Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Cheshire's Premier Sailing Club for All Ages
Winsford Flash Sailing Club has been a cornerstone of Cheshire's watersports community for 90 years, offering sailing, paddle boarding, and water-based activities in a welcoming family environment. Established in 1935, our club operates from a modern two-storey facility on a 90-acre lake fed by the River Weaver, providing access to both tranquil waters and challenging river navigation. We deliver Royal Yachting Association (RYA) accredited sailing and powerboat courses for all ages, combining technical instruction with safety-focused practices. Our weekly racing events, social sailing days, and impromptu gatherings create opportunities for skill development and community engagement.With a volunteer instructor team comprising DBS-checked RYA-certified professionals, we offer taster sessions, equipment hire, and structured training pathways from beginner to competitive levels. The club's commitment to accessibility ensures members can use our fleet of dinghies and paddleboards for a nominal maintenance fee, while our junior development programme nurtures future sailors through progressive RYA qualifications.
Services
Sailing Lessons
Paddle Boarding
Junior Training
Adult Training
Powerboat Courses
Racing Events
Social Sailing
RYA Certification
Boat Hire
Competitive Racing
Details
- Year established: 1935
Highlights and features
- 90-year heritage with modern RYA-certified training facilities
- Experienced volunteer instructors with safeguarding qualifications
- Progressive training pathways from beginner to competitive racing
- Access to 90 acres of diverse water environments
- Family-friendly community with social and competitive events
Associations and certifications
- Royal Yachting Association (RYA)
What people say
Expert instructors
Family-friendly
Excellent facilities
Progressive training
Vibrant community
Services
Sailing Lessons
Structured RYA-certified sailing tuition for all ages from beginner to competitive levels. Professional instructors deliver progressive training through stage-based programmes with taster sessions available. Participants develop core sailing skills while learning safety protocols and navigation techniques in a supportive environment.
Junior Training
Comprehensive youth development programme with DBS-checked instructors delivering RYA qualifications. Training includes stage-based progression from basic boat handling to advanced racing skills, with equipment hire and racing opportunities culminating in annual regattas for young sailors.
Powerboat Courses
RYA Powerboat Level 1 & 2 courses covering safety procedures, boat handling, and navigation. Two-day intensive training includes practical exercises in various boat types, collision regulations, and emergency manoeuvres for inland water operations with certified instructor guidance.
Competitive Racing
Regular racing events including weekly club races, seasonal series, and special regattas. Participants compete across multiple fleet classes with rescue cover provided, while dedicated racing rules training helps newcomers understand competitive sailing protocols.
Social Sailing
Informal sailing opportunities for members to explore 90 acres of lake and river navigation. Social days include non-competitive sailing experiences, boat try-outs, and spontaneous gatherings with safety support and instructor assistance available.
People
Steve Bellamy
Centre Principal
With 30 years sailing experience, Steve became RYA Senior Instructor in 2012. He owns a Streaker dinghy and competes nationally, bringing extensive racing expertise to our training programmes.
Ian Foulkes
Senior Instructor
RYA Dinghy and Powerboat Instructor with 20 years club experience. Former national GP14 competitor now training the next generation through our junior development programme.
Victoria Skelding
Junior Section Officer
Secondary school teacher with lifelong sailing experience, specialising in youth development. Oversees our progressive junior training from beginner stages to competitive racing preparation.
Nigel Miller
Senior Instructor
Experienced RYA-certified instructor with dual expertise in dinghy sailing and powerboat handling, contributing to both adult and youth training programmes at the club.
Jonathan Latham
Instructor
Laser dinghy specialist with 35 years club membership. Combines racing experience with training responsibilities, mentoring sailors from basic skills to competitive levels.
Questions
What sailing qualifications can I obtain at Winsford Flash?
We offer Royal Yachting Association (RYA) certifications through structured training pathways for both juniors and adults, from beginner to competitive levels.
Are there sailing opportunities for complete beginners?
Yes, we provide taster sessions and stage-based training starting from age 8, with equipment hire available for new sailors to develop skills under instructor supervision.
What water sports equipment is available to members?
Members have access to sailing dinghies, paddleboards, and powerboats for a small maintenance fee, with safety equipment provided during training sessions.
How does the junior sailing programme operate?
Our junior section offers progressive RYA training from age 8, with Saturday stage sessions, Friday night advanced training, and racing opportunities culminating in an annual regatta.
What social sailing events are available?
We host weekly racing events, social sailing days with rescue cover, impromptu barbecues, and special regattas throughout the sailing season.
Reviews (4)
Pete Chambers
Oct 20, 2021
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Brilliant venue, friendly great setting lovely clubhouse. The club is ran by its members and it is very well run.
90 years of sailing there so they be doin something right. Come down and sample it for yourself
90 years of sailing there so they be doin something right. Come down and sample it for yourself
Lesley Goodden
Oct 01, 2021
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Incredible friendly, kids have had a brilliant summer learning to sail. Fantastic value, great facilities.
Kim Pickering
Oct 25, 2019
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Fantastic place for family and or individuals. Learn the sport from scratch with the on site sailing school. Or just jump in a boat and give it a go.
Kate C.
Jan 26, 2019
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One of my friends is a member here and organised for a group of us to visit for the day. We had an absolutely fantastic day. Everyone was really friendly and chatty. And those that went out sailing said they had an absolutely fantastic time. The club also served homemade tea and cake that day which was delicious!
