Welcome to Portishead Cruising Club
Portishead Cruising Club is an RYA affiliated sailing club for racing/cruising yachts, with a clubhouse overlooking the River Avon at Pill, North Somerset, The Club owns and operates over 40 drying trot moorings locally and a fully serviced Marina including haulout, storage and boat repair facilities is located at nearby Portishead. Atmosphere within the club is friendly and informal, with membership made up of families, couples and individuals. Interests range from “Cruise in Company” weekends to racing to blue water cruising. There’s also an extensive social itinerary, with club nights, parties and talks held throughout the year. We welcome new members, whether boat owners or crew/social members, so come along on any club night (wednesdays, from 8:30pm) to meet us.
Cruise in Company
Throughout the summer the club organises “Cruise in Company” weekends to destinations around the Bristol Channel ranging from Lydney, to Cardiff, Swansea, Watchet and more, often to participate in other clubs’ rallies and regattas. Those new to cruiser sailing or the Bristol Channel are especially encouraged to participate in these events. Read more
Racing
Club races are held all year round. These range from various Top of the Tide series run off Portishead/Avonmouth to all day races down the Bristol Channel and back, typically run on a weekend and sometimes involving an overnight stop in Cardiff. Some boats also participate in open races such as the Shanghai and Nimrod Cups hosted by other BCYA (Bristol Channel Yachting Association) clubs and a few spend the summer engaging with the South Coast circuit. Read more..
The Holms Race
This is the club’s flagship event. Hosted on behalf of the BCYA (Bristol Channel Yachting Association) this open event sees some 60+ boats take to the water over a course from Portishead to the Holms (off Weston-super-Mare) and back. With boats picking their own start time, this race poses the additional challenge of judging the anticipated tidal streams. Crews meet for an after race party with licensed bar, hot food and prize giving. Read more…
Social
Club members aim to enjoy themselves as much off the water as on it. The clubhouse incorporates an attractive and comfortable 1st floor bar and galley bedecked in a nautical theme overlooking the River Avon, Here, as well as regular wednesday evening club nights, the club holds a variety of events, such as a Halloween Party, Ladies night and more. These are usually held on a saturday night and typically include food, music and drink at a very reasonable price. Read more...
Talks, training
With the bar doubling up as an excellent presentation facility, talks on a range of nautical subjects are held throughout the year. Recent ones have included “Sailing the Southern Ocean” by a Clipper Round The World veteran including some dramatic video footage, “Sailing in the Mediterranean” by a PCC couple and fundraising talks from sailing charities such as the RNLI. Instructional talks are also given on subjects ranging from Anchoring and Rope Splicing to basic First Aid. PCC occasionally runs RYA shore-based training courses (subject to demand, etc.). The club supports responsible seamanship and encourages members to undertake RYA practical courses, which can be carried out on their own boat if desired. Armed with at least RYA Day Skipper it’s possible to charter boats the world over. On the ground floor, the club has a well stocked library of books available to borrow.
Blue Water Cruising,
It has often been said that “If you can sail the Bristol Channel you can sail anywhere.” With its record tidal range, shipping, sand banks, the occasional rocky outcrop and overfalls, miles logged here are gilt edged. PCC boats and members have an exemplary safety record and with the confidence gained, many have sailed all over the globe. Their experiences are something they are happy to share. Most members cruising long term retain links with the club, something made significantly easier with modern electronic communications. You can read their blogs here…
