We are a friendly bunch of beginners and novices, boat owners, qualified day skippers, experienced crew and dinghy sailors. All are welcome - our aim is to get out on the water, learn and have fun.

Several owners have boats moored in Brighton marina and the group aims to put experienced crews in contact with people new to sailing to encourage sharing of skills in a relaxed and safe environment.

If you’re already a Blagss member you can join the sailing group by clicking ‘my details’ at the bottom of the menu on the left. Tick the ‘sailing’ box under the list of sports to receive our regular email.

Is sailing expensive?
Sailing needn't be a costly hobby - unless you own a boat, which is another story! Most skippers will expect a few quid per day from crew to cover food and drink. For clothing, it's a good idea to invest in a windproof jacket and deck shoes (or trainers with white soles). Try Decathlon, Compass and of course Ebay.

Links with other organisations

Blagss sailors often meet up with south coast members of the Sailing & Cruising Association, the national gay sailing group, for weekend trips to Gosport and Isle of Wight. The SCA runs new members weekends, which we highly recommend, as well as many other events.

For dinghy sailors we recommend the five-week course run by the Newhaven and Seaford Sailing Club at Piddinghoe Pond (just outside Newhaven). The course runs for five Saturdays and covers all the essentials for sailing single and double-handed. On completion, you receive a certificate for Royal Yachting Association levels 1 and 2. Contact Andy Barns on 0788 190 1948 to get the date of the next course.

London-based rowers group the New Rowmantics (!) welcome experienced rowers and beginners. They're all chaps so far, but women are welcome. Contact Dean via their website http://thenewrowmantics.glrf.info. See also the Gay & Lesbian Rowing Federation http://www.glrf.info.

Some other local providers of courses in various types of boating are Sussex Yacht Club, Hove Lagoon Watersports, Brighton Marina Yacht Club, Sailnet UK, Brighton Activity Centre, Adur Outdoor Centre, BK Kayaking.

Contact Sheridan if you know of other course providers we could list here.

Photos: Ceci Hansen, 2009


2009 Sailing Group Survey

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Chaos reigned as Blagss sailors got together for a sea-kayaking session between the piers. Massive breakers sent boats, paddles and Blags-sters in all directions... We did manage to actually leave the beach in the end… Great fun!




'You get 'er ankles, I've got 'er neck'.. Blagss sailing coordinator gets hauled aboard :)

Looking for something different? BLAGSS holds a comprehensive list of other sports and social organisations on the links page.

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