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Dartmouth Yacht Club
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Dartmouth Yacht Club
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Dartmouth Yacht Club
There are several new ways to get afloat this year thanks to the Dartmouth Yacht Club.
They include:
• A fleet of 11 sit on top kayaks (7 singles, 4 doubles)
• A fleet of 6 Topper sailing dinghies
• A 16 foot motor boat with 20hp outboard
Joining the club is easy and members have use of all these craft, although the amount of knowledge required for each type varies. For the sit on tops very little experience is necessary and a short induction is all that is needed. They are suitable for all ages and parents can take young children out very easily sitting them in the front of a double kayak.
To use the motor boat you will either need to demonstrate suitable experience or hold an RYA PB2 qualification, which can be taken via the club. For the toppers, some sailing experience is necessary along with parental supervision but the club runs regular Junior Sailing sessions on Sunday mornings and RYA courses throughout the summer.
Once you are a member there is no additional charge for using the kayaks or the toppers but a donation of £10 is expected for using the motor boat and you have to provide your own petrol. You can become a full member of the club (necessary to use the dinghies and motor boat) or just join the canoe section of the club at a lower cost.
Membership rates for 2014 are:
Full single adult - £ 112
Canoe only single - £ 57
Full family - £ 173
Canoe only family - £ 88
The club gives local families, couples and adults a choice of ways to get afloat without having to own, store and transport their own boats. However, you don’t need to be a local. If you have a second home here or come here often to stay with a relative or friend then you can join the club and use the club boats while you are here. If you are within walking distance you can get afloat without using your car which saves parking hassle.
The canoe section of the club also does taster sessions for non-members for £15 per person where an instructor takes you out on the river using the club’s sit in kayaks and sea kayaks.
First Published By The Dart July 2014