KUSC - Kingston University Sailing Club

So why should I join KUSC?

We are an up and coming club, which can cater for both beginners through to advanced sailors. We sail both on the river Thames and at Island Barn Reservior Sailing Club. This allows us to make the best use of different sailing environments, for our different types of members. Click here for more information on our sailing.

History & Membership

Kingston University SC is a long and well established club. However, it fell apart a bit about 5 years ago, when the committee at the time chose to move venues. Over the past two years we have been re-building the club and purchasing new boats. We now have over 50 members signed up, but are always looking for more. So if you would like to join, please get in contact with Kris

What do you sail?

We sail a number of different boats, including the International 420. We now have four of our own boats and participate in regular club racing. We also take part in national events. Other boats that we have access to are Laser Picos, a Sport 16, and various club boats such as Enterprises, which can be hired from Island barn SC.

What Do You Offer For Experienced Sailors?

For our more experienced sailors, we race regularly at Island Barn SC. This is a 122 acre reservoir, so it provides excellent sailing conditions. Our 420's and our Laser 2 are stored here as they offer a superb winter series racing programme, and in the summer there is the opportunity to race up to 4 times a week!!

We take part in many competitive events including the student fleet racing nationals. We are looking to start team racing on a regular basis, so if you are interested please Email Us. We hope to take part in many BUSA events in 2004/2005, as they are always a good laugh both on and off the water!

I've never been sailing before, what can you offer me?

If you have never sailed before, don't worry as KUSC runs beginner sailing sessions at Albany Park SC. Albany is a small sailing centre just north of Kingston. It offers sheltered sailing conditions for those who want to learn in closely controlled environment. It is also easy to get to as it's so close to University. Our sailing sessions are run here on Wednesday afternoons, starting at 2pm.

What do I wear sailing?

Obviously when you go sailing you are likely to get wet, so please bring clothes where this does not matter.

Beginners

Our beginner sailing is held on the river, so the use of a wetsuit is not required. We will provide buoyancy aids and spray tops, but you will need to bring the following:

• A change of clothes which you don't mind getting wet. Preferably not jeans
• Wet shoes.
• Towel

Intermediate/advance sailing at Island Barn

At Island Barn we sail our 420's which are fairly fast. You are therefore more likely to get wet from spay and capsizing when its windy. As this is for the more advanced sailors most people have their own sailing gear (wetsuits/spray tops, boots, etc). In fact from November through to May wearing a wet/dry suit is a club rule. Naturally we will provide buoyancy aids for anyone needing them and we do have a trade account with Gul, so anyone wishing to buy some gear can get a big discount.

If you would like to discuss any of the above, or have any further questions please contact Kris

What About Going Out & Having A Laugh?

There are regular socials organised every week offering many forms of entertaiment and a chance to meet your fellow sailors. Recently we have been regulars at Oceana and the Works (nightclubs in kingston town) and also eating out at one of the many resturants along the riverside. Whether or not you have been sailing this week please feel free to come and meet the Officers of the club and your fellow club members. Any suggestions for other places to go out are always welcome! Plans for future socials include day trips to varius places (some including sailing!). see our Social Calendar watch this space for big plans for christmas