Shropshire Sailing Club at Whitemere
The Shropshire Sailing Club is a friendly club that aims to provide affordable access to the sport for beginners, keen racers and those who just enjoy “messing about in boats”. Whitemere offers novices safe sailing in attractive surroundings, while the surrounding trees and small hills can give rise to fluky winds which can test the skills and patience of the most experienced sailor.
It’s a delightful place to spend a sunny summer day even if you don’t manage to get into a boat. And if you don’t have a boat don’t worry – we have 20 that you can hire for an afternoon with prices ranging from as little as £5 to £17, we’ll even provide the buoyancy aid. New members are always welcome.
Founded in 1950, the Club has sailed at Whitemere since the first season in 1951. The mere covers 65 acres and, together with two adjacent woodlands it has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is part of the Cheshire and Shropshire Meres Ramsar Wetland. The club site is leased from the Grosvenor Estate. The club is a company limited by guarantee and is also a registered charity.
Club Facilities
In the main clubhouse there is a large social area, a galley and the ladies changing room and showers. Other buildings house the gents changing room and showers, the toilets and club equipment.
There is on-shore berthing for over 100 members’ boats within a short walk of a launching point. There are two large jetties for the use of dinghy sailors, one of which can also be used by keel boats. Members have access to the club at any time but may only sail if there is a safety boat on the water. Visitors can be signed in but there are limits to the number of visitors at any one time and to the number of times any one person may visit in a year.
Club Boats
If you don’t have your own boat the club has three (Laser) 2000s, six Toppers, three Laser Picos, three RS Teras, a Laser, a RS Feva, a Solo and a GP14 for members to hire for a modest charge.
Safety Boats
The club has four safety boats that members can use after successfully completing a training course. Two are kept on the water in the boathouse, whilst the other two boats are stored in the Nissen Hut, launched from road trailers and are used on busy days, for training courses and open meetings. Races are run from “Charity II” the club’s committee boat.
When We Sail
Members can sail at any time providing a Safety Boat is on the water and crewed; we try to ensure we have someone on duty on the following days:
| Day | Time | Months |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday* | 17:00 to 20:00 | April to September |
| Saturday | 13:00 to 17:00 | April to October |
| Sunday** | 10:30 to 15:00 | March to December |
* Subject to availability of Safety Boat Officer
** Members are very welcome to cruise on a Sunday but are asked to keep clear of boats taking part in Sunday Racing.
On Sundays safety cover is provided from 10:30 until the racing finishes or 15:00hrs (whichever is later).
Learn to Sail
As an RYA Training Centre the club offers a full range of RYA approved dinghy sailing and power boating courses to both members and non-members. Members receive a substantial discount on course fees.
Contact us
Web site ……… www.shropshiresailingclub.co.uk
The Commodore…….. commodore@shropshiresailingclub.co.uk (mobile 07885188224)
Twitter…… @sailshropshire
Facebook….. Shropshire Sailing Club