Introduction
SESCA is a friendly, family Club for dinghy sailors, canoeists, kayakers and standup paddleboarders of all ages. It is the only sailing Club in West Suffolk.
We are based at Lackford Lake which is 5 miles to the north-west of Bury St Edmunds, off the Mildenhall Road. Detailed directions to the Lake can be found here.
Sailing and paddling is on a flooded gravel pit which has been converted to an attractive recreational facility alongside a nature reserve and a trout fishing lake. The lake is on the south side of the River Lark, opposite the West Stow Country Park and Anglo Saxon Village. The history of the Club can be discovered here.
We run on-the-water activities 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 and paddling can also take place at other times under a ‘buddy system’ (i.e. there must be 2 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 with on-the-water activities but our lake is as safe an inland water as you can hope to find. There are two rescue boats. Members must always wear a buoyancy aid when on the water and pontoons.
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 clubhouse has changing rooms with toilets and showers. There is also a mess room with veranda and kitchen facilities.
Pink gin & yellow wellies?
Definitely not! The Club is unpretentious and has no employees, which keeps subscription fees down. However, it does mean that we expect members to give up two or three days during the season as volunteers to help run the club.
There is also a working party held on the weekend before Easter, and another at the end of the season to ensure that the club is adequately maintained.
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 organises a number of social events throughout the season for Members, including lunchtime BBQs and other catered events. Our prize giving is on the last racing day of the year in November, with the AGM held shortly after in December.
More details are included in the Annual Programme
What will it cost?
We pride ourselves on our modest level of subscriptions, which compare favourably with other clubs offering similar facilities.
How do I join?
We encourage every prospective member to visit the Club before joining and to read this document that sets out the basic principles of what it means to be a SESCA Member: SESCA Membership
Come and visit us on any Saturday or Sunday during the sailing season. Directions to find the Club are on this page. When you get to the Club, ask for the OOD (Officer of the Day).
Alternatively, please send us an email if you wish to make a specific appointment to visit the Club and meet one of the Committee members.
If you have decided that you wish to join SESCA, then the whole process can be managed using our online membership application system.
Please click here to access our Membership application system.
What have we forgotten to tell you?
Please email us if you require more information or answers to specific questions.