We’re pleased to announce that this year’s Open Day will be on Sunday, 18 May 2014.

Come along between the hours of 11 am and 2 pm  when members will be present to take you and family members out on a taster sail. It’s an ideal opportunity to find  what the club has  to offer and meet its members. A majority of  Sailing Clubs throughout the UK are holding  a Push the Boat Out Day over this particular weekend  as it provides the perfect opportunity to encourage people to get down to their local sailing venue, have a go and find out how just easy it is to get involved in the sport and is supported by the Royal Yachting Association ( RYA).

 The boat park gates will be open and  activities for families will be taking place there :-

• Taster sails across the lake
• Make a model boat and race it at the end of the afternoon, fastest boat to the buoy wins a prize.
• Try you hand at manoeuvring the tiller to ” Go About or Gybe” on a simulator boat in the boat park.
• Design and colour your own sail
•  Learn the language of sailing -try to name all the parts of a dinghy.
• Take home  RYA souvenirs  of your visit.
• Refreshments  on sale and a bric-a-brac stall provided by Upper Norwood Association Community Care.

There will be an opportunity to sign up for a Learn to Sail course to start in the following weeks. We do not charge for your sailing experience  but anyone who wishes to buy  a raffle ticket for the Draw at the end of the day will help raise funds towards our forthcoming year racing Trophies Fund. 

Norwood lake is one of the smallest sailing areas in the UK but located in the heart of London in a Croydon park. It is a good, safe place  to start sailing  for families and adult individuals who live locally. Our club is developing to cater for the needs of local residents and offers excellent value for money.

All the equipment  needed will be provided including a buoyancy aid. It’s best to turn up with some warm clothes, a pair of old shoes and a waterproof coat as it’s nearly always cooler out on the water than on the shore. If the wind is light or you’re in a more stable steady boat then you’ll only get a few splashes! There is no charge but it would help us to plan the day  if you register  your interest  by email secretary@croydonsailingclub.co.uk or phone 02084059959.

Croydon Council  have funded our Club to train instructors and develop so that it can offer a  learn to sail programme and get people of all ages and backgrounds to experience what it is like to sail on inland waters. Croydon is unique in that is one of the few London Boroughs to have this facility and the Council want to see more residents taking part in sports on South Norwood Lake.”