Club History

A Club Built on Tradition
Founded in 1949, Saundersfoot Sailing Club has been part of the harbour for over seventy-five years. From humble beginnings with a handful of local sailors, the club grew into one of Wales’ best-known sailing venues, hosting national championships and building the clubhouse that remains at the heart of the club today.
The new millennium marked another important chapter. While remaining true to its racing heritage, the club broadened its activities, invested in training, embraced new forms of watersport and strengthened its role within the wider Saundersfoot community.

2000–2005
Entering a New Century
As sailing evolved, so did the club. Modern dinghy classes began appearing alongside established favourites, while improvements in race management and safety reflected changing expectations within the sport.
The clubhouse became more than a race headquarters; it developed into a social hub where members, families and visitors could enjoy events throughout the year.

2006–2010
National Events and Growing Participation
Saundersfoot continued to earn an excellent reputation for hosting major championships and open meetings.
Its unique sailing area, protected harbour and welcoming volunteers made it a popular destination for competitors from around the UK.
The club also expanded opportunities for newcomers through structured training and family sailing.

2011–2015
Investing in the Future
This period saw renewed emphasis on encouraging young sailors and making sailing more accessible.
Club boats enabled members to experience the sport without needing to own a dinghy, while volunteer instructors introduced many people to sailing for the first time.
Off the water, social events became an increasingly important part of club life, helping build friendships that continue today.

2016–2020
More Than Sailing
The club embraced a wider range of watersports.
A close relationship with Wiseman’s Bridge Rowing Club strengthened, with rowing becoming an important part of the annual programme alongside dinghy and cruiser sailing. Paddleboarding, kayaking and recreational boating also became regular sights around the harbour.
Like organisations everywhere, the club faced the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. Although sailing programmes were disrupted, members worked together to ensure the club emerged ready for a fresh start.

2021–Present
A Thriving Community Club
Today the club offers far more than racing.
Members can enjoy:
Dinghy racing throughout the season
Cruiser sailing
Social sailing sessions
RYA training
Junior development
Rowing
Winter social events and quizzes
Clubhouse events for members and the local community
The introduction of social sailing sessions has encouraged more people onto the water, regardless of experience, while a varied annual sailing programme provides opportunities for competitive racers and recreational sailors alike.

Looking Ahead
While much has changed since 1949, the values of Saundersfoot Sailing Club remain the same.
The club continues to be run almost entirely by volunteers who give their time to organise racing, training, safety cover and social events. Every new member, whether an experienced sailor or complete beginner, becomes part of a tradition that has been growing for generations.
As the club looks to the future, its aim remains simple: to encourage people of all ages to enjoy being on the water while preserving the friendly atmosphere that has always made Saundersfoot Sailing Club special.