CharityInlandSwarkestone, Derby, DerbyshireSwarkestone gravel-pit lake
Swarkestone Sailing Club
Beginner
Start
Can a beginner start here?
Dinghy sailing, Dinghy racing, RYA training, Junior sailing, Family sailing, Accessible sailing, Open days
Beginner
The club describes itself as suitable for everyone from beginners to experienced sailors, offers opportunities for youngsters beginning sailing, and says instructors are happy to take out less experienced sailors. Juniors can start with no previous experience, and Sailability states no previous experience is required.
Training
Swarkestone says it is a long-established RYA Training Centre offering courses for adults, juniors, Sailability, and safety boats. The adult RYA Dinghy Level 1 and 2 course is advertised for 2026 with booking open; RYA Powerboat Level 1 and 2 and Safety Boat courses are also listed, though new dates/costs are TBA. Junior sailing uses the RYA Youth Sailing Scheme.
I found an invitation to visit the club before joining and details of formal RYA courses, but no current official page clearly advertising one-off taster sessions, open days, or try-sailing days.
The club has an active junior section for members aged 5 to 18. Sailors aged 5 to 9 must be accompanied by an adult. Junior sessions run on selected Saturdays, with junior trophy days plus Junior and Squad Weeks in summer. The membership page lists family, junior, guardian, and student membership categories.
Access
The club runs a Sailability project open to people with any sort of disability. It states it has ramps, accessible toilets, hoists, life jackets, expert volunteers, and Hansa Access boats, including single- and double-handed boats and some electrically assisted steering using joystick or chin control. A medical form is available for members, volunteers, and carers to record relevant conditions confidentially.
Costs
Costs, sessions, and boats
Prices
Membership prices for 1 Feb 2026 to 31 Jan 2027 are published. Examples include individual membership GBP 181, family membership GBP 215, associate GBP 101, Sailability GBP 101, junior GBP 38, student GBP 38, social GBP 60, paddleboard individual GBP 110, boat park fee GBP 56 per boat, and road trailer storage GBP 13. The 2026 adult RYA Dinghy Level 1 and 2 course is GBP 195 for non-members and GBP 145 for members, with an GBP 80 deposit; course fees include boat hire, RYA Start Dinghy Sailing book, and certificates. Powerboat and Safety Boat course costs are listed as TBA.
The adult RYA Dinghy Level 1 and 2 course fee includes boat hire. The home page says Sailability users can enjoy sailing in Sailability boats, the Sailability page describes Hansa Access boats, and the juniors page says the club has dinghies to suit juniors and their abilities. I did not find current public evidence of general casual boat hire outside training, juniors, or Sailability.
Open in Google Maps