Sussex Police Dinghy Sailing Club

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I find Bexhill Sailing Club?
2. Who do I contact to talk about sailing at Bexhill?
3. Is sailing safe?
4. What do I wear ?
5. Do I need to be able to swim?
6. Can I use one of the Police Boats?
7. Are the Police Boats insured?
8. Where can I get more information about sailing?

How do I find Bexhill Sailing Club?

Directions are available on the Club Website at www.bexhillsc.freeserve.co.uk

Back to Top

Who do I contact to talk about sailing at Bexhill?

The Fleet Captain is Phil Mears who is based at Hastings Police Station Tele 0845-607099

Back to Top

Is sailing safe?

Every sport have an element of risk and sailing is no exception. In general sailing is a very safe sport. You are more likely to suffer from sun burn than anything else. 
Use your common sense. 

Some useful tips

• Life-jackets or Buoyancy Aids must always be worn
• If sailing alone always tell someone when and where you will return
• Always check local weather forecasts remembering conditions at sea can change quickly
• Always wear enough clothes - it is always colder at sea than on land
• Ensure your crew/helm is adequately clothed and is warm
• If sunny put on sun cream/screen
• Sail only in conditions that are within your own sailing capabilities
• If unsure do not sail

Back to Top

What do I wear?

You are going to get wet. 

There is no need to go out and buy expensive sailing equipment. Once you have been sailing a few times and seen what others are wearing you will get a good idea of what to get.

Some useful tips for what to wear when first going sailing

• Do not wear good clothes - sea water ruins clothes
• Wear a very old pair of trainers 
• Wear an old pair of socks
• Do not wear jeans - they get wet very quickly - do not dry out and chaff the skin
• Wear an old swimming costume
• Wear light trousers or track suit style trousers
• Do not wear woollen clothing - it acts like a sponge 
• Wear many layers of thin clothing - a couple or more T shirts
• Wear an outer garment that is wind-proof

Back to Top

Do I need to be able to swim?

The simple answer is No. Many sailors cannot swim.

Clearly to be able to swim is an advantage but certainly not essential.

AT ALL TIMES WHEN SAILING YOU MUST WEAR A BUOYANCY AID
these are available at each of the Sailing Clubs and 
the Fleet Captains can provide you with one

As time progresses you will become more water confident. Often non swimmers as time progresses find that they are able to swim.

Modern Dinghy boats do not sink and are designed to stay afloat even upside down. So when it all goes wrong you can hang onto the boat.

Ensure that your crew or helm are aware before you go afloat that you cannot swim or are nervous of the water

The safety advice is what ever happens stay with the boat - it is easier to see than a swimmer.

Back to Top

Can I use the Police Boats?

If you are an acknowledged competent sailor there is no problem in using any of the Police boats

Make contact with the  Fleet Captain to ensure that the boat is available at the time that you want to sail.

Check the boat out thoroughly before you set sail. Buoyancy Aids are available if you do not have your own. DO NOT SAIL WITHOUT A  BUOYANCY AID.

DO NOT SAIL IN CONDITIONS BEYOND YOUR CAPABILITY

At the conclusion of the sail please ensure the boat is packed away.

If there is a fault or breakage please repair or replace it. 

Make sure that the Fleet Captain is aware ASAP of any faults, damage or breakages you cannot repair.

Back to Top

Are the Police Boats Insured?

Yes they are.

However we have already made extensive claims on our insurance over the last few years and we are subject of an excess for any damage.

Report any damage ASAP. An Insurance claim can be dealt with quickly if the Fleet Captain is updated with full details to complete the Insurance claim form

Back to Top

Where can I get more information about sailing

There is comprehensive information on the website of the Royal Yachting Association

Back to Top

If you have any other questions please e-mail any of the Committee

Dusty@miller254.freeserve.co.uk
Copyright © 1999  [Sussex Police Dinghy Sailing Club]. All rights reserved.
Revised: March 23, 2008 .