Racing

Even the least competitive members find that their sailing improves when they join in the racing. Allowances are made for novices as well as experienced competitive helmsmen in the sailing programme, which extends to 8 months or more each year.

Racing takes place every Sunday afternoon from early March to the middle of November and on Wednesday evenings from mid May until the first week in September.

Race training days are arranged towards the beginning of each season (members only) when requested, to introduce the novice to the basics of racing and for those who wish to refresh their knowledge.

There are race classes, pursuit classes, handicap races, junior races as well as other serious and no so serious events organised by the Committee and at all these events there is rescue cover available from the club's safety boat.

Please note that all dinghies are required to have a river licence. If you would like to obtain a licence please contact the Environment Agency's River Licence Department on 0118 953 5650.

Please take a look at our racing programme for further details or get in touch with our Sailing Secretary.

1. Each race has an Officer of the Day (OOD), who is in charge of the race.  A rota of race officers (OOD, Assistant OOD (AOD) and Safety Officer (SO)) is posted at the beginning of the season.  Any member unable to perform their duty should arrange a replacement and inform the OOD Chaser Barbara Hull (telephone number displayed in the Club House).  A manual is available with full instructions for being OOD.

2. For the use/repair of club boats please contact our Bosun, Peter Barefield (telephone number displayed in the Club House).

3. All boats must have a valid river licence and £2,000,000 third party insurance.

4. All boats entering races will be subjected to the Racing Rules of Sailing of the International Sailing Federation 2005-2008. All boats entering races are additionally subject to the Club Sailing Instructions.

5. Racing may take place when the Environment Agency has issued warnings on the state of the river. Goring Thames Sailing Club reminds all competitors that they are subject to the sailing instructions and they are personally responsible for the decision to sail.

Dinghies owned by Goring Thames Sailing Club MUST NOT BE USED when the Environment Agency has issued river flow warnings (yellow or red boards displayed at Cleve Lock). 
Recorded information detailing any advisory river closure can be obtained by telephoning: 0845 988 1188 or visiting the Environment Agency River Conditions web site.