Ardleigh Sailing Club

Inland dinghy sailing club, based in Ardleigh, a couple of miles to the north of Colchester, Essex. Year-round sailing and racing on a reservoir.

Ardleigh Sailing Club is a thriving and friendly club situated just outside Colchester, Essex and close to the Suffolk border. The 136 acres of peaceful and secluded water provide an excellent resource for racing, training or, most importantly, just pottering about.

There are many facilities for family sailors, racers as well as those who just like to relax and socialise. An abundance of wild life is attracted to the water due its protected location.

The clubhouse includes wet and dry lounges, a galley where we can prepare simple meals, and recently refurbished changing rooms. The clubhouse and boat berths are conveniently close to the water and there are two concrete slipways for easy launching.

Racing - competitive racing occurs all year round amongst the many different types of dinghies sailed at the club. Sunday morning and Wednesday evening series are our main events during the Sailing season. In the winter months, the 'Winter' and 'Frostbite' series see a large influx of visiting boats to take advantage of excellent and closely contended racing.

During the season a number of Open meetings are held for various classes, drawing in competitors from all over the country. The OK, Solo and Optimist opens are particularly popular.

Sailing - there is usually plenty of opportunity on the warmer afternoons for those only wishing to cruise around and hone their skills. Safety boats are usually on the water after lunch on days with pre-arranged events. Access to the water for members is provided at all times of the week. Members are responsible for their own safety arrangements.

Training - is given a high priority at Ardleigh. The water is perfectly suited for beginners and improvers, with its easy launching facilities and challenging winds. With an emphasis on safety, the club has three support boats and a number of trained instructors amongst the committee. Courses are run throughout the summer for members only.

Ardleigh is affiliated to the RYA and liaises closely on all aspects of sailing. Why not become an Ardleigh member and benefit from many sail training opportunities?