Frequently Asked Questions
Q – Do I have to have a boat to join?
Q – Are you members of the Irish Sailing Association
Q – Is membership open to all?
Q – What is the clubs child care policy?
Q – What are the club sailing days?
Q – What is the Club Code Of Conduct?
Q – I am thinking of getting a dinghy, where do I start?
Q – What personal equipment do I need to start dinghy sailing?
Q – What are the Safety Boat Helm, Safety Boat Crew & Shore Officer duties?
Q – Where Can I find Galway City Sailing Club?
Q – I’m interested in Dinghy Racing, what do I need to know?
Do I have to have a boat to join?
No you do not have to have a boat to join the club. The club has a fleet of Topaz Uno dinghies (x9) and also 3 x 420 dinghies all of which are available for club activities. Members can park their own boats at the Galway City Sailing Club dinghy park or on Galway Ocean Sports Club premises for a small annual fee per boat.
Are you members of the Irish Sailing Association?
Yes, Galway City Sailing Club is currently a category 3 ISA member. Further details on the Irish Sailing Association can be found on the ISA website.
Is membership open to all?
We are open to all.
What is the clubs child care policy?
In order to promote best practice whilst working with children and young people Galway City Sailing Club have adopted the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Childrenʼs Sport in Ireland, as published by the Irish Sports Council, and will comply with the guidelines as set out in this Code.
Child / Youth Statement:
Galway City Sailing Club are fully committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of young participants. Everyone involved in Galway City Sailing Club, should at all times show respect and understanding for the rights, safety and welfare of young people and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the guiding principles of the organisation and the guidelines as set out in the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Childrenʼs Sport in Ireland, as published by the Irish Sports Council.
ISA Garda Vetting
Adults at the club who will be working with junior members are required to clear the ISA Garda Vetting procedure. Further information and Garda Vetting Forms can be found on the ISA website.
What are the club sailing days?
Over the summer months the club will be sailing on Thursday and Saturday.
What is the Club Code Of Conduct?
Members are required to read, follow and agree to the Club Code Of Conduct. View Club Code Of Conduct PFD Here.
I am thinking of getting a dinghy, where do I start?
Please see our section on Dinghies which lists some suggested dinghies, links for further research and where to buy dinghies. View Dinghy Information Here.
What personal equipment do I need to start dinghy sailing?
- Buoyancy aid – You can buy these locally or online (search for something like Dinghy Sailing Buoyancy Aid to get an idea of what is needed).
- Wetsuit – Keep an eye out for offers in local discount supermarkets.
- Sailing / wetsuit booties or an old pair of trainers will be fine to get you started.
What are the Safety Boat Helm, Safety Boat Crew & Shore Officer duties?
Safety Boat Helm – Drive the RIB and take charge of safety on the water during the session.
Club policy requires that you need to have done a course called power boat level 2 so you can handle the RIB (rigid inflatable boat). You will use a VHF radio to communicate with the shore officer.
Safety Boat Crew – you accompany the safety boat helm in the RIB.
Keep an eye on the sailing session. When a dinghy tips over the sailors sort it themselves, you are just there to lend a hand should they need it. If assistance is required you might have to throw a rope to them, or hold onto the dinghy while they grab a quick rest. Generally you would need to wear warm clothes that you can get wet, a rainproof jacket and a good hat.
Shore Officer – you keep an eye on the session from the shore.
You have a VHF radio in your hand so you can communicate with the safety boat helm. (Don’t worry the VHF is easy to use and we have instruction handouts on its use, instructions also available in the downloads section of this website). You help with the launching and recovery of the dinghys at the start and end of the session. So again, wear something warm and shoes/ boots/ trainers etc. you can get wet. A mobile phone with you would be very useful in case of emergency (remembering to be careful not to get the phone wet!). A set of binoculars around your neck and one of our sailing club hoodies would complete the job nicely.
Where Can I find Galway City Sailing Club?
Hangar & Dinghy Park Locations – Sessions are organised from our dinghy park. The dinghy park is located on the sea front, 100m (approx) on the left down the gravel roadway to Dead Mans Beach. There will be some activity at our hangar before a session while members organise safety boats etc. If in doubt just ask around where the dinghy park is, you will find members very helpful. Both hangar and dinghy park locations are indicated on this map.
View GalwayCitySailingClub.com in a larger map
I’m interested in Dinghy Racing, what do I need to know?
You can read our Dinghy Racing Beginners Guide here.