Sailing at The Poole Yacht Club is supported by a wide variety of active fleets, bringing together sailors with different interests, experience levels, and types of boats. From high-performance dinghies and classic keelboats to relaxed cruising and social sailing, our fleets form the heart of the club’s sailing community.
Members can take part in competitive racing, training, cruising, or simply enjoy time on the water with fellow sailors. Whether you are an experienced racer or new to sailing, there is a fleet and community ready to welcome you.
The club has a vibrant dinghy racing scene with several established classes regularly taking part in club races and events. These include Ospreys, Lasers, GP14s, Hobie 16s, and Yachting World Day Boats, alongside other dinghies racing within handicap fleets.
Dinghy racing is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for sailors of all levels. Some members compete seriously, while others simply enjoy improving their skills and sailing with friends on the water. Racing typically takes place throughout the main sailing season, with regular weekly races and winter series events.
GP14 – A versatile two-person dinghy suitable for beginners through to competitive racing.
Laser – A popular single-handed racing dinghy sailed worldwide.
Osprey – A fast performance dinghy known for exciting racing.
Hobie 16 – A high-speed catamaran offering thrilling sailing.
Mirror – A great double-handed dinghy for learning and youth sailing.
Topper – A popular youth training and racing boat.
Scow and R19 – Local and traditional classes that continue to be actively sailed at the club.
For boats that do not belong to a specific fleet, racing takes place within handicap classes, ensuring that sailors with different boats can compete fairly.
The cruiser fleet brings together sailors who enjoy racing and cruising in larger yachts within Poole Harbour and along the Dorset coast.
Cruiser racing provides an excellent balance between competition and seamanship, with races typically held during the summer evenings and through winter series events. Many cruiser sailors also participate in longer passage races and inter-club competitions around the region.
The cruiser community is particularly social and supportive, with crews often made up of members with varied experience levels.
Poole Yacht Club is proud to maintain a fleet of classic and traditional sailing boats, celebrating the heritage of sailing in Poole Harbour.
These boats represent a wide variety of traditional designs and are often seen participating in club events, cruising activities, and special regattas.
Not all sailing at the club is about racing. Social sailing sessions provide a relaxed way for members to enjoy time on the water without the pressure of competition.
These sessions often include short harbour sails followed by social gatherings at the club, such as barbecues or drinks at the clubhouse.
Social sailing is an ideal opportunity for members who want to sail casually, meet other sailors, or gain confidence on the water.
Our fleets are supported by Class Captains and volunteer sailors who help organise racing, encourage participation, and welcome new members into the club.
Together they create a friendly, inclusive sailing environment where members can:
race competitively
learn new skills
crew for other sailors
enjoy cruising and social sailing
Whether you prefer fast dinghy racing, cruising along the coast, or relaxed harbour sailing, Poole Yacht Club offers a fleet and community for every sailor.