Scorpion Clubs (Alphabetical)
Castle Cove SC - Weymouth, Dorset Website. Club Telephone 01305 783708
Castle Cove Sailing Club is situated in the safe waters of Portland Harbour and boats can be launched at all states of the tide. There is a full programme of club racing and visitors, with or without their boat, are always welcome. There is a well established Scorpion fleet, with plenty of experienced sailors and sail makers around to give expert advice.
How to get there: From Dorchester follow the A354 to Weymouth and on the outskirts of the town follow the signs to Portland. This will eventually take you along the side of the Marina (on the left) with a gasometer on the right. At the next roundabout take the second exit (fire station on left). Go up the hill and at the next small roundabout go straight ahead. About 100 yards further you will find a set of traffic lights. Keep to the outside lane and go straight on and up a slight hill for about 200 yards to Old Castle Road which is the third turning on the left (the main road bends to the right here). The club's new premises are at the end of Old Castle Road.
Facilities: In 2002 the club moved to new premises further along Old Castle Road. These provide first class facilities - with large and easily accessible car and boat parking, a bar, galley and large changing rooms. Launching is via slipways or a sandy beach, and the views of the racing area for spectators are second to none!
Entry Updated March 2003
Castle Cove Sailing Club is situated in the safe waters of Portland Harbour and boats can be launched at all states of the tide. There is a full programme of club racing and visitors, with or without their boat, are always welcome. There is a well established Scorpion fleet, with plenty of experienced sailors and sail makers around to give expert advice.
How to get there: From Dorchester follow the A354 to Weymouth and on the outskirts of the town follow the signs to Portland. This will eventually take you along the side of the Marina (on the left) with a gasometer on the right. At the next roundabout take the second exit (fire station on left). Go up the hill and at the next small roundabout go straight ahead. About 100 yards further you will find a set of traffic lights. Keep to the outside lane and go straight on and up a slight hill for about 200 yards to Old Castle Road which is the third turning on the left (the main road bends to the right here). The club's new premises are at the end of Old Castle Road.
Facilities: In 2002 the club moved to new premises further along Old Castle Road. These provide first class facilities - with large and easily accessible car and boat parking, a bar, galley and large changing rooms. Launching is via slipways or a sandy beach, and the views of the racing area for spectators are second to none!
Entry Updated March 2003
Chew Valley Lake SC - Bristol. Website Club Telephone: 01275 332194
Chew Valley Lake is a picturesque reservoir roughly two miles long and one mile wide. It is about seven miles south of Bristol and is easily found on a road atlas.
How to get there: From Wales, London or the North, leave the M4 at junction19 and follow the M32 into the centre of Bristol. Take the A37 (Wells Road) and follow it out of the city and through the village of Pensford, until you reach a roundabout in open countryside. Turn right onto the A368 and follow this road for about 2 miles until you reach the village of Bishop Sutton. Turn right on a road signposted Chew Valley. Follow this road for about half a mile. Immediately after the first sharp right hand bend, turn left along the north edge of the lake. Cross the dam and the club driveway will be found on the left side just after a small clump of trees. If you get to Chew Stoke, you've gone 300 yds too far.
From the South Coast, aim for the A37 and then the A368 roundabout two miles north of Clutton. Turn left and follow the directions above. From the southwest, come up the M5 to junction 22, Brent Knoll. Follow the A38 to Churchill. Turn right and follow the A368 as far as west Harptree where you turn left on the B3114 to Chew Stoke. Shortly after entering Chew Stoke there is a right turn signposted to Chew Valley. The club gateway is on the right after about 500 yards, just before a clump of trees.
Facilities: There is a range of hot and cold snacks, with a fully licensed bar. Dogs are not allowed. Entry Updated March 2003
Chew Valley Lake is a picturesque reservoir roughly two miles long and one mile wide. It is about seven miles south of Bristol and is easily found on a road atlas.
How to get there: From Wales, London or the North, leave the M4 at junction19 and follow the M32 into the centre of Bristol. Take the A37 (Wells Road) and follow it out of the city and through the village of Pensford, until you reach a roundabout in open countryside. Turn right onto the A368 and follow this road for about 2 miles until you reach the village of Bishop Sutton. Turn right on a road signposted Chew Valley. Follow this road for about half a mile. Immediately after the first sharp right hand bend, turn left along the north edge of the lake. Cross the dam and the club driveway will be found on the left side just after a small clump of trees. If you get to Chew Stoke, you've gone 300 yds too far.
From the South Coast, aim for the A37 and then the A368 roundabout two miles north of Clutton. Turn left and follow the directions above. From the southwest, come up the M5 to junction 22, Brent Knoll. Follow the A38 to Churchill. Turn right and follow the A368 as far as west Harptree where you turn left on the B3114 to Chew Stoke. Shortly after entering Chew Stoke there is a right turn signposted to Chew Valley. The club gateway is on the right after about 500 yards, just before a clump of trees.
Facilities: There is a range of hot and cold snacks, with a fully licensed bar. Dogs are not allowed. Entry Updated March 2003
Chipstead SC - Sevenoaks, Kent. Website Club Telephone: 01732 454875
Chipstead SC is based on a 60 acre gravel pit at Sevenoaks close to the M25. The club was founded in 1953 by a small group who had nothing better to do. Although the site is still owned by Marley Gravel, the club is thriving with 500 members and a really friendly atmosphere. Sailing is allowed at any time during daylight hours and there is a racing programme on Saturdays and Sundays from February to New Year's Day and on Wednesday evenings in the summer. The Scorpion fleet dates from the late 60's and now is the dominant force in the club.
How to get there: Leave the M25 at junction 5 and head south on the A21. Leave at the first junction which is signed Sevenoaks A25. As you join the A25 turn left, almost immediately, into Homedean Road. After 400 meters take the first left (Chevening Road), then take the second right (which is about 200 metres). (Please drive slowly because of disabled people from the nearby care centre who may be in the road.)
Facilities: Positively one of the finest clubhouses in the southeast, with excellent views over the Kent countryside and hot showers for everyone. Hot cooked food also available at Shirley's Diner, and there is a well stocked bar.
Entry Updated March 2003
Chipstead SC is based on a 60 acre gravel pit at Sevenoaks close to the M25. The club was founded in 1953 by a small group who had nothing better to do. Although the site is still owned by Marley Gravel, the club is thriving with 500 members and a really friendly atmosphere. Sailing is allowed at any time during daylight hours and there is a racing programme on Saturdays and Sundays from February to New Year's Day and on Wednesday evenings in the summer. The Scorpion fleet dates from the late 60's and now is the dominant force in the club.
How to get there: Leave the M25 at junction 5 and head south on the A21. Leave at the first junction which is signed Sevenoaks A25. As you join the A25 turn left, almost immediately, into Homedean Road. After 400 meters take the first left (Chevening Road), then take the second right (which is about 200 metres). (Please drive slowly because of disabled people from the nearby care centre who may be in the road.)
Facilities: Positively one of the finest clubhouses in the southeast, with excellent views over the Kent countryside and hot showers for everyone. Hot cooked food also available at Shirley's Diner, and there is a well stocked bar.
Entry Updated March 2003
Elton SC - Bury, Lancashire. Website Club Telephone: 0161 764 2858
Elton sailing club is located on a canal feeder reservoir, close to Bury, Lancashire. As it is not drinking water, it has not suffered from diminishing water levels. An active Scorpion fleet has existed for over thirty years and has produced several top flight helms (including a young Lawrie Smith!).
How to get there: From Bury, take the A58 towards Bolton. Turn left approximately one and a half miles from central Bury, opposite a pub called The Wellington. The road is signposted Elton Reservoir/Florence Nightingale Hospital. At the end of this road (100 yards) turn right and immediately go over a narrow bridge. Turn sharp right before the hospital entrance, into the club lane.
Facilities: Elton has an excellent club house with resident steward and stewardess. Good cheap food is always available and there is a well stocked bar. A lounge provides an excellent view of the racing. There is a walk half way round the lake, along the dam wall. Dogs are allowed on a lead, but not in the clubhouse or on the club lawns.
Entry Updated 2001
Elton sailing club is located on a canal feeder reservoir, close to Bury, Lancashire. As it is not drinking water, it has not suffered from diminishing water levels. An active Scorpion fleet has existed for over thirty years and has produced several top flight helms (including a young Lawrie Smith!).
How to get there: From Bury, take the A58 towards Bolton. Turn left approximately one and a half miles from central Bury, opposite a pub called The Wellington. The road is signposted Elton Reservoir/Florence Nightingale Hospital. At the end of this road (100 yards) turn right and immediately go over a narrow bridge. Turn sharp right before the hospital entrance, into the club lane.
Facilities: Elton has an excellent club house with resident steward and stewardess. Good cheap food is always available and there is a well stocked bar. A lounge provides an excellent view of the racing. There is a walk half way round the lake, along the dam wall. Dogs are allowed on a lead, but not in the clubhouse or on the club lawns.
Entry Updated 2001
Glossop & District SC - Glossop, Derbyshire Website Club Telephone: 01457 854054
The Club sails on Torside Reservoir, the second highest of a chain of reservoirs on the A628 Woodhead Road between Manchester and Sheffield. The sailing area is 3/4 mile long and 1/4 mile wide, lying east/west in the valley. Winds are generally steady when easterly or westerly, and interesting if due north or south.
Facilities: Food, bar and showers are available. The Pennine Way footpath is close by and runs across the dam and there is a circular footpath round the reservoir as well. Dogs are allowed if kept under control.
How to get there: From the SE: leave the M1 at J35A, following Stocksbridge A616, then Manchester A628. After passing the summit and beginning the descent to Manchester, you will pass the first of a series of reservoirs on your left. After passing it, take the left fork onto the B6105 (signposted Glossop, Hadfield) which leads around the far side of Torside. The sailing club is 1/2 mile on the right.
From the NE: leave the M1 at J37, onto the A628, following it past Penistone, to Crowden and then as above. From the NE or NW: Go around the M60 (the motorway around Manchester) to J24, the M67 signposted Hyde. Go to the end of the motorway, and then continue through Hollingworth, Mottram, and Tintwistle, until you start climbing and passing reservoirs on your right. At Crowden, take the very sharp right turn onto the B6105, then as above.
Entry Updated March 2003
The Club sails on Torside Reservoir, the second highest of a chain of reservoirs on the A628 Woodhead Road between Manchester and Sheffield. The sailing area is 3/4 mile long and 1/4 mile wide, lying east/west in the valley. Winds are generally steady when easterly or westerly, and interesting if due north or south.
Facilities: Food, bar and showers are available. The Pennine Way footpath is close by and runs across the dam and there is a circular footpath round the reservoir as well. Dogs are allowed if kept under control.
How to get there: From the SE: leave the M1 at J35A, following Stocksbridge A616, then Manchester A628. After passing the summit and beginning the descent to Manchester, you will pass the first of a series of reservoirs on your left. After passing it, take the left fork onto the B6105 (signposted Glossop, Hadfield) which leads around the far side of Torside. The sailing club is 1/2 mile on the right.
From the NE: leave the M1 at J37, onto the A628, following it past Penistone, to Crowden and then as above. From the NE or NW: Go around the M60 (the motorway around Manchester) to J24, the M67 signposted Hyde. Go to the end of the motorway, and then continue through Hollingworth, Mottram, and Tintwistle, until you start climbing and passing reservoirs on your right. At Crowden, take the very sharp right turn onto the B6105, then as above.
Entry Updated March 2003
Grafham Water SC Website Club Telephone: 01480 810478
Grafham Water is three miles long and 1.5 miles across at its widest, the 1600 acres of open water providing perfect sailing conditions for racing or cruising. The relatively flat surrounding countryside of Western Cambridgeshire does little to disturb the lighter breezes, a major problem on so many inland waters.
How to get there: Grafham Water Sailing Club is easy to find - only three miles from the A1 and five miles from the A14, in Cambridgeshire. The club is situated in the village of Perry, which is on the B661. From the A1 at the roundabout in Buckden head west, following the signs for Perry and Grafham Water. On reaching the centre of Perry village, turn down Chichester Way (opposite the Wheatsheaf Pub) and keep going until you reach the end of the road, where you will find the club entrance.
Facilities: On the ground floor of the Club house, hot and cold food supplied by professional caterers and the downstairs bar, which opens at lunchtimes, nourishes sailors be they wet or dry. The first floor is taken up with changing rooms, showers and toilets. The second floor houses the administration offices and the 'top deck' bar, with its glorious views across Grafham Water.
Adjacent to the Clubhouse is the children's play area and cabin. There is a chandlery on site and overnight camping (excluding caravans) is allowed at weekend events.
Entry Updated March 2003
Grafham Water is three miles long and 1.5 miles across at its widest, the 1600 acres of open water providing perfect sailing conditions for racing or cruising. The relatively flat surrounding countryside of Western Cambridgeshire does little to disturb the lighter breezes, a major problem on so many inland waters.
How to get there: Grafham Water Sailing Club is easy to find - only three miles from the A1 and five miles from the A14, in Cambridgeshire. The club is situated in the village of Perry, which is on the B661. From the A1 at the roundabout in Buckden head west, following the signs for Perry and Grafham Water. On reaching the centre of Perry village, turn down Chichester Way (opposite the Wheatsheaf Pub) and keep going until you reach the end of the road, where you will find the club entrance.
Facilities: On the ground floor of the Club house, hot and cold food supplied by professional caterers and the downstairs bar, which opens at lunchtimes, nourishes sailors be they wet or dry. The first floor is taken up with changing rooms, showers and toilets. The second floor houses the administration offices and the 'top deck' bar, with its glorious views across Grafham Water.
Adjacent to the Clubhouse is the children's play area and cabin. There is a chandlery on site and overnight camping (excluding caravans) is allowed at weekend events.
Entry Updated March 2003
Haversham SC - Milton Keynes. Website Club Telephone: 01908 321167
Haversham SC is on a 40 acre gravel pit adjacent to the R.Ouse on the northern edge of Milton Keynes.
How to get there: In Milton Keynes there is a grid road system with H roads running E-W (higher numbers to the South) and V roads running N-S (higher numbers to the East). Find V5 and go north to Pass Greenleys and go straight over the double mini-roundabout through a small industrial area, under two railway bridges and turn left at the roundabout to Haversham. Pass through the village and turn right at the top of the hill. Just before you reach the Greyhound pub, turn sharp left and the track to the club is 200 yards further on, on the right.
Facilities: There is a nice clubhouse with bar, kitchen, and hot showers, and facilities for the disabled. There is a large secure dinghy park and car park. Lots of space for picnics, a children's play area, and walks round the lake.
Entry Updated 2001
Haversham SC is on a 40 acre gravel pit adjacent to the R.Ouse on the northern edge of Milton Keynes.
How to get there: In Milton Keynes there is a grid road system with H roads running E-W (higher numbers to the South) and V roads running N-S (higher numbers to the East). Find V5 and go north to Pass Greenleys and go straight over the double mini-roundabout through a small industrial area, under two railway bridges and turn left at the roundabout to Haversham. Pass through the village and turn right at the top of the hill. Just before you reach the Greyhound pub, turn sharp left and the track to the club is 200 yards further on, on the right.
Facilities: There is a nice clubhouse with bar, kitchen, and hot showers, and facilities for the disabled. There is a large secure dinghy park and car park. Lots of space for picnics, a children's play area, and walks round the lake.
Entry Updated 2001
Hythe & Saltwood SC - Kent. Website Club Telephone: 01303 265178
Hythe and Saltwood Sailing Club is on Marine Parade, on the seafront at Hythe, Kent - just 10 minutes from the M20 motorway. It offers open sea sailing and an active social programme.
How to get there: Leave the M20 at the Canterbury/Hythe junction 11 and take the third exit at the roundabout, following signs to Hythe. At the bottom of the hill into Hythe bear left at the traffic lights and follow the road along the canal bank past the Watersedge pub and a pedestrian crossing in Red Lion Square. After the pub take the next turning on the right, (just before another pedestrian crossing) and cross the bridge over the canal. Follow this road and take the last turning on the left into South Road (there is a car park at the junction). The club is situated on the right in South Road.
If you are coming from Rye on the A259, follow the road into Hythe along the canal bank to the Watersedge pub in Red Lion Square and then proceed as above.
Facilities: The well-appointed clubhouse, whose sun deck overlooks the sea, has a licensed bar, a galley providing hot food and refreshments, changing rooms and hot showers, a large dinghy park and also a secure sailboard storage garage if required.
Entry Updated March 2003
Hythe and Saltwood Sailing Club is on Marine Parade, on the seafront at Hythe, Kent - just 10 minutes from the M20 motorway. It offers open sea sailing and an active social programme.
How to get there: Leave the M20 at the Canterbury/Hythe junction 11 and take the third exit at the roundabout, following signs to Hythe. At the bottom of the hill into Hythe bear left at the traffic lights and follow the road along the canal bank past the Watersedge pub and a pedestrian crossing in Red Lion Square. After the pub take the next turning on the right, (just before another pedestrian crossing) and cross the bridge over the canal. Follow this road and take the last turning on the left into South Road (there is a car park at the junction). The club is situated on the right in South Road.
If you are coming from Rye on the A259, follow the road into Hythe along the canal bank to the Watersedge pub in Red Lion Square and then proceed as above.
Facilities: The well-appointed clubhouse, whose sun deck overlooks the sea, has a licensed bar, a galley providing hot food and refreshments, changing rooms and hot showers, a large dinghy park and also a secure sailboard storage garage if required.
Entry Updated March 2003
Island Barn SC - Surrey. Website Club Telephone: 020 8979 9057
Island Barn Reservoir is in East Molesey, just south of the Thames, east of the Queen Elizabeth Reservoir and west of Hampton Court. The reservoir is roughly circular in shape with a diameter of one-third of a mile and an area of 122 acres. As it is raised 45 feet above the surrounding land there is clear wind. There is a ramp with a winch to get boats up to the water.
How to get there: M25: take J13 (Staines/A30) and follow the A30 towards Kingston. Keep following the Kingston signs, which take you past the Crooked Billet, along the dual carriageway and to Sunbury Cross (M3 J2). Take the turning for Hampton Court, and follow it past Kempton Park racecourse and the river. At the Hampton Court roundabout turn right. The easiest route is then to continue over the railway bridge to the roundabout and turn right for Molesey. At the end of Embercourt Road turn right again. You come to a mini-roundabout, turn left - this is Walton Road which is Molesey High Street. Follow it for about 300 yards and turn left just before the pelican crossing into Spencer Road. Take the second right into Molesey Park Road. Follow it for about 500 yards, and turn into Ray Road, which is the fourth turning on the left. You will see the reservoir gates just round the corner. Once through the reservoir gates continue along the road to a second set of gates into the club.
Facilities: The clubhouse, which overlooks the reservoir, has a spacious bar and lunch area upstairs. (There is no need to remove the wetsuit before coming in). Downstairs there are adequate changing areas with hot showers. Outside there is a small children's play area. Boat parking is around the top of the reservoir and at the bottom of the ramp.
Entry Updated March 2003
Island Barn Reservoir is in East Molesey, just south of the Thames, east of the Queen Elizabeth Reservoir and west of Hampton Court. The reservoir is roughly circular in shape with a diameter of one-third of a mile and an area of 122 acres. As it is raised 45 feet above the surrounding land there is clear wind. There is a ramp with a winch to get boats up to the water.
How to get there: M25: take J13 (Staines/A30) and follow the A30 towards Kingston. Keep following the Kingston signs, which take you past the Crooked Billet, along the dual carriageway and to Sunbury Cross (M3 J2). Take the turning for Hampton Court, and follow it past Kempton Park racecourse and the river. At the Hampton Court roundabout turn right. The easiest route is then to continue over the railway bridge to the roundabout and turn right for Molesey. At the end of Embercourt Road turn right again. You come to a mini-roundabout, turn left - this is Walton Road which is Molesey High Street. Follow it for about 300 yards and turn left just before the pelican crossing into Spencer Road. Take the second right into Molesey Park Road. Follow it for about 500 yards, and turn into Ray Road, which is the fourth turning on the left. You will see the reservoir gates just round the corner. Once through the reservoir gates continue along the road to a second set of gates into the club.
Facilities: The clubhouse, which overlooks the reservoir, has a spacious bar and lunch area upstairs. (There is no need to remove the wetsuit before coming in). Downstairs there are adequate changing areas with hot showers. Outside there is a small children's play area. Boat parking is around the top of the reservoir and at the bottom of the ramp.
Entry Updated March 2003
Lyme Regis SC - Website Club Telephone: 01297 442133
Lyme Regis sailing club is situated in Lyme close to the famous Cobb on the newly designated world heritage coast. The sailing area is large and famous for its extreme seas, but launching is available at all states of the tide in the sheltered harbour. Racing takes place on Wednesday nights and Sundays.
Facilities: The clubhouse was new in 1999, and overlooks the beach with a custom viewing platform and has a well stocked bar. The club has mixed handicap racing for all classes. Lyme is also home to Specialised Marine - ideal for spares and repairs.
How to get there: Once in Lyme follow the signs for the Cobb. The club is situated between the Cobb Arms and the Royal Standard.
Entry Updated March 2003
Facilities: The clubhouse was new in 1999, and overlooks the beach with a custom viewing platform and has a well stocked bar. The club has mixed handicap racing for all classes. Lyme is also home to Specialised Marine - ideal for spares and repairs.
How to get there: Once in Lyme follow the signs for the Cobb. The club is situated between the Cobb Arms and the Royal Standard.
Entry Updated March 2003
Netley SC - Southampton. Website Club Telephone: 023 8045 4272
Netley SC is based in the Royal Victoria Country Park on the northeast shore of Southampton Water. The Scorpion class is well established. Racing is on Sundays and Wednesdays and visitors are always welcome.
How to get there: Leave the M27 at Junction 8 and go towards Hamble, up a short dual carriageway. At the next roundabout, take the second exit (past Tesco) which is signposted Hamble and Victoria Country Park. Keep right at the next two mini-roundabouts and continue for a mile or so, before going right at a roundabout (signposted Netley, Butlocks Heath, and Royal Victoria Country Park). Keep straight on, over a railway line, past the Royal British Legion on the left and through the village. At the T-junction turn left towards the Country Park (past the Prince Consort Pub on the left). When in the park, follow the road along the shore and fork right into a (probably) closed gate and continue on the shore road until you reach the club. Note that in the park, pedestrians have priority.
Facilities: The club has the usual changing facilities, bar and lounge. Dogs are allowed and there is a camping area in the grounds. As it is a country park, there is a children's play area and plenty of open space. An added attraction is watching the shipping and sailing on Southampton Water - the QE2 comes and goes at weekends.
Entry Updated March 2003
Netley SC is based in the Royal Victoria Country Park on the northeast shore of Southampton Water. The Scorpion class is well established. Racing is on Sundays and Wednesdays and visitors are always welcome.
How to get there: Leave the M27 at Junction 8 and go towards Hamble, up a short dual carriageway. At the next roundabout, take the second exit (past Tesco) which is signposted Hamble and Victoria Country Park. Keep right at the next two mini-roundabouts and continue for a mile or so, before going right at a roundabout (signposted Netley, Butlocks Heath, and Royal Victoria Country Park). Keep straight on, over a railway line, past the Royal British Legion on the left and through the village. At the T-junction turn left towards the Country Park (past the Prince Consort Pub on the left). When in the park, follow the road along the shore and fork right into a (probably) closed gate and continue on the shore road until you reach the club. Note that in the park, pedestrians have priority.
Facilities: The club has the usual changing facilities, bar and lounge. Dogs are allowed and there is a camping area in the grounds. As it is a country park, there is a children's play area and plenty of open space. An added attraction is watching the shipping and sailing on Southampton Water - the QE2 comes and goes at weekends.
Entry Updated March 2003
Notts County SC - Nottinghamshire. Website Club Telephone: 01636 830065
Notts County sail on a large 150 acre gravel pit, beside the River Trent and halfway between Nottingham and Newark.
How to get there: Find the A612 which runs NE from Nottingham to join the A617 just north of Newark. Take either of the two small roads running SE off the A612 in the village of Thurgarton (one is labelled 'Industrial Area' and is just inside the 30 mph sign for Thurgarton; the other is in Thurgarton and is signed to Thurgarton station). They join after a short while. Cross the railway line. After a quarter of a mile, the track to the club is on the left hand side of the road at a bend, next to a factory unit 'Tarmac Quarry Products'. After two hundred yards of dirt track, go through a gate to the right and on to the clubhouse.
Facilities: The clubhouse is pretty swish. There is a no smoking policy in the clubhouse. There is hot food and a bar. There are no fishermen and there is a nice walk around the lake for the shore party. Dogs are allowed, as long as they are kept on a lead in the club grounds. It might be possible to organise baby-sitters/creche if needed, but the club has its own children's playground with swings and a slide.
Entry Updated March 2003
Notts County sail on a large 150 acre gravel pit, beside the River Trent and halfway between Nottingham and Newark.
How to get there: Find the A612 which runs NE from Nottingham to join the A617 just north of Newark. Take either of the two small roads running SE off the A612 in the village of Thurgarton (one is labelled 'Industrial Area' and is just inside the 30 mph sign for Thurgarton; the other is in Thurgarton and is signed to Thurgarton station). They join after a short while. Cross the railway line. After a quarter of a mile, the track to the club is on the left hand side of the road at a bend, next to a factory unit 'Tarmac Quarry Products'. After two hundred yards of dirt track, go through a gate to the right and on to the clubhouse.
Facilities: The clubhouse is pretty swish. There is a no smoking policy in the clubhouse. There is hot food and a bar. There are no fishermen and there is a nice walk around the lake for the shore party. Dogs are allowed, as long as they are kept on a lead in the club grounds. It might be possible to organise baby-sitters/creche if needed, but the club has its own children's playground with swings and a slide.
Entry Updated March 2003
Pennine SC - South Yorkshire. Website Club Telephone: 01226 763399
Pennine is based at Winscar Reservoir, Dunford Bridge, South Yorkshire, just off the A628 Barnsley to Manchester road (Woodhead Pass). The sailable area is about 120 acres and roughly L-shaped, so that reasonable courses can be set whatever the wind direction. Situated at over 1200 feet, it is occasionally very windy and can be quite cold. The water itself is over 100 feet deep and can be slow to warm up.
How to get there: Turn off the A628 at the top of the pass along Windle Edge. After about one mile turn left at the Water Authority's sign "Winscar Reservoir" and follow the road, past the picnic area, straight into the club. From Manchester, we are about 10 minutes further on than Glossop SC, and from the Sheffield/Barnsley end about 10 minutes from Stocksbridge. There are no other turns off the A628 for 3 miles either side of Windle Edge, so it is hard to go wrong.
Facilities: We provide food and bar in a modern clubhouse, heated changing rooms and hot showers, club access and toilets for the disabled, and there is ample car parking and rigging space. Bacon sarnies are usually available on arrival if you've not had breakfast. For spectators there is a good view of the racing from the clubhouse, your parked car, or the dam wall. Pleasant walks across the dam and beyond are possible, or to the Stanhope Arms in Dunford Bridge. There are no specific facilities for children at present but the club site is large, flat and fairly safe, as is the dam and the public picnic area outside - worth bringing the kid's bikes.
Updated March 2003
Pennine is based at Winscar Reservoir, Dunford Bridge, South Yorkshire, just off the A628 Barnsley to Manchester road (Woodhead Pass). The sailable area is about 120 acres and roughly L-shaped, so that reasonable courses can be set whatever the wind direction. Situated at over 1200 feet, it is occasionally very windy and can be quite cold. The water itself is over 100 feet deep and can be slow to warm up.
How to get there: Turn off the A628 at the top of the pass along Windle Edge. After about one mile turn left at the Water Authority's sign "Winscar Reservoir" and follow the road, past the picnic area, straight into the club. From Manchester, we are about 10 minutes further on than Glossop SC, and from the Sheffield/Barnsley end about 10 minutes from Stocksbridge. There are no other turns off the A628 for 3 miles either side of Windle Edge, so it is hard to go wrong.
Facilities: We provide food and bar in a modern clubhouse, heated changing rooms and hot showers, club access and toilets for the disabled, and there is ample car parking and rigging space. Bacon sarnies are usually available on arrival if you've not had breakfast. For spectators there is a good view of the racing from the clubhouse, your parked car, or the dam wall. Pleasant walks across the dam and beyond are possible, or to the Stanhope Arms in Dunford Bridge. There are no specific facilities for children at present but the club site is large, flat and fairly safe, as is the dam and the public picnic area outside - worth bringing the kid's bikes.
Updated March 2003
Shotwick Lake SC - Shotton, Deeside. Website Club Telephone: ?
Shotwick Lake is situated close to the Welsh border about 6 miles from Chester. Racing takes place on Shotwick Lake, which is the smallest Scorpion venue on the Northern circuit, if not the smallest in the country. As such, sailing is always very close (in more ways than one!). Its small size makes it ideal for helms to practice their close-quarter boat handling and the crew their spinnaker work.
How to get there: From the M56 heading towards North Wales take the A5117 and then the A550 to North Wales. Turn off the A550 onto Deeside Industrial Park and then follow the signs for 'Sealand Ranges' and 'Industrial Zone 3'. After about 2 Miles you will cross a large bridge/flyover (over a railway line) from which you will be able to see the sailing club on the right hand side. Continue on to the next roundabout and take the first turning on the left, then the first left again and continue along this road, passing a paper mill on your right, continue on to a T junction and turn left. You will now pass under the large flyover you have just come across. Follow the road round to the right and then pass under another smaller bridge. Take the next left and then follow the road for about half a mile to the club.
Facilities: The club has a modern clubhouse with changing rooms and showers. There is a small galley, serving hot and cold snacks and drinks, but no bar. Dogs are allowed if kept under control.
Entry Updated March 2003
Shotwick Lake is situated close to the Welsh border about 6 miles from Chester. Racing takes place on Shotwick Lake, which is the smallest Scorpion venue on the Northern circuit, if not the smallest in the country. As such, sailing is always very close (in more ways than one!). Its small size makes it ideal for helms to practice their close-quarter boat handling and the crew their spinnaker work.
How to get there: From the M56 heading towards North Wales take the A5117 and then the A550 to North Wales. Turn off the A550 onto Deeside Industrial Park and then follow the signs for 'Sealand Ranges' and 'Industrial Zone 3'. After about 2 Miles you will cross a large bridge/flyover (over a railway line) from which you will be able to see the sailing club on the right hand side. Continue on to the next roundabout and take the first turning on the left, then the first left again and continue along this road, passing a paper mill on your right, continue on to a T junction and turn left. You will now pass under the large flyover you have just come across. Follow the road round to the right and then pass under another smaller bridge. Take the next left and then follow the road for about half a mile to the club.
Facilities: The club has a modern clubhouse with changing rooms and showers. There is a small galley, serving hot and cold snacks and drinks, but no bar. Dogs are allowed if kept under control.
Entry Updated March 2003
Sidmouth SC - Devon. Website Club Telephone: 01395 512286
After organising a highly successful National Championships in 1995, the Scorpion Fleet is growing again. The sea sailing club is a friendly one, with a great reputation for the social side of things.
How to get there: Sidmouth is well signed from the M5 and the A3052 coast road. When in town, follow the signs to the sea front and turn left. The club is at the eastern end of the promenade.
Facilities: There is a spacious and comfortable clubhouse with licensed bar and food available. It is only minutes from the town centre and there is a play park, as well as an indoor swimming pool next door.
Entry Updated 2001
After organising a highly successful National Championships in 1995, the Scorpion Fleet is growing again. The sea sailing club is a friendly one, with a great reputation for the social side of things.
How to get there: Sidmouth is well signed from the M5 and the A3052 coast road. When in town, follow the signs to the sea front and turn left. The club is at the eastern end of the promenade.
Facilities: There is a spacious and comfortable clubhouse with licensed bar and food available. It is only minutes from the town centre and there is a play park, as well as an indoor swimming pool next door.
Entry Updated 2001