Located at Cheddar Watersports between Axbridge and Cheddar, BCYC is a friendly, relaxed club dedicated to sailing, windsurfing, and paddle sports. Whether you are looking for a vibrant community or professional tuition, we cater to all ages and abilities.

Why Choose BCYC?

The BCYC Story: From Tidal Docks to Cheddar Reservoir

1931 - 1939: The Early Days in Bristol

The roots of Bristol Corinthian Yacht Club date back to 1931 with the formation of the Bristol Yacht Club, a passionate group of maritime and yachting enthusiasts. While the club kept larger yachts on the South Coast, local racing took place right in the industrial heart of the region at Portishead Dock using a fleet of six identical one-design dinghies.

In those early days, members gathered socially in clubrooms hosted by local landmarks, starting at the St Vincents Rocks Hotel before later moving to the Royal Hotel. By 1933, the club had quickly flourished to over 90 members. It was during this booming period that historic silver pieces like the King Cup and Dolphin Cup were established trophies that our members still fiercely contest today.

1939 - 1950: Wartime Pause & A New Horizon

The onset of World War II in 1939 forced the club to suspend all activities as the majority of its membership was called up to serve in His Majesty's Armed Forces.

As peace returned in 1946, local sailing found a second wind. While the old yacht club got back underway, a fresh group formed the Bristol Sailing Club with a strict focus on competitive dinghy racing.

Crucially, right across this same era, the engineering marvel of the Cheddar Reservoir had taken shape (with construction work originally beginning in 1931). Recognizing its incredible potential, both clubs entered joint negotiations with the Bristol Waterworks Company (now Bristol Water) to secure sailing rights on the newly filled reservoir.

To make it work, they split the calendar:

  • Bristol Sailing Club managed the winter racing program.
  • Bristol Yacht Club took the summer season.

Because members could cross-sail in both windows, year-round sailing at Cheddar was borna tradition we proudly maintain today.

1950 - 1976: The Modern Merger & Infrastructure

Realizing they were stronger together, the two organizations officially merged in January 1950 under a single, unified name: Bristol Corinthian Yacht Club.

Sailing on the reservoir initially relied on very basic, rudimentary changing huts. However, the club's ambitions grew, culminating in 1976. With the vital assistance of a Sports Council grant, BCYC constructed the clubhouse we use today, complete with undercover boat storage, a galley, a dedicated training classroom, a licensed bar, hot showers, and spacious modern changing rooms.

Today: Cheddar Watersports

BCYC continues to evolve without losing sight of its rich heritage. While dinghy sailing and windsurfing remain at our core, we have embraced the growing popularity of wing foiling, paddleboarding and kayaking. To reflect this vibrant, multi-sport community, we introduced our modern locational branding: Cheddar Watersports. We remain a friendly, forward-thinking home for everyone who loves being on the water.

Our Club Mission

To provide and sustain a friendly, vibrant, and value-focused community for sailors and paddle sports enthusiasts. We are dedicated to ensuring a safe, exceptional inland water environment where members of all ages and abilities can enjoy recreational boating, active racing, and lifelong skill development.

Our Vision & Aspirations

We continuously strive to grow, improve, and deliver excellence across four core pillars:

The Regional Leader

To be recognized as the number-one choice for boating and paddle sports across the Bristol and Somerset regions.

Racing Excellence

To maintain our reputation and standing among the premier competitive racing clubs in the country.

Quality Education

To remain a top-tier, RYA-certified training centre focused on safely developing confidence and advanced boating skills.

Vibrant Community

To foster a welcoming, inclusive, and fun social hub where long-lasting friendships are made off the water.

Club Facilities & Equipment Hire

Our Facilities

Bristol Corinthian Yacht Club offers excellent shore-side amenities designed to make your time off the water just as enjoyable as your time on it:

  • Clubhouse Comforts: Modern changing rooms with junior sections, hot cubicle showers, and a spacious training area.
  • Bar & Lounge: Relax in our bar, which boasts stunning panoramic views over the Cheddar Reservoir and the Somerset Levels.
  • The Galley: Currently no kitchen service is available, but you are welcome to bring and heat up your own food.
  • Storage & Parking: We are fortunate to have extensive undercover storage facilities specifically for dinghies, windsurfers, and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), alongside a large car park and secure dinghy park.

Equipment & Craft Hire

We want to make getting on the water as accessible as possible, which is why we provide a wide range of gear and craft for our members.

  • Free-to-Use Gear: Wetsuits and buoyancy aids are available completely free of charge for all members.
  • General Hire: Members can easily hire club training boats, windsurfers, and SUPs.
  • The Performance Fleet: Experienced members, or those who have completed their RYA Level 2 (or passed an assessment by the Chief Instructor), can hire from our extensive club fleet, which includes:
    • Double-handed & Family Cruisers: RS Visions, Wayfarers, Enterprises, and RS Fevas.
    • Single-handers & Youth Boats: Lasers, Solos, RS Teras, Toppers, and Optimists.

Booking Requirement: All club boats, windsurfers, and SUPs must be booked in advance. To secure your craft, please navigate to the "Boat / Windsurf / SUP Hire for Members" section in the right-hand menu.

Thinking of Joining? Come for a Tour!

You are always welcome to drop by and see what the club has to offer. Feel free to ask any of our members for a guided tour anytime we are open, though we highly recommend visiting on a Saturday or Sunday when the club is at its liveliest and most active!

Visiting with a Member (Guest Rules)

If you would like to launch your own boat, Wing foil, stand-up paddleboard (SUP), kayak, or windsurfer on the reservoir, you are welcome to do so as long as you are accompanied and signed in by a current club member.

Please keep these key visitor policies in mind:

  • Frequency Cap: Guests are limited to a maximum of 3 visits per calendar year.
  • Member Sign-In Limits: A club member can sign in up to 2 adults OR 1 family on any given day.
  • Mandatory Insurance: Every guest MUST hold valid third-party liability insurance for their respective craft before launching.
  • Allowed Craft: Please note that Multi Hulled craft such as catamarans, and keel boats are not allowed. No Powered craft may be used at the reservoir.

Just in the area and want to use the water?

Unfortunately our lease with Bristol Water requires all vistors to be signed in by an existing member. Therefore this precludes allowing unscheduled use by non-members.

Important Links & Procedures

  • Fees: For an up-to-date breakdown of guest fees, please review our Visitor Fees Schedule.
  • A standard guess fee (£10) may be paid HERE
  • Official Procedures: To read the full, step-by-step club rules and entry procedures regarding guests, please refer to this procedure.

Sailing Times & Safety Cover

Club members are welcome to sail on the reservoir during all authorized times outlined below. Before hitting the water, all members must use the On Water Sign-In System to log their session.

Season Dates Permitted Sailing Days
Summer 1st April 31st October 7 days a week
Winter 1st November 31st March Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday
Important Duty Roster Notice: Safety cover hours are subject to volunteer availability. Always check the official Duty Roster before traveling to the club to confirm cover is active.

1. Scheduled Safety Boat Cover

When a scheduled Duty Crew is on the water, you must sign on with the Duty Officer (DO) Group during these hours:

  • Saturdays: 10:00 17:30 (or 1 hour before sunset, whichever is earlier)
  • Sundays: 10:30 17:30 (or 1 hour before sunset, whichever is earlier)
  • Wednesdays: 18:00 20:30 (strictly limited to organized racing events)

2. The Buddy System

At all authorized sailing times when a formal Duty Crew is not scheduled, the Buddy System applies. To launch, you must sign on with a Buddy Group Responsible Person:

  • Permitted Hours: 10:00 until 20:00 (or 1 hour before sunset, whichever is earlier)

Corinthian Days: Duties at the Club

Bristol Corinthian Yacht Club is run entirely by its members, for its members. To sustain our vibrant community and keep membership affordable, all members are asked to contribute to the daily operations of the club a few days each year.

Depending on your experience and interests, you can contribute by providing safety boat cover on the water, manning the reception desk, or helping to manage race days if you are an experienced racer.

Complimentary Powerboat & Club Induction

To ensure everyone's safety on the water, all members are required to participate in a free club induction, which includes training on how to operate our safety powerboats.

Book Your Powerboat Induction Here

Unable to Attend Your Assigned Duty?

If you find yourself unable to fulfill a scheduled slot, you remain responsible for that duty until a replacement is officially confirmed. Here is how you can organize coverage:

  • Request a Swap via WhatsApp: Our member WhatsApp groups are typically the fastest and most effective way to find a peer willing to trade shifts.
  • Request a Swap via the Website: You can submit a direct swap request to another member through the member portal. Click here to submit a swap request or manage your existing requests.
  • Arrange Duty Cover for Payment: If you cannot find a swap, you may hire an approved club member to cover your shift for a fee. If all options fail, please contact our Rota Secretary immediately at rotasec@bcyc.org.uk.

The 'Duty for Payment' Scheme

For members who simply cannot make their dates, a list of qualified individuals willing to cover duties for a fee is available.

Guidelines & Conditions:

  • The Fee: As a general benchmark, the standard rate is typically £80 to £90 for a full day and £40 to £50 for a Wednesday evening. Financial arrangements and payments are made directly between the two parties; the club solely acts as a contact medium and is not an employer.
  • Notification: You must inform the Rota Secretary via rotasec@bcyc.org.uk who is covering your shift so that safety rosters are accurate. Automated reminders will still go to the scheduled member, who should remind their paid replacement.
  • Attendance & Credit: On the day, the member being paid must sign the attendance sheet using the paying member's name to ensure the original member receives proper duty credit.
  • Earn Extra Income: Members aged 16 or over who wish to take on additional duties for pay can request to be added to the official Duties for Payment List. Replacements who fail to show up for an agreed duty will be permanently removed from this list.
Important Safety Rules: Members must be fully safety boat trained before swapping or taking on any on-the-water duties. Additionally, operators under the age of 18 must have a responsible adult on board the safety boat at all times while driving.
Boat / Windsurf / SUP Hire Prices - Members Only
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