Accessibility
Accessibility Statement
Updated April 2024.
Welcome to Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club
Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club sits on the Northern shore of the beautiful Derwent Reservoir close to the Village of Blanchland in Northumberland. People come to DRSC to sail, windsurf, kite surf, paddle board, canoe and swim. We want everyone to be able to enjoy the scenery, take part in activities, have a great time, and feel safe and comfortable while at the club. We will make sure there are people there to let you know about the club and how to access the activities.
Essential Companions
We can arrange free attendance for people who are there to support someone else in taking part. If you need an Essential Companion to join you on your visit, then let us know
Let us know if there is anything we can do to make things work for you.
Let us know what you want to do, how we need to do it and we will work out how to make it happen.
Contact:
We will get back to you as soon as we can.
Accessibility
We are currently improving access to the club, so let us know about things we can do better.
Attending the club
The club is available to members and also offers day membership for people who want to have a day out, try the sports and enjoy the facilities.
You can visit the club 4 times before we would suggest that you join.
Arrangements can also be made for organisations to come to the club as a group to access the Club, so their members can access the facilities and activities.
You can book an RYA accredited Training course ahead of time details are on our website.
If you wish to attend a learn to sail or learn to windsurf course, please do contact us in advance so we can discuss any particular needs you may have.
Costs for membership and equipment hire are on our website.
Getting to the Club
Most people come to the club by car. There is no accessible Public Transport. We are increasing our links with local providers who might be able to help people get to the club.
Arriving at the Club
When you arrive our club manager, safety and training team will be there to welcome you.
Our Safety Team and RYA Instructors are there to make sure everything goes well on the water.
There is a barrier at the entrance to the car park. You can intercom to the club house to gain access to the car park and then the team will know that you have arrived.
The club has a large car park. We will help you to find the best parking space for you to access the club facilities and the water.
It is possible to drop people off closer to the activity, by arrangement, if that is needed.
The club is on a sloping site with rough ground.
Access to the club house is via steps or long steep slopes. Please let us know if you have any accessibility needs.
We will listen to you so we understand and make things work.
Facilities
Galley
The club house provides an upstairs galley (café) accessed by stairs. There is a large sitting, dining area upstairs with views over the reservoir.
Food and drink is served canteen style and there is also a bar upstairs. Members of the team will be able to bring you things to you, if needed.
There is an office downstairs with views of the reservoir which you can use if it is not possible to go up the stairs.
We are working to improve our accessible inside space. Please let us know if you need assistance or if you need a different environment, a quieter, less busy space, etc.
Toilets and changing rooms
There are toilets, showers and changing rooms downstairs.
Changing rooms and toilets are gender specific,, we will support anyone who needs different arrangements
There are tight corners into the toilets and changing areas.
Toilet cubicles are too small to access with a wheel chair, but we are working to improve these areas.
Outside and Activities
There is an outside seating area on the ground floor with views across the reservoir.
This looks over the boat park and is where people gather before getting on the water.
Dogs on a lead are welcome at the club (but not on the water or in the club house) and there are large areas where they can be exercised (please pick up any waste and deposit in rubbish bins).
There are a number of slipways down to the water and our club manager will be able to point out the best places for you to park, be dropped of and access the water.
The club has a number of dinghies, sit on paddle boards, wind surfers and kayaks that you can hire.
You will need to provide evidence of sailing ability to hire a dinghy, Wetsuits and buoyancy aids are available for hire.
Our safety crew will be on hand to make sure your time at the club is safe and fun. We will listen to you to understand your experience of the water, knowledge of safety procedures and whether you need us to make any adjustments to meet your needs.
Please contact us if you have any questions.
Last updated 22:57 on 3 May 2024
