Sailing At TSC

Sailing Times

We sail on Trimpley Reservoir, near Kidderminster and Bewdley, Worcestershire. Sailing is available everyday from dawn until dusk, but most members sail at these times:

• Wednesday: 2pm – dusk
• Saturday: 12pm – dusk; Racing at 2pm and 3.30pm
• Sunday: 10am – dusk; Racing at 12pm, 2pm and 3.30pm

There is also some racing on bank holidays.

Racing is the mainstay of the club and we encourage members to partake in racing; it is an excellent way to improve skills. At TSC we race the following classes of boats: GP14, Laser, Topper and Optimist; learn more about these boats below. You can also free sail (cruise) at any time.

Boats Sailed At TSC

Sailing is available at TSC to any class of monohull, non-fixed keel boat, less than 16 ft in length including bowsprits. The main boats sailed at TSC are the GP14, Laser, Topper and Optimist, but sailors with other boats are most welcome.

GP14

The GP14 was designed by Jack Holt in the 1950s as a build it yourself design. It is a General Purpose dinghy, which is 14 ft long. Although now most are used for sailing, it can accommodate an outboard engine, or be rowed. Up to 6 people can take a trip in a GP14, but when sailing there is never usually more than 2 in a boat. It is a popular boat, with strong GP14 racing fleets across the country. For more information visit the GP14 Class Association website.

Laser

The Laser is a popular Olympic class boat. It has large racing fleets across the world and is the fastest boat raced at TSC. It is a single handed design, so one person sails it. The laser design also means it can be rigged with different sail sizes depending on wind strength and sailor weight. At TSC the full (standard) rig (7.2 m²) is used most of the time. The other sails are the radial (5.7 m²) and 4.7 (4.7 m²) and are used by some of our junior members. For more information visit the UKLA or www.lasersailing.co.uk

Topper

The Topper is another international class with strong racing fleets. It is single handed boat, smaller than a laser and so ideal for youth sailors. It’s design also makes it almost totally indestructible. The Topper Class has recently followed in the footsteps of the Laser Class producing a second smaller sail option, although at present this configuration is uncommon. Find out more about the Topper class: ITCA (Great Britain)

Optimist

The Optimist dinghy is a small design for junior sailors. Again it is another single handed boat, but you can fit two in at a push. It has been known at TSC to get five people in just for a bit of fun! It is a very stable design and is generally used for training purposes, although there are strong racing fleets worldwide. Get more information at the Optimist Class Association.