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On-site parking is available on both sides of the access track. Accessible parking spaces are located near the pedestrian gate under the Wigan and St Helens Sailing Club sign.

Wigan and St Helens Sailing Club is located at Rushdene, Poolstock, Wigan WN3 5HJ (see map). Rushdene is directly across from the Tippings Arms pub and a car dealership. Simply drive through the gate at the end of the street, and the club is the first set of buildings on the left. View Location on Google Maps

Please aim to arrive at least 15–20 minutes before the session starts. This will give you time to sign in and get changed.

WiSH is a private member only sailing club. Scotman’s Flash activity Centre is a commercial water sports activity centre run by Wigan Council.

First Night: Upon arrival, park up and instructors will be outside to guide you to the appropriate location for your course. The first evening includes an introductory session to familiarize you with the club and meet others. Details of this session will be provided in advance. Subsequent Sessions: Please check in with the person responsible for registration. Afterward, you may be directed to your instructor or later in the course asked to begin preparing your boat - learning to set up and put away equipment is all part of the course.

Comfortable clothing such as shorts and a T-shirt for warmer weather or track pants and a jumper for cooler conditions. Waterproofs are also helpful if you have them. A change of clothes and footwear that can get wet, old trainers or sturdy water shoes work well but make sure they offer some toe protection. A towel. A water bottle and possibly a snack (the galley offers drinks and light snacks). A notebook and pen if you'd like to take notes (all course material is included in the course book). Sunscreen and a hat for sun protection, or a woolly hat and sailing gloves if it's cold. Any personal medications (e.g., inhalers) – please let us know through the medical information form so we can ensure your safety.

Yes, we offer changing rooms with showers, which are available for use before and after your session.

Yes, the club provides buoyancy aids, which are a required safety item for all participants when on or near the water, including on jetties.

The club has a limited number of spare wetsuits available, but you don't need one to start. Once you're hooked on sailing, you may want to invest in your own wetsuit, with affordable options available online and in stores. By that time, you'll have a better idea of the right type for your needs.

Comfortable clothing such as shorts and a T-shirt for warmer weather or track pants and a jumper for cooler conditions. Waterproofs are also helpful if you have them. A change of clothes and footwear that can get wet, old trainers or sturdy water shoes work well but make sure they offer some toe protection. A towel. A water bottle and possibly a snack (the galley offers drinks and light snacks). A notebook and pen if you'd like to take notes (all course material is included in the course book). Sunscreen and a hat for sun protection, or a woolly hat and sailing gloves if it's cold. Any personal medications (e.g., inhalers) – please let us know through the medical information form so we can ensure your safety.

Always wear your buoyancy aid and follow safety instructions provided by your instructor. Safety is a priority, and instructors will ensure you are fully supported during the course.

The club has a limited number of spare wetsuits available, but you don't need one to start. Once you're hooked on sailing, you may want to invest in your own wetsuit, with affordable options available online and in stores. By that time, you'll have a better idea of the right type for your needs.

Yes, the club is happy to accommodate individuals with disabilities or special needs. Please inform us in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements to ensure your safety and enjoyment. For windsurfing, unfortunately at this time we do not have the facilities or equipment available, however, please email Windsurfing@wish-sc.co.uk to discuss further.

If you're unable to attend due to illness or vacation, please inform the chief instructor. The course structure allows for flexibility, and we can arrange make-up sessions if needed. If you miss too many sessions, we will work with you to create a plan to catch up.

No, however, when you sign up to a course you can join the club as a member at the same time. The process is straight forward, and membership offers great value, particularly when compared to commercial outdoor centres.

Prices are on each course page.

You can find information on our membership fees here.

Membership and course fees can be paid at the club's galley by cash or card, or via bank transfer.

The beginners’ course typically ends in September due to earlier sunsets. We aim to finish on the water and pack away before dark, often incorporating a short theory session at the end of the evening, which can take place in the dark.

If there is no wind, instructors may conduct land-based drills or theory lessons. Additionally, learning how to sail in light wind is a useful skill.

If conditions are deemed unsafe due to strong winds, sessions may be cancelled or postponed. Safety is our priority, and instructors will assess conditions based on skill level and safety considerations. In moderate wind, we can "reef" the sails to reduce the sail area and still go out.

Yes, if you meet the required standards, you will receive a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) certificate upon completion of the course.

Yes, all instructors are fully qualified and undergo professional training to ensure they are knowledgeable and capable. The course will be led by a Senior Instructor, with instructors and assistant instructors working under their supervision.

Yes, all instructors undergo DBS checks to ensure the safety and well-being of participants.

If you have concerns or are dissatisfied with any aspect of the course, please speak to your instructor or the chief instructor. We are committed to resolving any issues and improving your experience.

No prior experience is necessary for the beginners' course. The course is designed for those new to sailing, and our instructors will guide you through the basics.

The beginners' dinghy course runs from April to September with weekly sessions on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (8:30 PM for juniors). Other courses may be scheduled on weekends or over full weekends. For Windsurfing information please see ‘Learn to Windsurfing’ website pages

Sailing may seem complicated at first glance, but with a little practice and instruction it becomes much easier. The course is designed to build your skills gradually, and our instructors will support you every step of the way.

Adult beginners typically sail stable dinghies such as Wayfarers or Topaz Omegas. You'll take turns helming (steering and controlling the main sail) and crewing (balancing the boat and controlling the jib). As you progress, instructors may allow you to sail independently while supervising from a safety boat. Juniors will usually sail single-person boats like Optimists, Toppers, or Picos, depending on size, with instructor supervision from a safety boat. For Windsurfing courses we have a dedicated fleet of beginner boards and training rigs

Yes, it’s likely that you will get wet, particularly your feet when launching the boats. Capsizing is possible but unlikely when an instructor is aboard. If it happens, it’s part of the learning process, and you'll be taught what to do if it occurs. Safety boats are always on the water for assistance. For Windsurfing, getting wet is expected

You don't need to be a proficient swimmer, but you should be comfortable in the water. The club provides buoyancy aids, and safety boats are always available for support if necessary.

No, you don’t need to own a boat to participate in the course. The club provides all equipment, including dinghies, sails, and safety gear. We advise against purchasing a boat until after completing the course, as you’ll have the opportunity to try different types first. For Windsurfing, you don’t need your own board to participate on the beginner courses. Once qualified we encourage you to purchase your own kit and can provide advice on what to purchase and from where. Club windsurfing kit is primarily for the beginner courses and ‘improver’ sessions on Friday evenings.

If anything is unclear or you feel uncomfortable, please speak to your instructor. They are there to help and will ensure that you feel supported throughout the course.

After completing the beginner’s course, you'll have the skills to sail independently in safe conditions. However, it’s recommended to gain more experience with supervision, particularly during club activities, particularly if you wish to sail on less sheltered waters. For Windsurfing we offer Friday evening ‘improver sessions’ which are for self-learning in a safe environment with instructors and safety boats on hand. We also have a ‘whats app’ group where we share information on any additional casual windsurfing sessions are taking place with a safety boat on hand. We do not encourage newly qualified start windsurfing members to sail without an instructor or an advanced windsurfer on the water with them. Please contact Simon on Windsurfing@wish-sc.co.uk if you are in any doubt on this topic.

After completing the beginners’ course, we encourage you to participate in Wednesday and Sunday sailing sessions and club racing. These activities will help you improve control and refine your sailing skills. The club also offers more advanced sailing courses and other training to help you progress. As a club member, you can learn how to operate a safety boat and assist with running club races. We’ll provide more information during the course. For Windsurfing we offer Friday evening ‘improver sessions’ which are for self-learning in a safe environment with instructors and safety boats on hand.

After completing the beginner’s course, you'll have the skills to sail independently in safe conditions. However, it’s recommended to gain more experience with supervision, particularly during club activities, particularly if you wish to sail on less sheltered waters. For Windsurfing we offer Friday evening ‘improver sessions’ which are for self-learning in a safe environment with instructors and safety boats on hand. We also have a ‘whats app’ group where we share information on any additional casual windsurfing sessions are taking place with a safety boat on hand. We do not encourage newly qualified start windsurfing members to sail without an instructor or an advanced windsurfer on the water with them. Please contact Simon on Windsurfing@wish-sc.co.uk if you are in any doubt on this topic.

We look forward to welcoming you to the course. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.