Frequently Asked Questions
How to join?
It's simple to join. Just go to the Membership page & then follow the link to Apply for Membership. If you have questions or difficulties with the form then our membership secretary can be contacted directly on membership@otley-sailingclub.co.uk
How do members access the club?
Otley Sailing Club is open all year round, and full members receive a gate key giving them 24 hour / 7 day access to the site whenever you want to get on the water.
Can I sail on my own?
Yes, but we very strongly recommend you only go afloat with another person on site. The club is remote so if you get into trouble there is a good chance that no one will see you - so it is wise not to go afloat alone.
Do I need my own boat?
Most of our members sail their own boats — you'll find a broad mix on the water including Toppers, Lasers, Solos, Picos, Topaz, Hartley 12s, and much more.
Can I hire a boat?
We do maintain a club hire fleet available to members who are competent to sail independently: Topper, Pico, Laser, Hartley 12, plus a couple of sit-on-top kayaks and a SUP. Hire is available on a daily basis. More details here.
Can I borrow a buoyancy aid & wetsuit?
Buoyancy aids are compulsory on and around the water. They are only available to borrow during organised club events such as training courses. So you'll need to have your own. Wetsuits are not available.
Can I do a sailing course?
We are an RYA Training Centre with a team of enthusiastic, dedicated instructors. Training courses covering the RYA syllabus run throughout the year and are open to members at all levels. Upcoming courses are listed on the webiste & can be booked online. Our Training Officer can be contacted directly on training@otley-sailingclub.co.uk
When does sailing happen ?
You are welcome to sail any time (including during club organised events) in your own boat or in a club hire boat. We have some scheduled sessions in the claendar:
Saturday mornings — a mix of social sailing, coaching, and self-organised groups, with a safety boat on the water most weeks
Wednesday evenings & Sunday afternoons — racing, typically with 4–10 boats on the water
Thursday evenings — junior coaching
Can I volunteer for Sailability sessions?
On Tuesday and Thursday daytimes we run a Sailability programme for local special needs schools. It's a fantastic initiative and we're always looking for more volunteers — if you'd like to get involved, please do get in touch. Martyn is your contact for all things related to our Sailability programme. He can be reached directly on sailfree@otley-sailingclub.co.uk
Can I swim at the lake?
No, we do not permit individuals swimnming at the club. However..... Leeds Bradford Triathlon Club run open water swim sessions on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings. These sessions are independent of the sailing club — please contact them directly for details. Swimming at other times is not permitted.
When is the clubhouse open?
The clubhouse kitchen and BBQ are available for members to use - when you join you'llbe given an access code for the door.
Can I visit the club?
Access to the club is via a locked gate by the bridge in Otley. As such it is necessary to pre-arrange visits so that a club member can let you in and give you a tour. In general the club is open on a Saturday morning from 09:30 until 12:30 . Other times depend on events and what else is in the diary. Email membership@otley-sailingclub.co.uk to arrange a visit.
Can I store my boat or kayak on site?
Yes, but space is limited so contact our dinghy pen manager directly to enquire about spaces. His email address is pen@otley-sailingclub.co.uk