How can you help at Shotwick Lake Sailing?

Shotwick Lake is a volunteer run club which is run by it’s members for it’s members, everyone is encouraged to join in and help out as much as possible.
As such, we rely on volunteers to keep the club running smoothly and are keen to encourage members to help out with trainingwork parties, race duties, galley, committee roles, etc. We ask members to contribute approximately 20 hours each year towards keeping the club running.

Volunteering is a great way to meet other members and make friends as well as being a fun way to improve your own skills and it looks great on your CV too.

Please consider how you can support the club. 


Training:  

We are an RYA recognised training centre and it is important that we continue to provide training at the club for several reasons, not least because:

  • A significant proportion of new members each year come through the training programme. (eg. juniors, adult dinghy sailing and windsurfing.)
  • The safety boat helms are all qualified and attend regular refresher training courses.

All of our training is run by some keen volunteers. The satisfaction of seeing someone else enjoying the sport you love makes volunteering incredibly rewarding.

Would you like to encourage people to learn to sail?

You do not need to be an expert to help out.

View the Q&A at the bottom of this page, or email: training@shotwicksailing.org


Work Parties: 

We are very proud of our club and take great care in its appearance.

We publish around six work party dates each season, usually on Saturdays prior to upcoming events. Check the 2019 work party dates here.

These days are vitally important to maintain the club to the standard we currently do. Everything from painting to lawn mowing, digging to maintaining and repairing club equipment, etc.

“Many hands make light work.”

If you can help out, please do. If you have any specific skills or suggestions then please get in touch. (contact us)


Race Duties: 

Members are expected to help out with organising the dinghy racing on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings.

Members can choose their own duty dates and can arrange swaps online when necessary.

Experienced sailors and racers are encouraged to undertake Race Officer duties and less experienced members are asked to volunteer for assistant duties to provide a valuable second pair of hands. These duties can be good fun and are a great way to get to know other members.

You can view the duty rota here: DutyMan

Here are some helpful video guides for race officers.

Here are some helpful video guides for Safety Boat Helm and Crew.


Galley:  

At lunch times between Sunday racing we offer a basic galley service with hot & cold snacks and drinks.

The galley volunteers are highly regarded and provide a superb service with a five star food hygiene rating.

If you would be interested in helping out with the galley service then come and enjoy the social banter for a couple of hours on a Sunday.


Committee: 

Shotwick Lake Sailing have a small group of committee members who meet 10 times a year to discuss the smooth running of the club. (ie, drink tea and eat biscuits!)

The committee are always looking for help and support, so if you would like to find out more about what is involved then please ask a committee member. (Meet your committee)


Q & A

I want to help with training at the club do I need any qualifications?

No qualifications are required initially just a willingness to learn and help. There is an opportunity to gain new skills and qualifications in areas such as Dinghy Sailing, First Aid, Powerboat Helm and as you develop further instructor qualifications if you wish.

How much time do I need to volunteer?

The time committed by one volunteer means that the commitment by other can be reduced or we can offer more, so every hour makes a difference. We also accept that personal commitments change year to year, as a club we are investing in the long term.

Who do I contact?

Speak to any member involved in training or any committee member they will put you in touch with the right person who can tell you more. Email training@shotwicksailing.org


You can read the Shotwick Lake Sailing Volunteering Policy here.