Accessibility
We are disability-friendly with wheelchair ramps, lifts, golf buggies and a changing suite specifically designed for people with disabilities.
To get people into boats from wheelchairs we have hoists designed specifically for the purpose.
We even have a bean bag or two to allow folks to sit in some of the larger boats where they would be unable to sit in a conventional seat.
First Visit
Please do contact us before coming to RS as that way we can ensure that we can best cater for your specific needs!
Please click on the button to see more details of what you can expect to do and see on your First Visit to Rutland Sailability.
Thursday Sailing
Thursday sailing is predominantly allocated to adult sailing. Members will start to arrive at 09:00 to rig and launch boats for the start of sailing at 10:00. At our Reception we have a big board with a grid showing the boats and times that sailing slots are available. The team at Reception will help you out in booking a slot in a boat appropriate to your skills and experience. Members who are qualified may sail solo while instructors (to progress through the RYA Training Syllabus) and 'qualified sailing buddies' are available as required.
Youth Sailability Saturday
Youth Sailability takes place every Saturday morning from April to October. Sailability is available to all children aged 7 - 18 with a registered disability.
We sail a variety of boats, large and small, some specially adapted to meet the needs of our sailors, whatever their disability, be it physical or due to neurodiversity.
Initially our youngsters are introduced to sailing in the more stable boats which enables them to gain their initial confidence on the water. Over time as confidence and skills develop they will be introduced to different boats and may progress to dinghies.
Some youngsters like the freedom and tranquility that sailing provides away from the demands of modern life, others aspire to learn to sail independently and progress to advanced sailing skills such as racing.
Our training program is approved by the RYA and runs in parallel to the RYA youth training scheme.
We endeavour, as far as possible, to meet the needs of each individual young sailor.
If you would like to know more then please use the Contact Us button (above) to contact our Membership Secretary.
Fleet Captains
Each Fleet Captain is responsible for the care and maintenance of the fleet of boats in their charge, but more particularly they are a good point of contact to help you get to sail the boats of your choice!
Listed below are the names of the Fleet Captains and Deputies responsible for each of our fleets.
- Hansa 2.3 & 303
Fleet Captain: Ian Holdup
Deputy: Robert Clements
- Liberty:
Fleet Captain: Ian Powell
- Challenger:
Fleet Captain: Richard Abels
- Venture:
Fleet Captain: Simon Faire
Deputy: Andrew St John
- Hawk 20:
Fleet Captain: Kim Smith
- Longboat:
Fleet Captain: Andrew Bloomer
Deputy: Robert Goodwin
- SKUD 18:
Fleet Captain: Evan Williams
Training - RYA
Assistant Instructors Course: circling around the instructors rib
Training for adults and youths
Rutland Sailability is an RYA Affiliated Club. Training is lead by our Chief Instructor (CI) and follows the structures laid down in the RYA National Sailing Scheme This scheme can take a student from a complete novice through to an accomplished and capable sailor. The CI is assisted in providing this training by a number of RS members who are also RYA qualified instructors.
Training - In-House
As well as the RYA sailing courses, RS also run a number of 'in-house' training courses for all members to assist in the smooth and safe running of RS. These courses include: Hoist Training, Disability Awareness, Safer People Handling, Buggy and Tractor Driving. Details of these courses and other information on training, rigging guides, policy and operating procedures are all available in the RS Document Library (Members Only). Members who do not currently have access to the Library should use the Contact Us button to obtain access details.
Racing
To support the practical skills of our racing sailors we arrange theory sessions on tactics, rules and boat tuning. Our sailors have also taken part in international events in many parts of the world including France, Japan and Holland.
Racing is conducted in a very friendly and relaxed manner with all members encouraged to participate. One of the best ways to improve your own sailing skills is to compete with others, watch what the race leaders do and then copy and learn! We have, among our members, class and club racing coaches. We normally offer racing on Thursday afternoons, which includes on the water coaching.
For the more experienced, Rutland Sailing Club welcomes our members to participate in Thursday evening racing, April to September and on Sundays throughout the year. Our members have been Rutland Sailing Club Dinghy Champions many times.
Additionally, members who reach the standard for competitive racing regularly sail outside these periods. These keen racing members often sail throughout the year taking part in events, at their own expense, throughout the UK and some even travel overseas.
Weather at Rutland Water
Obviously, all of our sailing is dependent on the weather, particularly the wind. Too much wind (e.g. above 15-20 kts) and for safety reasons we will limit or cancel sailing entirely. Not enough wind (e.g. less than 3kts) we may also cancel sailing.
There are some excellent on-line facilities that provide forecasts of weather and winds in our area:
Windy: Windy: Empingham Reservoir weather forecast
XC Weather: Forecast for Edith Weston | XCWeather
Current wind at the Tower in Rutland Water: https://weatherfile.com/kiosk/index-pi-rutland.php