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Welcome to the Sailing & Cruising Association (S&CA)

We're a dynamic sailing and powerboat club for LGBTQ+ people across the UKa social club of like-minded sailors, creating an inclusive and safe environment where boating enthusiasts can freely express themselves through a shared love of sailing.

Active for over 40 years, we promote a friendly, vibrant community for all ages, open to anyone who wants to get afloat and experience the joys of being out on the water.

Have a look at our events to see how our 2024/25 sailing season is shaping up and follow us on @GaySailingUK.

Better still, join us and come along to one of our monthly London socials.
We're a friendly bunch ... you’ll be made very welcome.

Upcoming events

Want to become a member? 

Membership Benefits

  Sail with like minded people.

  Increase your skills

  Extend your network of friends

Welcome from the Commodore

"Thanks for visiting our virtual clubhouse!  As I'm sure you've gathered, we're a club for LGBT+ people and their friends and families.  

It was originally set up in the early 80s by a chap who wanted to sail without the pretence of hiding his true self from his crewmates.  He and group of likeminded sailors met covertly. Unbeknownst to them, they would go on to found an inclusive sailing community that would thrive over the next forty+ years! 

If you're considering joining, please explore the site and social media posts and, if you like what you read, I hope you will join us out on the water. 

Steve – S&CA Commodore 
October 2024



LGBT Sport Podcast Logo

In spring 2021, our then Commodore David Mason, was interviewed by Jack Murley from the BBC's LGBT Sport Podcast. They discussed how David first discovered sailing, as well as the story of how the Club was founded.  Since it was recorded during the third COVID lockdown, they discussed the impact that getting out on the water has on his wellbeing, the camaraderie and friendship that the Club's community provides, as well as touching on medal winning triumphs in the Gay Games.  You can catch the podcast on BBC Sounds.

Read our history and explore our Club Sections to see what interests you

About Us


You can review the Member benefits of the Club and apply to join online

Join us


INCLUSIVE SAILING CLUB 

We have around 400 members in the UK and beyond, with about a quarter of our members owning boats of all shapes and sizes. All our members share a common interest in yachting (sail and power), whether it is to skipper their own boat, crew for others or get together to charter, either at home or overseas.

Experience ranges from ocean going yacht skippers to the complete novice, and from sprightly youngsters to those of more mature years. We have a thriving women’s section with a growing number of female boat owners.

RYA CLUB OF THE YEAR AWARDS FINALIST 2011

The Club was selected as a finalist in RYA Club of the Year Awards in 2011.

Although the video was filmed over a decade ago, it is every bit as relevant to the S&CA's community spirit today!

The RYA recognised the value of the ‘virtual’ club concept: “With no fixed club house, the organisation is still able to reach out to its members, both domestically and overseas and, with an extensive annual activities programme, the organisation brings like-minded sailors together in a professionally run, friendly and fun club.”


Watch the Video Clip

REGULAR MEETINGS AND EVENTS

We encourage potential members to come along to our monthly socials and events to see speak to Club Members and ask any questions they may have in a relaxed and informal environment.  

We normally hold a series of events afloat throughout the sailing season, with a focus on the popular Solent sailing area, and we try to match crew with skippers who have spare berths.

Members regularly organise their own outings and invite others via the Club's Crew Match facility and online Member Directory.

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