The Club was originally a sea-bathing establishment, set up around 1800. During the Victorian era sailing was adopted at the site, which led to Emsworth Sailing Club in its present form being founded in 1919 by a small group of enthusiasts. This makes ESC one of the oldest water activity clubs in the country. Although much extended, our clubhouse incorporates the original building constructed in 1
792 and acquired in 1919. It includes a Bar and Restaurant, which are open all year, and a heated fresh water pool on the terrace, open throughout the summer. There is parking for 375 dinghies and there are a number of Club-owned floating moorings. The Club’s membership of approximately 1800 includes young children, competitive dinghy sailors, cruisers and many people who simply enjoy messing about in boats on the beautiful and unspoiled waters of Chichester Harbour. We are an RYA Champion Club and Training Centre, providing a wide variety of training for Club members. An annual inter-club racing programme is well supported; there is an annual regatta for both juniors and the Club as a whole, as well as races and rallies for cruisers. Applications for membership from active sailors are welcomed, although at times there may be a waiting list. Further details and application forms are available from the Club Secretaries. The office is open most mornings from 9am – 1pm.
