Erith Yacht Club

The finest sailing water on the tidal Thames

Erith Yacht Club is situated on the south bank of the River Thames about half a mile east of Erith Town and about fifteen miles from London Bridge.  The Club stands on the last remaining section of salt marsh in the London area.  The “Clubhouse” is in fact Clubship “Folgefonn” which was once a Norwegian car ferry.  Sadly difficulties with maintenance and modern regulations mean construction of a building on the shore to replace her is expected to start soon.

The Club exists for the encouragement of sailing, both in dinghies and cruisers.  Whilst many members just enjoy their sailing on the tidal reaches of the Thames for the sheer fun and exhilaration it brings, others take part in club racing and cruising events.  The situation of the Club brings cruising to the East Coast and the ports of the Continent within reasonably easy reach.

Visitors are always welcome. (Information for Visiting Yachts)

Several Erith Yacht Club members participate in open races for dinghies at venues in the UK and other parts of the world.

There are large selection of cruising yachts on our moorings and a variety of dinghies at the Club including Hamble Stars, Snipes, Lasers, Solos etc. The Club has a number of Bosun, Topaz and Topper dinghies which are used for training and are available for hire.

EYC is a recognised Royal Yachting Association Sail Training Establishment and several members are qualified RYA dinghy instructors.  The club has members who are authorised to undertake the RYA ICC (International Certificate of Competence) tests for foreign cruising.

Facilities and Activities

Being a private Club owned by it’s members, EYC keeps it’s costs down by members carrying out any work that is required; the club has no employees.

There are launching facilities for dinghies at any stage of the tide and a slipway for the launching and recovery of cruisers up to about 7 tons in weight. There is an excellent pressure washer to clean off hulls and two tractors and an electro-hydraulic winch to move the craft.

There are parking areas for dinghies, tenders and vehicles. There is a work shed for dinghies.

All of the club land is covered by CCTV

Mooring Facilities

The Club currently has about 60 moorings, most of which are deep water. Usually the moorings are fully allocated but there is a small turnover every year. The waiting time for a mooring is usually very short. There are hard standing laying up facilities with electricity, welding machine and other useful pieces of equipment.

Social Activities

There is a licensed bar for the use of members and guests in which the prices are kept agreeably low. The Club’s Social Committee runs a series of “social” and other events throughout the year.