1. Superb location – It is not by chance that Whitstable was one of the earliest places where sailing developed as a sport, nor that it has bred a number of Olympic competitors. Situated at the mouth of the Swale estuary, the sailing waters are only directly exposed to severe winds from the North East. Shallow sandy flats for miles all round and the Street (a one mile long bar stretching out to sea on the East) keep the waves down and reduces tidal flow across the bay.
2. Great sailing at every level – With over 500 members, we try to organise something for every sailor. There is an active cadet section that sails Picos and Toppers. Laser/ILCA dinghies offer keen competition and large turnouts for single-handers. There is a range of dinghies racing on handicap – the Tasar is our dominant two person dinghy with the largest fleet in the country. Our main development class is the Merlin Rocket. Cat lovers will meet a competitive fleet of Dart 18s and big cat fans with the biggest fleet of Tornados in the country. If the wind is too strong for racing, then out come the boards for a blast across the waves. For yachts, there are moorings up the Swale estuary and Wanderers are the most popular dinghies for cruising with organised cruises throughout the season. And its not all sailing – we have a keen group of kayak and SUP fans who run organise paddling in company.
3. Training school – WYC is a rarity – it is a club with its own integrated RYA Recognised Training Centre. The centre caters for all levels from beginners to race training for both youngsters and adults. You will be surprised how quickly you can feel at home here with the right direction.
4. Easily accessible – WYC is easily accessible for those living throughout London and the South-East. Whitstable is just 60 minutes drive from the fringes of London and only 45 minutes from the M25 and Dartford Tunnel. Trains from Victoria or St Pancras stations take less than 90 minutes and the club is a 10 minute walk from Whitstable station.
5. Great social scene – There is something on every day with a morning coffee club and a bar that’s open every day. There’s an art club, games club, book club and music group that entertains members regularly. There are also two pool teams who compete in the local pub league.
We also like to party! Events are often linked to the regatta’s we host with something on every month ending with an annual Black Tie supper and of course a New Year’s eve bash!
6. Somewhere to escape – You can use the club as your base if you simply want to get away from it all. Our deck has one of the best views in Whitstable with a sunset that Turner made famous – a great place to have a drink and watch the world go by! There is of course the beach, much enjoyed by younger members with a promenade in either direction should you wish to stretch your legs.
7. Whitstable town – The town is right outside the front door of the club. Famous for its oyster fishing history the streets are lined with boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants, clothes and gift shops – and of course the odd pub or ten! We’re also next to the famous harbour with its RNLI station, the South Quay Shed and lots of retail huts offering an eclectic range of gifts and food.
From a sailing point of view there’s the Dinghy Store next door with a huge range of clothing and hardware on offer.
