We've just heard that Hayling Island are waiving the not inconsiderable entrance fee to new members if recommended by existing members, but only until the end of February.  We often hear objections that it's the cost of the entry fee that puts people off, so if you've been thinking of joining then now is the time to do it!  We've been trying to build up a Merlin fleet at Hayling over the last couple of years and we now have Merlins. The waters of Chichester Harbour give absolutely fab sailing for Merlins, and we also sometimes go out into the bay.  We love it, so come and join us - let me, GGGGGGGG (measurement man) or Emma Flight know and we'd be happy to point you in the right direction (sorry, Em - havn't spoken to you about this but I know you won't mind!).  You can get to any of us through the committee page on this site under trophies, rules or advertising.
DON'T DELAY - join today!
PS  Any of you Shoreham guys want to come and join in the fun here?  I seem to remember a drunken conversation with you about it at the Champs, Willy Warren!!!

PS, that's 5 Merlins we have at Hayling already

how much is a yearly sub for a couple there then? and how much was the joining fee?

Family = �521.10 & �521.10, (plus 3 duties (each?), or an extra �300 (each?)if you miss them) probably the most expensive sailing club in the country. (It makes QM look cheap at Family = �349, no joining fee, no duties)


I guess you get what you pay for, and it must be value for money as there is no shortgage of sailing clubs in the area, that are less expensive.

It is all on their web site.

It is probably the best club in the country which is why it is well attended. We have great facilities and a choice of sailing areas.  But like any expense, you have to use it to justify it.  I could see a Silver Tiller traveller (who must pay a fortune in travelling, along with membership of a cheap club they rarely attend) having difficulty justifying it. HISC would suit the occasional traveller who wants a regular home base.  

The duty is just three days and no problem to fit in.  I actually quite enjoy doing it,which is why i've applied to be on duty for the MR open!

I hope that helps put it in perspective - quite expensive, but worth it if you use it.

Mark

How does that compare with Parkstone - I couldn't find their fees when I looked recently??

To join a club because it’s cheap or not to because it is expensive is probably not a good idea. There are so many added costs. Travel to and fro is an obvious thing. Where do you live? How far is it?
No matter how cheap and expensive how much time do you spend and fuel do you use queuing to get on and off Hayling Island in the summer or circumnavigating Bournemouth and the complex road structures of Dorset/Hampshire. Other factors such as the surrounding ambience is another factor would you really want to, or be able to relax especially with young children in a club that has a perceived need to be protected by security guards?
Both HISC and PSC are excellent clubs with good youth programmes as well as class racing  so they give great added value but both will be on the high side of expensive because they employ professional staff. There are links to both on this web site.

I move to Hayling Island on the 23 Jan and have just joined HISC, without the joining fee!Thanks Graham and Jude I owe you a beer, the house is finally sorted! 
 After spending the last 15 years trailing two daughters around the country and overseas San Frasico, France, Germany, Spain,Italy, Sweden to mention a few as they sailed Oppies , Topperes and 29ers and with a peak car mileage of 40,000mile a year cycling to the club will be a pleasure particuarly taking part in fed week for less than £40! Not to mention the great windsurfing. As Mark says its all about use!

Any visiting Merlin or Tasar sailors, particuarly those we know from Whitstable, will be given a warm welcome and a bed, just give me a call. If we are full there is plenty of camping spaces! 

Rod

I can cycle to my club and it costs me 1/5th of the Hayling annual fee.

Admittedly the sailing water is a little smaller

Hi club sailor. You make interesting points but I've never seen a security guard at HISC!  Kids are very safe with parents mixing and sharing lookouts. The beach on the north western side (the far side of the jetty) is very popular with messing about in small dinghies and windsurfing. Most of the time the tide is quite slack and hence safe for the kids, while under supervision.  I hope that was the only concern with child safety! No dirty macs down at HISC!

Hi Rod - glad to hear you're in - we look forward to that beer!
Hi Andrew - much as we love Hampton, the friendliness of all of you guys, and enjoy coming to sail with you on the odd occassion, the sailing has to be 5 times better (maybe more!) at Hayling ;-) That's certainly why we're there!
Hi Club sailor - I think you'll find it's Parkstone that has the scurity guard although they also have great sailing and a thriving Merlin fleet.  Either way, the way to overcome queues on and off the island is to pick your time - all the more reason to enjoy a beer after sailing, in the sunshine on the verandah, and enjoy the company and the view!

It's funny how things are "perceived".  We have a gateman on for the winter series on a Sunday only because with 100 adult dinghies, 50 youth dinghies, 30 yachts with an average crew of 5 and attached families for all, all sailing on a Sunday morning, and other members who just want a Sunday lunch, the car park can't cope so we have to control it.  How many clubs have the problem of too many people using them?

As to value: I used to sail here 6 days a week (before family) and then retire to the bar, which is open every night.  If you only use a club once a month it's expensive, if you join in the lifestyle it's a bargain.  It's not a perfect club, you can't please all of..., but if I'm not at home you'll know where to find me.

But if your nearest club is on a little river or reservoir and not very suitable then you have to travel for any decent sailing or even camp at the club for weekends. So what does Parkstone cost? It's an option as is Weymouth area and possibly even Southampton area or Bristol Corinthian or Chew Valley.

All depends where you live, the road network etc., I'd avoid the M27 and The New Forest like the plague if I could. But you really can't can you.

PYC Subs are �266 Full + �67 partner + �50 per child, +�190 to race a MR and keep it at the club, with a couple of ABs you start gulping! Add a a decent insurance company bill - kids, cats and dogs - who'd 'ave 'em!

Forfar - £65 single - no joining fee,  £100 p.a. for a couple, No boat parking fees, no fenced in compound - not needed as no vandalism.  Friendly but small club. Racing 3 times per week. Two races Sunday.  2 Race Officer duties per year.  Great value.  Downside is I have to travel 100 miles round trip (but very little traffic on Sunday so just over the hour each way but I share with someone so it's easily affordable.

And only 8hr 35 minutes each way from my house, according to the AA route planner :-)