Facilities

From simple beginnings it has grown over the years and now has a 1500 Sq. ft. clubhouse with a large clubroom/galley and changing rooms with showers etc.   All members may have keys to the entrance gate and clubhouse and are free to enjoy the facilities at all times, except for 3 or 4 times per year during some special race events, when casual sailing is impractical.

The club maintains a fleet of Oppies, Teras and Toppers for training.  Club boats currently available for members use (free of charge) at all times include; Oppie, Topper, Kestrel Laser, GP 14, Pacer, Lark.

There is ample room in the large dinghy park for boat storage.  Camping or caravanning for members is on a large grassed area, close to the lake within the club grounds. 

Launching for the larger boats is via a choice of two slipways.  The Oppies and Toppers tend to be slid in from the lawn in front of the clubhouse.

Membership is available singly or as a family.  Family membership includes all children under the age of 18 and can be for grandparent /grandchildren.

Responsibility for children at the club remains with the parents; there is a special provision for those of 12 and over where a form of waiver of responsibility is agreed with the parents. The presence of parents is not essential where children are receiving formal tuition on one of the courses

Safety

Safety is of paramount importance and the club is fortunate to possess 3 fully equipped safety boats.  During racing the safety boat is manned and two way radios are used to communicate between the rescue boat and the OOD (Race officer).  There is a telephone in the galley so that outside help is available if required.  A list of members with First aid training is maintained. Buoyancy aids must always be worn when on the water plus wet or dry suits from 1^st November to 31^st March

Racing

Organised racing takes place every Sunday from late March to mid-December and on Wednesday evenings during the summer.   All classes of monohull dinghies under 17ft in length and that have an RYA rating are accepted.  

The shape of the lake with its two islands allows the OOD ample opportunity to set interesting and varied courses.  Races are normally of one hour duration and in summer start at 11.00. 13.00 & 14.30.  Classes sailed include Laser, Solo, British Moth, Signet, Tera, Kestrel, Mirror, Enterprise, Contender, Fireball, Splash, Lark, Pacer, Topper, and Oppie.  Junior racing is in our programme and actively encouraged.

Events

Various classes visit for their meetings and Youth League competition sees our youth representing Paxton also at Cam, Hunts and Ely Sailing Clubs.

Learning to sail at Paxton Lakes

We run RYA courses and will do everything possible to make these enjoyable.   Where bad weather curtails training it is usually extended to a subsequent day.   We aim to provide the highest standard of supervision with qualified instructors, in the recommended ratio to students.   Rescue Powerboats are always on hand to care for those in difficulty.  Fees also cover the provision of buoyancy aids.