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About SESCA - Information For Prospective Members
New Members Always Welcome
What is it?
SESCA is a friendly family club for dinghy sailors, canoeists and sailboarders of all ages. It is the only sailing club in West Suffolk.
We sail at Lackford Lake which is 5 miles to the west of Bury St Edmunds on the Mildenhall Road. Sailing is on a flooded gravel pit now converted to an attractive recreational facility alongside a nature reserve and a trout fishing lake. It is on the other side of the River Lark from the West Stow Country Park and Anglo Saxon Village.
When do you sail?
We sail from the last weekend in March to the end of November with organised safety boat cover on Saturdays & Sundays from 10.00 to 18.00. Sailing also takes place at other times under a ‘buddy system’ (i.e. there must be two adult members on site). The rostered safety cover does vary at either end of the season. (See club notice board).
Is it safe?
There is always an element of risk in sailing but our lake is as safe an inland water as you can hope to find. There are two rescue boats – one specifically for a youth sailing group. Sailors must always wear a buoyancy aid on the water.
What is the club like?
The club is located on the south bank of the lake. There is a large grassed dinghy park and ample free car parking. The club house has changing rooms with toilets and showers; a mess room with veranda and kitchen facilities.
Pink gin & yellow wellies?
Definitely not! The club is unpretentious and has no employees, which keeps subscriptions down. However, it does mean that we expect members to give up two or three days during the season to help run the club, and there is a working party on the weekend before Easter. Most members agree that this not only provides an opportunity to become more involved in the operation of the club, but also to meet and chat with other members.
Social events on & off the water.
The club generally runs a DIY barbecue on the first Sunday of the month and several fun sailing events, with bank-side activity, throughout the season – the highlight of the year being Commodores Day. We also have suppers, quiz nights and other social events. Our AGM and prize giving is held in November.
See our programme for the year
What boats do we sail?
We are an RYA Recognised Teaching Establishment offering training to members only. We have established fleets of Lasers, Toppers, British Moths, Vareos, Larks, GP14s and Enterprises, together with a handicap fleet currently including a Mirror, National 12, Comet, Gull and Firefly. We can accept applications for monohull dinghies up to 4.5 metres.
We have a fleet of club boats for hire to club members, including:
2x Wanderers good family boats
GP14 good family boat
Enterprise 2 man dinghy
3x Toppers single handers for children or adults
Pacer family dinghy
Mirror 1-2 man dinghy to learn and/or race
2x Lasers with full rigs for those feeling sporty and with a radial rig for pottering
Sit-on-Kayaks 1 and 2 seater
Members may hire the club boats at daily or half daily rates. Alternatively, members may purchase an annual permit for unlimited individual use. All club boats are available on a first come basis.
Racing
Our racing programme runs from Easter to the end of November on Sundays. See our programme for this year. Varied racing is provided in the form of class, handicap, pursuit and many novelty one off races. We also have a Frostbite Race which is held on Boxing Day with hot punch served afterwards.
Training
The club has a Training Officer and several members who are RYA instructors/coaches. The club is affiliated to the RYA and training can be organised for adults, beginners and children in your own boat; a club boat or a boat belonging to a club member. There is also race training throughout the season.
What about children ?
Within the club there are group members comprising Sea Cadets, Scouts and Young People Afloat. YPA offer weekly meetings and tuition to all levels plus RYA courses in their fleet of Optimists, Toppers and Wanderers.
Can I come and see you ?
Come and visit us on any Sunday during the sailing season. Use this map and directions to find us. When you get there ask for the OOD (Officer of the Day).
Please click here for a map and directions to the Club.
What will it cost ?
We pride ourselves on our modest level of subscriptions, which compare favourably with other clubs offering similar facilities.
(Click for membership fees & to download an application form)
How to join SESCA.
Please email if you require more information or answers to specific questions