. Detailed subscription documents are available in the member area. For more information, please visit the membership information page.

Reciprocal Club Network

The club has reciprocal arrangements with several Isle of Wight and Solent clubs. Members may request letters of introduction from the Club Secretary for reciprocal visits. More details are available on the reciprocal clubs page.

Seasonal Operations

Sailing activities are seasonal, with Redwings and One-Designs racing from Easter to the end of September and daily in August. Scows race during July and August, while Illusion racing runs from October to April. The club publishes an annual training booklet and an events calendar that outlines the seasonal programmes. For more information, visit the seasonal operations page.

Club Events

The club hosts an active onshore social calendar that includes formal and informal dinners, talks, parties, dances, film nights, and coffee mornings. Special events such as the Reeling Dinner and summer balls are also organized. More information can be found on the club events page.

Social Activities

Bembridge Sailing Club offers a lively year-round social programme, including themed nights, speaker evenings, charity events, and seasonal balls and parties that coincide with regattas and the sailing calendar. For more details, visit the social activities page.

Crew Matching Services

While there is no formal commercial crew-matching service, the club actively supports informal crewing opportunities. Fleet captains encourage new crew, and WhatsApp groups are used to organize crewing. Guidance on crewing is available in the FAQs section. More information can be found on the crew matching services page.

Access Policy

Visitors and visiting yachtsmen are welcome at the club. Seasonal opening hours for the office, kitchen, and bar are published on the visitors page. Guests should sign into the Visitors' Book and adhere to the dress code and club rules. More details are available on the access policy page.

Trophies and Awards

The club hosts numerous class trophies and regatta awards, including the Prince Philip Memorial Trophy, Gunston & Lowry-Corry Trophies, and various class-specific cups awarded at regattas and week-long events. More information can be found on the trophies and awards page.

Venue Hire

The clubhouse and function rooms are available for outside bookings and private events, such as weddings and business conferences. Inquiries and bookings are handled through the club office. More details can be found on the venue hire page.