Dinghy racing at Burghfield

A brief summary of the various types of racing events that take place at Burghfield:

Club Series

Sunday's are when the main racing at Burghfield takes place.

We have a number of race series across the year in different formats to keep the racing exciting!

The formats range from Class Handicap, Pursuit, Personal Pursuit, Class Racing and Single Start

Bank Holiday Series

Specific series over bank holiday weekends.

Wednesday Evening Pursuit Series

From early to late summer we host a Wednesday evening 80 minute personal handicap pursuit series with the slower boats starting at 6:30pm.

This has provien very popular with those who are just starting to race and also the juniors. Personal handicaps are adjusted after every race giving everyone a chance to be at the front at some point. More information can be found here.

Club Championship

We have a series of individual trophy events scheduled throughout the year forming an overall Club Championship Series.

Open Meetings

We have a number of class specific events which are open to sailors from other clubs.

Open Championships

Burghfield as one of the Thames Valley's leading clubs hosts National Championships, Inland Championships and Area Championships for a number of different classes each year.

Brief Guide to Racing at Burghfield

Check the calendar. Make sure the race you are expecting is taking place on the day you expect it to. Also check the club website to see if something changes at the last moment.

Read the Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions These provide important information about the specific race or series. It includes number of planned races and discards, etc.

Check the weather on weather sites to make sure the weather is suitable for your skills and ability!

Gear. Make sure you take everything you need to the Club: Boat, sails, rudder, centre-board, sheets, life-jacket, boots, gloves, wet-suits, spray-top, helm, crew, watch, waterproof tape etc.

Time. Get to the club in plenty of time: typically, an hour or more before your race starts.

Preparation. Check you boat carefully to make sure nothing needs replacing, everything is working as it should and you have everything ready.

Sign On. You need to sign on for both morning and afternoon races to qualify for a result. The sign on sheets are currently located on the table near the sliding doors to the balcony.

Get changed. Make sure you have the correct clothes for the weather conditions. Wear clothing based upon the water temperature making allowances for the chill factor caused by the wind. In the summer remember to apply sun block on sunny days.

Check the course

The course is shown on the board, at the front of the club-house, below the balcony. The numbered buoys go around the lake in an anti-clockwise fashion.

The odd-numbered buoys are Pink, and the even numbers are Yellow.

Here are some Rookie rules