We aim to keep the cost of dinghy sailing as low as possible. Our annual fees provide excellent value for money:
Annual Subscription Rates for 2024:
| JOINING FEE |
£50 |
|
| FULL MEMBER |
£100 |
For a member who is over the age of 18 |
| FAMILY MEMBER |
£100 |
For one or two co-habiting members and all children within their guardianship under 18 years of age |
| STUDENT |
£35 |
For a member who is over the age of 18 and in full time education |
| RECIPROCAL |
£60 |
Available for a maximum period of 12 months to a person who is a fully paid up member of another RYA affiliated club |
| BOAT PERMIT FEE |
£70 |
Entitles a member to sail their boat on the water controlled by the Club and provides a space in the Club’s boat park |
| ADDITIONAL BOAT PERMIT FEE |
£55 |
Entitles a member to sail an additional boat owned by them on the water controlled by the Club and provides a space in the Club’s boat park |
Subscriptions can be paid by bank transfer to:
Sort Code 20 48 95 (Barclays)
Account 10946362 (WRSA)
Reference : Initial & Surname
or by post to 44, College Road, Ripon, HG4 2HA
Once payment receipt is confirmed by the club treasurer new members will be set up with a website login, which will give them access to the members area of the website.
Some common Questions and Answers about sailing at Givendale with the WRSA:
Q1. Do you charge a joining fee?
Yes We are a small Ripon sailing club run by its members and we only aim to cover our costs.
Q2. Do you have a waiting list?
No. Currently we still have space in the dinghy park for more boats.
Q3. Can I be a member if I don’t own a boat?
Yes. We have a number of members who are often on the lookout for a crew to sail with them. If you are new to sailing this is a good way to start and will provide you with the opportunity to try different classes of boat before getting one for yourself. We have club boats that are used for lessons and are available for members to use for a nominal charge before making the decision to buy a boat.
Q4. Can I sail any boat?
The Handicap fleet is varied and currently consists of dinghies from classes such as Enterprise, Mirror, Gull, Laser, Feva, Topper, GP14, Lark, Heron and Wayfarer.
Q5. Are non-sailing members welcome at WRSA?
Yes, very much so. We are always pleased to welcome non-sailors who can often play an important part in the successful running of the club. There is a decking area at the side of the clubhouse and extensive grassy areas for non-sailors to relax and enjoy the views over the river and surrounding countryside. Children can run around and play games on the grassy areas.
Q6. Can children sail?
Yes. Although no dinghy sailing can be deemed to be totally safe, if the appropriate safety precautions are taken then sailing at WRSA can be fun for children of all ages. Safety boat cover is provided during club organised events on the lake. Children must be supervised by a parent or another responsible adult at all times and must wear a buoyancy aid when on jetties.
Q7. Can I use the facilities when there is no racing?
Yes. Members can access the dinghy park, club house, BBQ and changing rooms 7 days a week, and can sail at any time at their own risk. They should assess the suitability of conditions for sailing first and, where practical, should not sail alone for obvious safety reasons. The club asks that safety is kept in mind and common sense should be employed when dinghies are sailed at times outside organised events. Helms have the final responsibility for assessing their own skills and their crews with consideration to the weather conditions when setting out onto the water and buoyancy aids must be worn on the water at all times.
Q8. Can I bring my friends to the club?
Yes. You are welcome to bring friends to the club to sail or just to enjoy the facilities. However if they are regular visitors then we would encourage them to become full members.
Q9. How is Club racing organised?
Racing takes place most Sundays and on some Saturdays during the sailing season, from the end of March to the end of October. The club uses a system of handicapping that allows the faster and slower boats to race against each other. Depending on the weather conditions, two races take place each Sunday/Saturday, with the results being carried forward to the end of the competition. These results are used to calculate who has achieved the best results overall and who has achieved the best results in a personal handicap system. The personal handicap system is designed to give newcomers an excellent chance of winning the competition. A number of other trophies are competed for at various times during the season.
Q10. Do I have to undertake club duties?
Yes. The smooth running of most sailing clubs depends on members carrying out duties during the year. All members are expected to participate in working parties set up to maintain the good sailing on the river/lake and the club’s facilities at the site. Additionally members will be allocated a duty turn as Officer of the Day or to operate the safety boat on a rota basis. Guidance and instruction is provided.
Q11 Can I store my boat at the Club over the winter?
As the dinghy park at Givendale floods when the River Ure is in spate we clear the site of boats for winter. For members who need it, we can store smaller boats in the clubhouse and larger boats are stored in a barn at a local farm. The cost is £30 per boat (Winter 2024-2025)