Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Premier Sailing Destination on the River Dee
Established in 1909, Dee Sailing Club has been a cornerstone of sailing excellence on the River Dee and Irish Sea for over a century. Our club was founded to promote amateur boat racing and sailing, evolving through decades of maritime history while maintaining a commitment to community and competitive spirit. We have expanded from humble beginnings in Heswall to our current home in Thurstaston, offering state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant sailing environment. Our diverse fleet includes cruisers, dinghies, and catamarans, catering to all skill levels from beginners to seasoned racers. Notable achievements include hosting European championship events and nurturing world-class talent like Dart World Champion Gareth Owen.We prioritise youth development through Mirror and Optimist fleets, ensuring the next generation of sailors thrives. With a rich heritage of innovation, from pioneering handicap racing systems to modern training programs, we remain dedicated to fostering a family-friendly atmosphere. Our clubhouse extensions and infrastructure investments reflect our long-term vision for accessible, high-quality sailing experiences. As stewards of the River Dee's maritime legacy, we balance tradition with progressive approaches to sailing education and competition. Our volunteer-driven ethos and community-focused events continue to strengthen local connections while welcoming sailors from across Europe.
Services
Sailing Training
Racing Events
Fleet Hire
Youth Programs
Venue Hire
Details
- Year established: 1909
Highlights and features
- We offer over a century of sailing expertise and heritage
- Our diverse fleet caters to all skill levels and interests
- We host international racing events and youth development programs
- Our Thurstaston venue combines modern facilities with natural beauty
- We maintain a family-friendly atmosphere with community focus
Services
Sailing Training
Our structured training programs cater to all ages and abilities, from beginner courses to advanced racing techniques. Using modern dinghies and catamarans, certified instructors deliver RYA-accredited instruction. The Thurstaston facility provides ideal conditions for learning both theoretical and practical sailing skills.
Racing Events
We host regular racing events across multiple classes including Fireflies, Hilbres, and Dart 18s. Our calendar features local regattas and international competitions with European championship history. Professional race management ensures fair competition for both amateur and elite sailors.
Fleet Hire
Access to diverse sailing vessels including cruisers, dinghies, and catamarans for recreational use. Our maintained fleet accommodates both casual sailing and competitive practice sessions. Members receive priority booking for weekend and event periods.
Youth Programs
Specialised training for children aged 7-14 using Mirror and Optimist dinghies. Our qualified coaches develop fundamental skills through structured lessons and race practice. The program fosters teamwork and water safety while preparing young sailors for competitive events.
Venue Hire
Our Thurstaston clubhouse offers versatile event spaces with river views. The facility includes bar, changing rooms, and outdoor terraces suitable for weddings, corporate events, and sailing-related functions. Modern amenities combine with historic maritime atmosphere for memorable occasions.
Questions
How can I join Dee Sailing Club?
Visit our website to complete the online application form and select your membership type. New members receive orientation about club facilities and sailing procedures.
What sailing courses do you offer?
We provide RYA-certified courses from beginner level to advanced racing techniques using our fleet of dinghies and catamarans.
Can non-members use your facilities?
Venue hire is available to non-members for events. Boat hire requires temporary membership registration for insurance purposes.
What is your racing calendar?
Our annual schedule includes weekly races, regattas, and special events from Easter to October. Specific dates are published on our website each January.
Do you have youth sailing programs?
Yes, our junior program for ages 7-14 uses Mirror and Optimist dinghies with qualified coaching staff during school terms and holidays.
Where is your club located?
We are located at Station Road, Thurstaston, Wirral CH61 0HN, with direct access to the River Dee sailing waters.
Reviews (4)
Stephen Norbury
Jan 12, 2022
Report
Wonderful panoramic views seeing the dee at it's best with the cocklers hard at work and the birdlife at its finest
Philip Sweeney
Sep 28, 2021
Report
The club seem to have decided that no one should use the road up to the club and have put boulders to stop parking to look at the magnificent views. My wife and have parked here for 50 years and walked along the beach and now that we are no longer able to walk, my wife is disabled we are bared from sitting and enjoying the view. There is one disabled spot and two not labeled but these are always full. The coastline of Britain was supposed to be open to all to enjoy but not for for the disabled.
Gary Jones
Sep 09, 2021
Report
I was assaulted on the beach by three dee sailing club members the main aggressor was none other than will Thompson who was then vice commodore along with his over weight friend and his wife who was using a weapon to hit me over the head and then tried accusing me of arson when the police got involved so I must question this back injuries so be very careful when around the club and one more thing will Thompson vice commodore at the time also stole my chair when I had to run away covered in blood to contact the police so please be aware of some of the unruly and violent people who are affiliated
Mark Schulze
Mar 29, 2021
Report
Great views, pleasant walks, for those who have walking problems, there are benches to rest on. In late spring /early summer wild flower meadows. Very peaceful!
