Royal Navy Sailing Centre (Portsmouth)

In 1963 the then Portsmouth Command Sailing Centre took delivery of the first newly designed Mark II Bosun dingy, a follow on after the Mark I which was first built in 1961, this proved to be the start of a constantly growing water sports centre for naval personnel with both the sailing and power boating fleet growing to today’s numbers of over 100 vessels. In 1996 the Royal Navy Sailing Centres old Portacabin club house was replaced with an up to date building boasting excellent changing and classroom facilities as well as doubling up to provide a wonderful function room and BBQ area.
 

With the ever changing needs of the Services the RNSC provides 5 main functions:
 

  • Challenging Activities, (AT) dinghy and kayak facilities for full time RN Service Personnel.
  • Provided afloat facilities and support for visiting units of the Combined Cadet Forces, Sea Cadets, and Sea Scouts.
  • Provide recreational dinghy sailing facilities for Service Personnel and their Dependants, visiting RN and RFA ships, Visiting Foreign Service Personnel, Mod(N)
  • Support both the Central and Portsmouth Branch of the Royal Navy Sailing Association and local establishments in providing dinghies and safety craft for dinghy racing, regattas and departmental activities.
  • As a Recognised Training Centre (RTC) it provides mainly dinghy and limited powerboat training to support dinghy sailing, to Royal Yachting Association standards.

    In addition the Centre provides recreational and training support, both on the water and ashore for Army and Royal Air Force sailing associations. Spare capacity is made available to local Mod(N) personnel, long term contractors i.e. VT Flagship, Emergency Services and Local Authorities including facilities for disabled sailing.