New Members Guide
WELCOME TO SYC
Salcombe Yacht Club welcomes members, their guests and visiting yachtsmen to the first-class sailing, excellent facilities and picturesque scenery of Salcombe Harbour.
SYC is a special Club with a remarkable history dating back over 125 years. The Club is housed in part of Cliff House, an historic building enjoying one of the most splendid views in Salcombe. Conveniently positioned high above the estuary, the Club provides the perfect viewpoint to watch the Club racing above the start and finish line.
With 900 members SYC is one of the most active Sailing Clubs in the South West. We race for 10 months of the year starting with a Commissioning Race held at the beginning of March through to New Year's Day, marking the end of the Festive Series. The Cruising section organises well attended rallies to ports along the south west coast throughout the summer. We have three major Race Weeks, a Cadet Week in May, six regular Club Series throughout the year, nine Open Meetings, the Salcombe Gin SYC Regatta and the Salcombe Town Regatta. It is said that Merlin Rocket Week is the jewel in the Yacht Club's crown, attracting 120 crews from across the country and placing the town at the centre of the dinghy sailing world's attention for one week in July.
Details of membership rates and how to join can be found here. There are discounted membership rates available for juniors, seniors and for families.
Sailing in Salcombe
Salcombe is a beautiful sailing area with dramatic cliffs, golden beaches and unspoilt creeks. Families and friends can enjoy a great spectator sport either from the splendid vantage point of the Yacht Club terrace with a commanding view of the start and finish line or the beautiful golden sandy beaches of the East Portlemouth shore. Visiting yachts get a warm welcome from the Salcombe Harbour Authority. Visiting yachtsmen are welcome to use the facilities at Salcombe Yacht Club such as the showers, the bar and the galley.
Club Structure
The Club is run by a combination of volunteer Flag Officers and professional staff. The Flag Officers report to the General and Sailing Committees.
There is a Club Manager, a Finance & Membership Secretary, a Sailing Co-Ordinator, a Social Media & Marketing Manager and a Bar Manager.
Photos and further information can be found here
Other than dinghy racing and cruiser rallies, is there any other sailing at SYC?
Salcombe Yacht Club runs a variety of programmes that introduce people to the sport of sailing from dedicated sailing sessions for Cadets to sailing sessions for Sea Scouts and local schools. 'Family Fun Friday' is run every a Friday evening in June, July and August and is aimed at introducing people to sailing in a family friendly format using the fleet of Club boats conveniently stored on Smalls Beach directly opposite the Club.
'Ladies who Launch' (to which men are welcome too!) is a very popular Thursday event that enables adult ladies to use the fleet of Club boats under friendly supervision and instruction. For more information click here
SYC is a Recognised Training Centre of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and is able to run a wide range of courses covering dinghy sailing, power-boating, navigation and cruising. For more details click here
The Club is very grateful to the owners of Smalls Beach for allowing us to keep our Club boats there. Many of these outreach and training programmes would simply not be feasible without such easy access to the water from the beach.
Club Racing
Salcombe Yacht Club provides top quality racing as well as active encouragement of younger members with cadet race training. The Solo, Merlin Rocket, Laser, Salcombe Yawl and Cruiser fleets form the backbone of Club racing. The Solos and Yawls have their own Class starts whilst all other boats compete in one of the Handicap fleets.
New competitors confirm that they are given lots of support and encouragement and the best advice that they are given is that at Salcombe the race is never over until you hear your Watch House finishing bell - that's because our unique race course gives everyone plenty of opportunities to gain or loose places. 'The Bag' (see course map), in particular, is a location that tests the patience and skill of even the most experienced local!
Berthing for sailing dinghies and tenders is possible at Batson and the Watch House but space is limited so please enquire at the office to see what is available.
Cruisers
The SYC Cruisers have a Race Series in the Range, Rallies far and wide and an annual Regatta. They are an enthusiastic and sociable bunch, frequently getting together in the Club throughout the year, starting the season with a Commissioning Supper and finishing off with a Laying Up Supper and prize giving. Keep an eye on the SYC website social calendar for all cruiser events as well as talks from invited speakers on a host of topics.
Membership Benefits
As well as being able to participate in all our sailing and cruising events, members have access to the Club facilities (bar, terrace, dining room, showers and changing rooms). Our Clubhouse Bar serves some fine ales, lagers and a fabulous wine list. A delicious menu is freshly made by our franchise Chef and meals can be enjoyed alongside the best views from our terrace, Clubhouse or from the first floor Chart Room & Balcony.
Members receive 10% discount on all SYC food, beverages and social events as well as on SYC regalia.
Members also receive a 10% discount from many retailers throughout Salcombe including Musto, Henri Lloyd, Crew (20%), Salcombe Gin (to name just a few!) - Full list of Members Discounts
Other benefits include:
- The ability to book Club facilities for private functions including weddings and birthday parties
- The opportunity to use one of our Club sailing dinghies (booking is required)
- Discounts on RYA courses
