ClubCoastalSouthend-on-Sea, Essex and East Coast EstuariesThames Estuary off Thorpe Bay
Thorpe Bay Yacht Club
Beginner
Start
Can a beginner start here?
Dinghy sailing, Yacht sailing, Cruiser sailing, Catamaran sailing, RYA training, Cadet sailing, Windsurfing, Kitesurfing, SUP, Kayaking, Model sailing, Social sailing
Beginner
Thorpe Bay Yacht Club says prospective members are welcome whether new to sailing or experienced. It says no boat is needed to join, members can book club dinghies free of charge, and the club location offers an environment for those learning to sail. The cadet Start Sailing Scheme is described as open to complete beginners, but adult beginner pathways beyond membership, club boats and periodic training are less specific.
Training
The club has a Training page saying it periodically offers courses and training, including official RYA accredited training and certification plus local training events. It lists 2025 examples including RYA VHF, RYA Power Boat 2, and RYA Dinghy Instructor, and tells visitors to watch the event calendar as courses become available. Cadet training is described separately as a structured sailing scheme with volunteer qualified instructors.
I did not find a current visible official page confirming sailing taster sessions, open days, or trial sessions for non-members. The site does invite prospective members to visit the club and says club boats are available to members, but that is not the same as a public taster session.
The club offers family membership categories and cadet membership. Its cadet pages describe a Cadet Start Sailing Scheme, arranged training for all skill levels, monthly Cadet Nights, and an annual Cadet Week with over 100 young people. A parent or recognised guardian must remain engaged during cadet sessions, and cadet membership requires a parent or guardian to be a full TBYC member.
Access· Unclear
I did not find current visible official information about disabled access, step-free access, adapted sailing, accessible toilets, or other access-needs support.
Costs
Costs, membership, and boats
Prices
The 2026 membership page publishes annual subscriptions: Family 1 GBP 364, Family 2 GBP 397, Family 3+ GBP 430, Adult 25+ GBP 194, Adult 65+ GBP 146, Joint GBP 349, Joint 65+ GBP 263, Junior Cadet under 11 GBP 34, Cadet 11-17 GBP 88, Young Adult 18-24 GBP 146, Weekday Single GBP 53, and Weekday Couple/Joint GBP 94. One-off joining fees are listed as Cadet U11 GBP 15, Cadet 11-17 GBP 20, Adult 18+ GBP 35, and Weekday GBP 15. The page also notes monthly payment carries a 10% administration fee and boat storage/mooring fees are additional but not published on the page.
The club says members can use several club dinghies free of charge. The current club-boat page lists 12 Optimists, 6 Laser Picos, 2 Lasers, 1 RS Feva, and 1 Tera, with some boats requiring booking. It describes short-term member use rather than public commercial hire.
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