Can I fish at your lake?
Unfortunately, we are not able to allow fishing. We receive many requests but have decided that this position will not change. Our neighbours Orchid Lakes provide excellent fishing.
I’m on holiday in the area – can I get a day pass for the lake?
No – the lake is private for members only
I would like to sail during the week, is this possible?
Members are allowed to sail at any time at their own risk. Unlike some other clubs, we have no ‘2 boat rule’. Safety cover is only provided during organised events.
Do you have facilities for disabled people?
We are very fortunate that our clubhouse is fully wheelchair accessible. We do not have any specific adaptations for physically disabled sailing. The excellent nearby Oxford Sailaibiliy group is very well equipped.
Our instructing team has some experience of teaching individuals with disabilities and special needs, please get in touch to discuss if we can be of help.
Can I canoe, SUP, row at the club?
We allow members to use non-sailing craft to support sailing. For example, non-sailing members of a family may use a SUP whilst the others are sailing or when there is no wind. Non-sailing craft must not disrupt sailing activities. Please note that we do not have kayaks etc to hire and any craft that you bring to the lake needs to be registered at a cost of £10pa and insured with £2M public liability. Please wash down any craft before using at DSC to prevent ingress of invasive species.
Can I swim in the lake?
Open water swimming is a hazardous activity. Oxford Tri club organises swimming sessions in the lake for their members. Swimming is not allowed outside of these organised sessions.
Can I have a picnic?
We are not open to the public but members can enjoy a picnic at our club.
Can I hire a boat?
Only members can hire club boats – see our website for more information on club boat hire.
My child would like to learn to sail – can you help?
Yes, please visit the training page to get in contact with the training team.
I sailed when I was younger but haven’t been sailing for 10+ years – will I be able to sail at DSC?
Yes, a lot of members are returners to sailing and most people find they remember how to sail once they are in a boat. If you contact membership@dorchestersailingclub.org.uk we will arrange to meet you and discuss your options. Some people will do an adult course which takes you back to basics, whilst others find that a helpful member to remind you how to rig a boat will be sufficient to get back on the water. Sundays are a good time for a first sail as there is a safety boat on the water – just let the Officer of the Day know you are on the water and may need assistance.
Can I windsurf at DSC?
We are primarily a sailing club and members should join to sail. However, if you also enjoy windsurfing this can be supplementary to your sailing. Any windsurfers that you bring to the lake needs to be registered at a cost of £10pa and insured with £2M public liability. Please wash them down before using at DSC to prevent ingress of invasive species. Experienced windsurfers who sail at the club have told us that it is not ideal for windsurfing due to the relatively small size of the lagoon, the prevailing winds and the shifty nature of the winds.
Is there a café at the Club?
No, we have a kitchen area for members to use and a small honesty box tuck shop.
My child wants to sail but we don’t sail – do you have a youth membership?
Any person under 18 wanting to sail at DSC needs to be part of a family membership and an adult must accompany them at the club at all times except for holiday training courses. We do not offer child only memberships.
Do I have to do duties?
Yes, all members of DSC will be rostered for duties during Sunday sailing. This is usually twice per year. Family memberships only require a single person to do duty. We also have regular working parties and committee roles to help run the club.
Can I berth my dinghy at DSC?
Yes, we have berths available for members’ dinghies and a few smaller ones suitable for storing road trailers. Please contact membership@dorchestersailingclub.org.uk for more information.
