About Us

Pennine Sailing Club is a welcoming, family-focused club set high above the Holme Valley on the stunning Winscar Reservoir. We're proud to be an RYA-accredited training and racing club, offering a place where people of all ages and abilities can learn, sail, and race in a relaxed, supportive environment.

Founded in 1954 at Underbank Reservoir, Pennine has a long and proud history of making sailing accessible in Yorkshire. As the club grew, so did the need for more space and wind, leading to our move to Winscar Reservoir in the early 1990s. The new clubhouse and facilities were officially opened by HRH The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, in 1992, marking the start of a new chapter that continues to this day.

Sailing at Pennine is more than just a sport, it's a shared adventure. Our Training Centre offers high-quality RYA courses for adults and children alike, from first-timers to aspiring instructors. The Kids Club and Youth Training programmes give young sailors a safe, fun environment to build confidence and develop lifelong skills on the water.

Racing is at the heart of what we do. From friendly Sunday series to competitive Open events, we welcome all sailors to test their skills and share in the thrill of racing. Many of our members began in Kids Club and now compete regionally and nationally, showing how far encouragement, coaching and community can take you.

Run entirely by volunteers, Pennine is built on enthusiasm, teamwork and a genuine love for the sport. We take pride in being a club that is open, inclusive and environmentally responsible, following RYA safeguarding and Green Blue environmental standards to keep both people and the reservoir safe.

Whether you're discovering sailing for the first time, returning after a break or chasing your next race win, Pennine Sailing Club offers a place to grow, connect and belong in the heart of the Pennines.

Last updated 9:37am on 1 January 2026