Star 54 and ketch Kanska pass under the returning from a cruise to Greenhithe

Erith Yacht Club

The finest sailing water on the tidal Thames

Club Ship 'Folgefonn'

Anchor Bay,

Erith, Kent, DA8 2AD

Tel 01322 332943

Secretary Tel 0208 310 2686

email - secretary@erithyachtclub.org.uk
Erith Yacht Club has a varied programme of activities. Aside from local racing sailing trips to the Medway are very popular. Sometimes members will anchor in the peace of the Medway creeks to watch the sea birds or socialize aboard other yachts. Or they may prefer to pick up a mooring in Queenborough and visit the hostelries ashore. Oueenborough is a small town, once occupied by the Dutch for a short time, on the Isle of Sheppey

Cruises in company are sometimes arranged, a number of members yachts may visit the London docks together and spend the weekend socializing (Photo Club yachts waiting for the lock outside St Katherine's) Tower Bridge is much better appreciated seen from the river

 Club Causeway - Photo A. Hunt
Larceny and Bolero off Tower bridge

The Club is a recognised RYA Training centre and runs RYA sailing courses. A number of members are involved with the YMCA sailing centre on Southmere lake in Thamesmead. The Club often works with them which enables us to run training courses both on a calm inland lake and on the tidway. Our annual cadet day is normally held on Thamesmead lake

Of the water, the social committee organise events ashore. A function will be held on the Club ship on the eve of most open events. Talks and musical evenings are held during the winter months, the club has had a tradition of trying to keep alive the 'Songs of the Sailing Barges' The annual 'Gentleman's Dinner

and Prizegiving' still relies on traditional entertainment provided only by the members. Of course traditions are one thing but times change, yachting is no longer the preserve of the 'gentleman' as it was when the club was founded and prizes are also presented at our annual Laying up Supper, attended by the ladies and children who seem to win such a large proportion of them these days.

'Sid's' Annual Christmas dinner is held every year on the Clubship and is now a tradition going back 30 years

Where members are interested the social committee will organise 'off club' events Members have spent some pleasant weekends aboard the sailing barge Repertor (More Photos)

At the helm of Thames barge Repertor under the watchful eye of skipper Jim Lawrence