Get racing at Draycote

DWSC Get Racing © Draycote Water Sailing Club

This Summer Draycote Water Sailing Club launches two new initiatives to get more people racing to a better standard – one for the new sailor who wants to get into racing for the first time and one for the more established club racer who wants to improve their performance.

Novice & Junior Get Racing

On the first Sunday of every month (May to September), there will be special starts for the first & second races on Sunday for this group so that they can be involved in the main Club racing, but without being part of some of the highly competitive nature of the racing in some fleets.

There will be a briefing before going on the water on what to do and what to expect. During the race there will be a coach boat providing help and instruction, and then debrief them afterwards.

Elizabeth Fillmore, who is running this initiative, said: "We want to help everyone to get more out of their membership of the Club, and one way to do that is to participate more. But the race course can be a scary place for the novice, so this scheme provides a relaxed environment to learn."

Water Manager, Dave Rowe added: "We also have lots of Juniors who can't race regularly on a Sunday – this will provide a focus for them to know that one Sunday each month, there will be racing laid on especially for them and their friends".

As part of the initiative, the Club boats are available free of charge to anyone who wants to take part in Get Racing.

Club Professional Coach

Along similar lines to the Golf Club Pro, Steve Irish, Club member, RYA Olympic Development Coach and multiple national champion is now offering his coaching services through the Club to Club members.

This can take the form of one-to-one sessions, or for up to 10 people from a fleet. The Laser Fleet has already booked Steve for a day's training on 7th June.

Will Whittaker, Rear Commodore Sail said: "We offer an excellent introduction to sailing through our beginners' courses, and the Novice & Junior Get Racing will allow people to graduate from that to Club Racing, but we haven't had a way to help the Club racer improve until now. Having a professional coach at the Club is a great opportunity for club racers to raise their game."

As a taster for what Steve can offer, he is giving a talk at the Club on Friday 10th May on Racing Tactics. This is free to members and will start at 7.30pm.

For more information on either of these initiatives, please talk to the Water Manager, Dave Rowe, on 01788 814418 or