Volunteering

Pennine Sailing Club is run by its members for its members. Almost everything you see on a club day the safety boats on the water, the racing, Kids Club, training courses, maintenance days, even the tea and cake happens because people volunteer their time.

By giving a little time, you help keep membership fees affordable, make more sailing possible and strengthen the friendly, welcoming feel that makes Pennine what it is.

Do I have to volunteer

To be blunt, if you are a regular member enjoying the facilities, you should expect to give something back. We strongly encourage all adult members, sailing and social, to take on a fair share of volunteering across the year.

If you genuinely cannot commit to water based or rota duties, there are still plenty of useful ways to contribute, for example:

• helping with maintenance 
• supporting Kids Club or training
• taking on a small but regular admin or communications task

If you are not sure what might work for you, speak to a Committee member and we will find something sensible.

Why we need volunteers

We are a members club, not a commercial centre. That means:

• sailing, racing and training depend on volunteer safety crews, race officers and instructors
• Kids Club and adult training rely on helpers ashore, beach crews and support on the water
• the site, boats and equipment only stay in good condition if people are willing to maintain them
• social events, open days and open meetings happen because members step up and run them

If everyone does their bit, no one person is overloaded and the club can do far more than our income alone would ever allow.

What volunteering involves

There are roles to suit almost every interest, age and ability. Typical volunteer roles include:

    On the water support

• safety boat helm or crew
• assistant for Kids Club or adult training
• beach crew launching and recovering boats

    Racing and training support

• race officer and assistant 
• results recording
• support for open meetings and regattas

    Shore and social roles

• galley help 
• welcoming visitors 
• helping at work parties and maintenance days
• admin, communications and behind the scenes tasks

Some roles need qualifications or experience, others simply need enthusiasm and a willingness to help. We will always try to match people to roles that suit their skills and confidence.

Do I need qualifications

For some roles, yes. For others, no. As a guide:

Safety boat helm - needs RYA Powerboat Level 2 
Safety boat crew - should be reasonably fit, able to swim and prepared to help in an emergency
Race Officer - should be a reasonably experienced sailor (when you have completed your Start Racing, you are experienced!) with a some understanding of courses and the racing rules, but we can provide training and help
Galley - should be able to turn an oven on and not burn everything!
Admin roles - mainly need reliability, common sense and a friendly manner

If you are willing to volunteer, we can help you gain the skills and experience needed for more responsible roles over time.

Recording your volunteer hours

We want to recognise the time people put in and understand how much volunteer effort it takes to run the club properly.

Whenever you help at a club session, event or work party, please log your time using our online form:

Record your volunteer hours here

It only takes a minute and helps the Committee:

• track how much volunteering is really happening
• plan future support and training
• make a fair case when applying for grants and funding
• say thank you properly to the people doing the work

Please get into the habit of recording your hours every time you help.

Young volunteers

We are keen to see younger members learn how the club runs and build their confidence.

• from around 14, juniors can often support as safety boat crew, beach helpers or assistant race officers, under supervision
• from 16, many can take on more responsibility and start to build towards formal qualifications, such as Powerboat or Assistant Instructor

If a young person is keen to volunteer, talk to a Committee member so we can agree suitable roles.

How to get involved

If you are ready to volunteer or want to know more, you can:

• speak to a Committee member
• respond when calls for volunteers go out by email, WhatsApp or social media
• offer your skills directly if you have professional or technical expertise that could help the club

Once you have helped at a session or event, do not forget to log your time here:
Record your hours here

In summary

Pennine SC only works because members are willing to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in. Volunteering is not just an obligation it is a straightforward way to meet people, learn new skills, support our young sailors and keep the club affordable and thriving for everyone.

Last updated 9:37am on 1 January 2026