Sailing is a sport that can be enjoyed by just about anyone, young and old.

What's more it doesn't have to be expensive and there are usually plenty of keen sailors ready to give you advice on how to get started.

Sailing generally falls into two categories, Dinghy sailing (small boats) and Yachting (big boats!). Dinghies can be picked up for a few hundred pounds, sometimes less if you happy to do a bit of DIY. Most sailing clubs have a notice board full of second hand dinghies and sailing kit for sale.

Alternatively you can hire Dinghies from just a few pounds an hour, for this you will generally need a RYA (Royal Yachting Association) Level 2, Basic Skills qualification.

Your local Clubs at Wimbleball and Minehead both offer tuition and in a weekend you can expect to gain your RYA Level 1, Start Sailing certificate.

South West Lakes Trust manage the lake at Wimbleball and have a Watersports centre open from April until September. Here you can try Sailing, Windsurfing or Kayaking by hiring kit and taking lessons if you like to. Wetsuits and buoyancy aids are available to.

Throughout the year the variety of regattas, races, childrens' activity weeks and taster watersports days ensure that there is always something going on. For the latest keep an eye on the links below or join the Active Exmoor e-mailing list to stay in touch.

Free taster opportunity!

Active Exmoor has 4 Laser Pico Dinghies available for your use. The boats were supplied with funding raised from the Somerset Community Foundation's Local Network Fund and they are here for your use.

If you can get a group of 6-8 people from anywhere on Exmoor together, Active Exmoor will arrange for a RYA Dinghy Instructor to give your group a taste of Sailing at Wimbleball lake free of charge.

Adults or children, Youth Clubs or W.I.! Give Mike a call on 07919 540 575 to discuss your needs or get in touch by

Places to try it

Lakes - we have...
Wimbleball Reservoir, Brompton Regis
Wistlandpound Reservoir, Kentisbury

Otherwise it's The Sea!

Clubs & Organisations

Wimbleball Sailing Club - 01398 371 416

Sailability - Sailing for the disabled
Jo Smith - 01823 662505

Regular beginners courses
L Freston - 01823 442985

Junior Section
John Norris - 07970 046 078

Minehead Sailing & Watersports Club

South West Lakes Trust - 01837 871565
Wimbleball Kids Watersport Club
John Mc Masters - 01398 371460

The Calvert Trust - 01598 763 221
email - calvert.exmoor@btinternet.com


Clifton Sailing - 01837 871565

Neil Day - 07775 517923

North Devon Yacht Club
Based at Instow - 01271 860367

Somerset Youth & Community Sailing Ass.
Stockland Bristol Bridgewater
01278 652 680

More Contacts
RYA - Royal Yachting Association
0845 345 0400

UK Sailing Index

A guide to Sailing in the South West

BBC Shipping Forecast
Another Lundy forecast

International Sailing Federation

Jubilee Sailing Trust
Sailing adventures for people of all physical abilities