If you're interested in messing about in sailing boats, then the Newport Uskmouth Sailing Club (NUSC) is for you.
The small, friendly club is situated near the mouth of the Usk river opposite Newport Docks.
Members come from all backgrounds and age groups, predominantly hands-on folk happy to share their skills, knowledge, experience and love of sailing.
It's a very laid back affair - there’s not a blazer in sight. Plenty of overalls and sailing jackets, though.
What’s there?
The river, obviously. It’s the gateway to anywhere you want to go.
There are a couple of slipways and pontoons, and moorings for the boats; the club can usually find a mooring for new members if they have a boat. There is a large boatyard for shore storage during the winter, with a collection of equipment for moving boats around.
Among the NUSC's facilities are moorings for boats, large boatyard, workshop, and comfortable clubhouse with a bar (Image: NUSC)
On-site, there is also a fitted-out workshop and plenty of members with engineering and electrical backgrounds to offer advice.
Additionally, there is a comfortable clubhouse with a bar, function room and showers, run by the NUSC itself, helping with bar duty, boat launching and maintenance.
What does the club do?
There’s no typical member. Some enjoy the company and companionship, and you’ll always find them drinking tea and keeping an eye on the river from the warmth of the clubhouse.
Others are keen on racing, for which there are regular weekend and evening races for the bigger boats in the warmer months. A few take it seriously - some not so much - but there’s always a lot of laughter. A few also go dinghy racing through the depths of winter.
The NUSC host a cruiser rally and regatta in spring and autumn, when visiting boats from other clubs turn up for a weekend of racing and social events.
Some members instead enjoy cruising in the Bristol Channel and beyond, working the wind and tides down to Cardiff Bay for the weekend, or further afield. The club runs several cruises through the year, where experienced sailors lead the way exploring Bristol, the North Devon coast or Swansea and the Gower. Bristol channel sailing clubs always welcome visitors.
The club holds regular weekend and evening races, as well as cruiser rallies and regattas in spring and autumn (Image: NUSC)
There’s another group who just like to tinker about in the boatyard, working to restore a project boat – there’s plenty of time.
You don’t need a boat to join the club – boat owners are always looking for willing volunteers to join in the racing and cruising, with previous experience not necessary. The NUSC runs courses in navigation, first aid and marine radio during the winter.
The club has a vibrant social program through the year, with a club night every Tuesday and various events, quizzes and entertainment. There’s also a Christmas party for member’s children, carol singing, and sit-down or buffet meals to mark the start and end of the sailing season.
How much does it cost?
Though perhaps not the most glamourous setting, with the docks, power station and plenty of mud, the NUSC is affordable!
The joining fee is around £125, then £110 a year for non-boat owning members, going up to £220 for those wanting to keep and moor a boat. At this price, you'll get to use all the facilities.
If you think you’d be interested in joining the NUSC, get in touch via the website or Facebook page.
