Discover Sailing 2024 at Gravesend Sailing Club

From 01 May venues across our region are offering ‘have a go’ taster sessions for all as part of the RYA Discover Sailing programme. No previous experience is necessary so you and your family can get involved with sailing, windsurfing and watersports locally. Here Gravesend Sailing Club’s commodore Sean Coomber tells us about one of their sessions:

16 May 24

Gravesend SC Discover Sailing 2024 739x432

We had perfect conditions for our second Discover Sailing session of the season on 12 May. With a team of eight volunteers we launched three of the club's dinghies in anticipation of a great afternoon sailing.

Eleven guests arrived keen to be taken out on the Thames. Some had returned after visiting a couple of weeks earlier while for others it was their first time on the water. Some couldn't wait to get out on the boats while others needed some gentle reassurance as the process of putting on buoyancy aids made them wonder what they had let themselves in for.

On the water, our instructors shared their knowledge and experience and ensured that anyone willing had the opportunity to take over the helm. All of the guests returned to the shore with smiles on their faces and a new experience to talk about but for some it was apparent they would be back for more.

After two Discover Sailing sessions we have already recruited five new members with two more planning to sign up on their next visit.

With our guests departed and our boats tidied away, the members celebrated with a few drinks in the clubhouse with the satisfaction of having introduced our guests to the sport we all love.

What if I missed the event?

If you missed the event, are in the Gravesend area, and would like to try or return to sailing all is not lost; the club has more Discover Sailing days throughout summer.

What if I live elsewhere?

If you're not in Gravesend you can find a sailing and windsurfing venue near you to get on the water for little or no cost this summer. Don't worry if you've not been sailing before, you'll be taken out on the water with a qualified instructor or an experienced sailor.

And if I'm disabled?

Disabled sailors look out for Sailability 'Discover Sailing' venues or get directly in touch with a club or centre to ask accessibility. Visit RYA Sailability for more information.

I've been sailing and want to do more!

After a Discover Sailing session don't be afraid to get back in touch with the venue and ask them about how to progress. Alternatively find out what's next