Welcome to the Hertford County Yacht Club (HCYC) website. We hope you find the information useful, and you come and join us for sailing. Please use the navigation bar above and to the left to find your way around the web site.

About Us

Hertford County Yacht Club is a popular, friendly club offering something for every member of the family from the casual sailor to the serious racing enthusiast, with the emphasis always on enjoyment.

We have good facilities for non-sailing members of the family, spacious grassed areas with picnic tables, swings and a fenced-off adventure play area.

Sailing is on an attractive 25 acre lake in the village of Stanstead Abbotts, near Ware in Hertfordshire, just North of the A414 bypass.

The Club was formed in 1965 and moved to its present location in 1975, since when comprehensive facilities have been constructed. See the Club History web page for further details about the history of the Club.

Sailing is encouraged at any time during the week and members are allowed to sail almost any kind of dinghy up to 16 feet in length.

Multihulls, sailboards, canoes and motor craft (except the Club's patrol boats) are not permitted.

What We Do

Fleet and handicap racing takes place throughout the year on Sundays, Bank Holidays and some Saturdays. The racing, although taken seriously, is friendly. After the races there are refreshments and a chat in the clubhouse.

Family racing is usually organised for members on a Sunday afternoon. These are designed to encourage people with little or no racing experience. The atmosphere is extremely relaxed and friendly and you do not need a detailed knowledge of the racing rules to start.

Casual sailing is encouraged at any time, again throughout the year, except on Sunday mornings when races are being held. Club night on Wednesday evenings and coffee morning on Tuesday between April and September is popular for a relaxed sail after work (and even unofficial racing - an ideal time to learn to race).

Juniors take an active part with the adults in the general racing programme. The club has 6 Toppers, 6 Optimists and 2 Lasers available for their free use in casual sailing or racing all they need do is complete the log book in the clubhouse. (Adults may use the boats for a small charge but priority is given to use by Juniors)

Training courses are run at the club by members who are qualified instructors to RYA (Royal Yachting Association) certificate standards. The club is an RYA approved Training Centre.

Social events are arranged throughout the year. They include fireworks displays, themed suppers, film shows, BBQs throughout the Summer months, Bank Holiday fun events and lectures on sailing with guest speakers from the sailing world. There is also a DIY BBQ available on-site for the use of club members and guests and can be used at any time (bring your own coal and food please).

Days out include organised sailing outings to various coastal and inland venues, including Rutland Waters and the East Coast.

Further information on the sailing programme and social events can be viewed via the navigation bar above.

Our Facilities

Facilities at the club include a large dinghy park, elevated race hut, two concrete slipways, plenty of moorings, picnic area, covered patio, children's play area, heated clubhouse, toilets, changing rooms, car parking, patrol boats and of course 25 acres of sailing water. Members are expected to attend at least 1 workday during the year to maintain these facilities.