The Channel Sailing Division

Offshore Sailing on Sea Essay of Hamble

The Channel Sailing Division of the Civil Service Sailing Association organises yacht sailing on the CSSA Yacht "Sea Essay", at all levels from introductory day sails to long foreign cruises, with training at all levels and private group charter also available, all at rates well below commercial organisations. See the Sea Essay Charges.

The Division has a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37 cruising yacht bought new in December 2002 with a loan from the CSSC, the parent body of CSD. The yacht has excellent sailing performance and handling, with much modern equipment for navigation and crew comfort, including satellite navigation, weather receiver, showers, hot water, cabin heaters and full safety equipment to DTp standards. There are four two-berth or twin-berth cabins and a full galley with large refrigerator. The yacht is kept at Mercury Yacht Harbour, a marina on the River Hamble near Southampton with direct access to the Solent and English Channel, in a very convenient pontoon berth.

Members who are approved as CSSA Coastal or Offshore skippers may charter the yacht for their own group use, or members may join the crewing bureau or enrol for the various courses. To become an approved skipper, a member must possess a full RYA/DoT Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence, an SRC Certificate and a currently valid, RYA approved, First Aid Certificate. In addition they should submit references from two CSSA members of equivalent qualifications with whom they have sailed.