Flying Fifteens at Datchet Water
The club and the water
This must be the finest inland situation in England - on the M4, one
junction West of the M25. At last we have a long lease from Thames
Water. We have invested in the clubhouse and a large, new upstairs
lounge and conference room were opened on the 4th June. The lounge has
floor to ceiling windows overlooking the beach and the water with
Windsor Castle the far side of the reservoir.
The water is about ¾ mile long by ½ mile wide - big enough for cats,
keelboats and fast asymmetrics; it has a large concrete beach in front
of the clubhouse and two wide launching ramps.
There is a large boat park fitted with a long heavy iron bar to chain
boats onto; there is also a security gate.
The Dinghy Store is on site.
Sailing
Club racing takes place on Sundays and Wednesdays.
On Sundays the club runs four quarterly series. There is racing every
Sunday except Christmas Day. It starts at 10.30; 2 races, back to
back; FFs have their own start; off the water for lunch at around
13.30. We tend to get together for lunch and a drink in the new lounge
after racing.
On Wednesdays, from May to September, there is an evening race
starting at 19.30. Courses vary and all boats start together.
Flying Fifteens
In addition to the four series, we run our own handicap series. It is
still experimental because we have 14 boats so 6/7 is a good turn out.
However the handicaps seem to be reliable. We have used them to run an
FF pursuit race and several of us arrived at the finishing line more
or less together.
We have a Fleet Championships, a two day event, which we take
seriously and a fun day (the Ffrolics) which is light-hearted. The
Ffrolics format varies but has included a pursuit race based on the
fleet handicap system and a children’s race when the wind is suitable.
We hold an annual summer barbecue at the club or at the home of a
fleet member at which we also award the prizes for the year.
Launching
The water rises and falls as required to supply London and we have an
undeserved reputation for launching difficulties when the water is
low. Flying Fifteens use a ramp with a pontoon alongside. Launching
and recovery are straightforward at all states of the tide - and the
same enthusiasts sail regardless.
The Club FF
The club bought and renovated two modern Flying Fifteens. They are available for
trial sails, or hire, by anyone interested in joining the club and/or
the fleet. It is competitive at club level.
The Youth Squad
The club has a training school for children. It operates during the
summer from 13.00 to about 16.00 on Saturdays. Suitable boats are
provided to fit age and experience. The courses lead to RYA
qualifications.
Contacts
Office hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10:00 to 12:30 and 13:30 to
15:00
General Manager: Gabrielle Boase 01753 683872
sailing@dwsc.co.uk
Address:
Datchet Water Sailing Club
Queen Mother Reservoir
Horton Road
Horton
Slough
Berkshire SL3 9NT
FF Fleet Captain: Mike Firth 01494 521856 (home any hours)
mike_firth@bluebottle.com
1.7.05 |
