How to Start Club Racing at Hayling Island Sailing Club (Even as a Beginner)

Have you ever watched the colourful sails and spinnakers darting across Chichester Harbour and thought “I’d love to try that”? You’re not alone.

At Hayling Island Sailing Club – one of the UK’s leading sailing clubs – we believe sailing and club racing should be accessible to everyone, not just experienced sailors. Whether you're brand new to sailing or returning after a break, here’s how to get started.

 

Become a Member of Hayling Island Sailing Club

To access our full racing calendar, training courses, and supportive community, you’ll need to join as a member. We welcome everyone — from juniors and complete beginners to world and Olympic champions. It’s a fantastic place to learn, improve and enjoy life on the water.

👉 Find out more about joining HISC

 

Check the Club Racing Calendar

We run racing events throughout the year — from relaxed weekend series to competitive regattas. You can view all upcoming events on our calendar. Watching a race from the shore or the balcony is a great way to get a feel for it before you jump in.

👉 View our full sailing and racing calendar

 

No Boat? No Problem – Try Crewing First

You don’t need to own a boat to get involved in racing. Many of our members are looking for crew, especially in double-handed dinghies. Let us know you’re interested and we’ll help match you up. It’s a great way to gain experience and confidence while learning directly on the water. You can also hire a dinghy from our hire fleet to take part in a club race.

 

Learn to Sail with Our RYA Courses

We offer RYA-accredited dinghy training courses for adults at every level. If you're completely new, try a beginner course. If you've sailed before, you can join an improver session or even book a 1:1 sailing lesson to work on specific skills like tacking, rigging, or race starts — at your own pace.

👉 Explore our RYA Adult Dinghy Training courses

 

Ask Questions – Everyone Starts Somewhere

Our members, instructors, and race officers are always happy to help. Whether you’re wondering how to rig a boat, what the starting sequence sounds like, or where to go for your first launch, we’ve all been there before — and we’re here to support you.

 

Just Turn Up and Enjoy It

You don’t have to win races to enjoy sailing. Club racing at HISC is all about fun, learning, and getting involved. Once you’ve joined a race or two, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.

 

Ready to Get Started?

We’d love to welcome you to our friendly sailing community. Send an email to our membership secretary, chat to a member, or get in touch online. From beginner courses to weekend racing, there’s something for everyone at Hayling Island Sailing Club.