west london sailing club recommendation?

A bit late to the game here but I am currently a member at London Corinthian.  I've been a member at a few other clubs before but found Corinthian particularly friendly when I first went there.  Dinghy sailing is on the Thames, times change every week due to the tides.  There is a decent Laser fleet and also racing in Enterprises and RS Visions.   To be honest the wind isn't that clean a lot of the time, but combined with the tide it gives a decent challenge for anyone (the Rooster 8.1 nationals were there last time out).

Hi, this thread has been very usefull to me!

Littleton? Near the M3 rather than the M4, but it might meet the balance of club friendly / size for the competition / different type of water than just a concrete bowl.

many thanks for all your replies - makes the decision making a lot easier to have a bit of informed opinion as well.

I'll definitely take a look at Burghfield (even though it's a bit far) and Queen Mary and Island Barn too. I'm not in a big hurry to join up, so I'll take my time choosing.

Thanks again.

I've been a member at both Queen Mary and Datchet over the years.  Both memberships were over 3 years, so I had a good stint to see what they were like.

Firstly, they are exceptionally well run clubs with very good committees and facilities.  Great sized sailing area and on a good day you can be really spoiled.

However, my only problem was that they were big and had lost the 'club' feel - they felt a bit more like 'sports-centres' or businesses in my opinion.  I also found a lot of the membership used the place as storage while they toured their boats in traveling series.  This impacted club turnouts in some classes.

I also sail a cat and both lakes have a cat fleet in decline, although I hear that Datchet are doing well to re-invigorate it.  Another issue for me was water level - Thames Water are a nightmare and Datchet has been hit the worst with dropping water levels.  That said the club have made huge investment in winches and mobile pontoons to aid members.

My money would be on heading to Burgfield or to the south coast.  I have heard great things and about Burgfield and if I sailed a dingy (they dont allow cats), I'd be there straight away.  Well worth the extra 20mins drive in my opinion.

I'd visit them all and get a taster from yourself.  You will meet enthusiastic members at all of them - so get enough information to make your choice.