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.
     

News Update:
 

24-08-2012

We have the Bosun Open Fast approaching 15th – 16th of September, this is an individual race carried out in Bosun Dinghies over two days normally around 6/8 races with 1 discard the prize giving is on the Sunday and there is trophies for first place over all (Bosun Open Cup) and first female helm (The English Rose, cancelled from 25th Aug). The comp is great fun with a huge range of abilities I believe entries cost around £25 per boat and it is well worth the effort. Currently we have 15 entered. Application forms are available from either RNSC or the organisers contact Liz Philips [email protected].

This comp was originally called the Sea Cadet Bosun Open and raced at the Welsh Harp in London, after many years of travelling up and taking part the RNSC offered the organisers the chance to hold the race at the centre here, it is the one race where civilians, All cadets, service personnel, RNSA and MOD employees infact anyone can enter and take part in a friendly but highly contested race at the centre, in the past we have fielded up to 45 Bosuns including many privately owned boats brought in by racers.

Please check your calendars and try to make space for this event.

23-08-2012

We are now holding the Fleet Commanders Cup 19th Sept instead of the previous date of 5th it will be held along with the Ken Worsingham Cup. This to give people a chance to get back to work. This race is for any sailor with access to the centre and is a handicap race meaning any sailing boat with a Portsmouth yardstick, you may enter your own boat but must book this in with myself so we can organize entry to Whale island. If you wish to book one of the centres boats please contact me asap. First come first serve on all vessels.

Please also be aware the Riach Cup is to be held on the 29th of Sept 1030am, this is for newly qualified Level II sailors since Sept 2011, please take the time to offer your services if you are a competent racer to crew for these guys, lets give the new comers the benefit of your experience. If you are competing please ensure you contact me asap to book a boat.