Get Sailing
What we offer and what to expect
Sailors
We have use of the Aquativity Centre which offers disabled accessible toilets and seating with disabled parking close by.
Once you arrive, please book in with reception, to let them know that you are here.
Our reception team will take payment and if required will give you a receipt. It is important that you give any information to reception (even if you have told them on a previous visit or spoken to another TLS volunteer). Information can include:
❖ Any medical conditions that are relevant
❖ If the Safety Boat needs to go out
❖ Do you require a hoist/any other assistance?
❖ Carer’s name (if applicable)
❖ Any time restraints (eg taxi pick up etc)
❖ If you are new to sailing or are nervous
Once you have booked in, please put a buoyancy jacket on (if you need assistance please let us know). On a dry day these are kept outside and on damp days we keep them in the boat house. If you are unsure where they are or if you want help on how to put on, please ask one of our volunteers. We would recommend that you keep your buoyancy jacket on and it is always required when you are on the pontoon.
If you require a sling/hoist, Reception may advise to start putting it on so that you are ready to sail once a dinghy becomes available. We would strongly recommend that sun tan lotion is applied and a sun cap worn. If it is windy you may need gloves and a warm hat as it can be cold on the pontoon and out on the lake.
Refreshments are available included in the price of the sail. They can be found in the boathouse and are operated on a do-it-yourself basis. Please let one of our volunteers know if you need assistance.
Once a dinghy is available a TLS volunteer will advise you. If you are on your own one of our volunteers will bring you down to the pontoon. If you have a carer they will need to go down with you.
Please tell your skipper any relevant information they should know (e.g. do you have any communication issues, are you a new sailor etc). If you have a carer once you have left the pontoon, they will make their way back to the front of the boathouse and wait for you to return. Once you have finished sailing and are due back a TLS volunteer will ask your carer to go down to the pontoon to collect you. Please remove your buoyancy jacket and hang back up on the rail/return it to a TLS Volunteer.
You are more than welcome to stay and watch other sailors, eat any food or drink you have. When you are ready to leave, please let reception know that you are going. Thank you for coming to sail with us. We hope that you had an enriching experience.
Please note that TLS cannot guarantee that you will sail as soon as you arrive. TLS do operate on a first come first sail
Sometimes due to time restrictions (eg. trying to get sailors through in time to leave for transport), so that we do not disappoint people, we will reduce sailing time.
Your First Visit
What support you can expect from us and what do you need to bring?
Before you visit, we would strongly advise that anyone visiting wrap up warm, even if the sun is shining. The weather conditions can be deceptive and the lake can be cold. We strongly recommend that you put sunscreen on and wear a hat. We advise that whoever is going on the water has a spare change of clothing, as a precaution. For example, sometimes the boat seat can get splashed resulting in a soggy bottom
You don’t have to go on the water the first time
Find your way around the facilities, talk to other sailors and volunteers or just watch to see how it all works. There is always plenty of support to show you the ropes both ashore and on the water.
The support you need
You know yourself better than anyone. To get the most out of the experience takes an open conversation about what sailing involves, your aspirations and concerns, and any needs specific needs you have.
Bring the right clothes and equipment
Being on the water brings great freedom, but you are on the water! That means you may get wet from the spray or rain so be prepared.
Things to bring...
Footwear you don't mind getting wet
Clothes that allow a bit of movement and keep you warm
A spare change of clothes for once you are off the water
We have waterproof jackets and / or trousers you can borrow.
We provide lifejackets or buoyancy aids.
Think about food and drink
Sailing is active and, with all the fresh air, can be a real workout, so what food and drink might you need before or after the session to keep your energy levels up? Ask if the venue has food and drink on site or bring your own.
It is always your choice
Sailing depends on the weather - it can be very windy or a flat calm. There will be a responsible person who will make the decision whether conditions are right for sailing. But it is always your choice whether you go afloat.
Go at your pace
Learning something new is exciting! But try to progress too fast and you could end up frustrated and not enjoying your sailing. To realise your ambitions and develop a lifetime passion for sailing, take things a step at a time and stay safe.
Know your limits and share them
So many factors determine what you can enjoy safely on any given day. Be aware of your limits and make sure everyone supporting you is working within them.
Carers
Once you arrive, please book in with reception, to let them know that you are here and how many are in your group, including non-sailors. They will take payment(s) and if required give receipt(s). It is important that you give any information to reception (even if you have told them on a previous visit or spoken to another TLS volunteer). Information including:
❖ Any medical conditions that are relevant
❖ If the Safety Boat needs to go out with your client
❖ Does your client require a hoist/any other assistance
❖ Carer’s name
❖ Any time restraints (eg taxi pick up etc)
❖ If your client is a new to sailing
Once you have booked in, please put a buoyancy jacket on both you and your client(s). On a dry day these are kept outside and on damp days we keep them in the boat house. If you are unsure where they are or if you want help on how to put on, please ask reception. We would recommend that you keep your buoyancy jacket on. Your buoyancy jacket is always required when you are on the pontoon.
If your client(s) require a sling/hoist, please start putting it on so that they are ready to sail once a dinghy becomes available. On busy days you may have to wait for a sling to become available. We would strongly recommend that sun tan lotion is applied and a sun cap worn. If it is windy the sailor may need gloves and a warm hat as it can be cold on the pontoon and out on the lake.
Refreshments are available for both clients and carers included in the price of the sail. They can be found in the boathouse and are operated on a do-it-yourself basis.
Once a dinghy is available a TLS volunteer will advise you. Please take the sailor down to the pontoon.
Please tell your skipper any relevant information about your client – (e.g. does your client have any communication issues, is your client a new sailor etc). Once your client has left the pontoon, please make your way back to the front of the boathouse.
Once your client has finished sailing and is due back to the a TLS volunteer will ask you to go downto the pontoon to collect them. Please ensure you have your buoyancy jacket on. Once your client is out of the boat, please escort them back to the front of the boathouse. Please remove your buoyancy jackets and hang back up on the rail. If your client has used a sling please hand it back to reception.
When you are ready to leave, please let reception know that you are going. Thank you for bringing your client to sail with us. We hope that they had an enriching experience.
Please note that TLS cannot guarantee that you will sail when you arrive. TLS do operate on a first come first sail.
Sometimes due to time restrictions (eg. trying to get sailors through in time to leave for transport), so that we do not disappoint people, we will reduce sailing time.
Types of Boat
At Testwood Lakes Sailability we use a range of small dinghies
Our fleet is mostly Hansa 303 dinghies. These have a heavy centreboard that provides extra stability for people who may lack the mobility to move around the boat easily. They are simple to rig and great for beginners to learn to sail. If you want to progress you can use these boats. We have the RYA Sailability programme that you can follow, if you wish. They can be sailed by both disabled and non-disabled sailors.