Civil Service Sailing Association

(Printable membership forms available here)

What Is It?

The Civil Service Sailing Association (CSSA) is a sports association which provides facilities around Great Britain and organises activities for sailing in both yachts and dinghies, for members of the CSSC (Civil Service Sports Council) who hold Membership Plus, for their families, and also for a limited number of other members (Associate and Temporary Members). These facilities and the available clubs, yachts, events and training courses are described in more detail in leaflets available from the Membership Secretary. All abilities from complete novice to experienced ocean racer are provided for.

What Does It Offer?

The CSSA currently owns three modern sea-going yachts 37 - 38 feet long which are available for use by all members, two kept in the Solent area near Southampton, Hants, and one near Harwich, Essex. Both the cruising yachts usually go on a long cruise each summer to one or more European countries, and they frequently cross the English Channel and North Sea on shorter cruises. One of the South Coast yachts is mainly used for racing and race training, and participates in many major events including the Fastnet Race. There are also local yacht rallies and races for beginners, including an annual "Interdepartmental Offshore Regatta" when yachts compete with crews representing various departments of the civil service. There is also a marina for use by CSSA yacht owners in Portsmouth Harbour, Hants, and other moorings for yachts and dinghies in the Solent and Plymouth areas.

How do I Start Yachting?

The CSSA is a recognised RYA Sail Training Establishment and regularly runs 5 day practical yacht courses for RYA Competent Crew, Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster qualifications with RYA approved instructors. Suitably qualified members may become CSSA 'Approved Skippers' and may then charter the club yachts. A crewing bureau is operated for the three club yachts to provide yacht sailing for all members which matches their interests and experience, and a magazine 'CS Sailing' is sent regularly several times a year to all members to keep them informed.

Dinghy Sailing?

There are also six regional clubs in England where dinghy owners can keep and race their own boats or sailboards, or crew for their owners, both inland and on the sea, in Berkshire, Devon, Essex, Hampshire, Lancashire, and Middlesex. Club races are held every weekend and also inter-club and other events. Some RYA dinghy training courses are also organised at these clubs, details from local secretaries.

Will it Cost Me?

In addition to CSSC Membership Plus for general CSSA Membership, there are additional fees for local clubs, for training courses, and for sailing on the club yachts, but these are all offered at rates very competitive with commercial organisations. For further details on all aspects of the CSSA including this year's programme, local club contacts, joining details etc. please contact Ken Pavitt, CSSA Membership Secretary e-mail kenwpavitt@aol.com.

Full Membership

Full Membership of the Civil Service Sailing Association is open to anyone eligible for membership of the Civil Service Sports Council (Sports and Leisure). In addition to employees of the Civil Service, British Telecom and the Post Office, this includes the staff of over one hundred other bodies such as the British Airports Authority, the Research Councils, and the Forestry Commission, and members of HM armed forces serving in HM civil establishments. Full Membership is also open to former members of CSSC who have left government service, and anyone who has retired and is still receiving a pension from an eligible organisation. If in doubt about your eligibility please contact the CSSA Membership Secretary Ken Pavitt, kenwpavitt@aol.com or the CSSC Membership Department, tel. 01494 888 418.

If you are paying for Membership Plus and can quote your CSSC membership number, simply complete and return the form overleaf for Full Membership of the CSSA. Otherwise please complete and return an application for CSSC Membership Plus together with the downloadable form below.

The CSSA has several constituent Clubs and Divisions around the country for dinghy and yacht sailing which are described in a separate leaflet. CSSA members are eligible to join these clubs, but will have to pay an additional annual subscription to the Club or Division for local facilities.

All of the organisation and facilities of the CSSA are developed, maintained and supported by volunteers, so many appropriate skills and the experience of its members are very welcome. Please mention any professional or amateur skills or craft knowledge on the application form.

Associate Membership

If you are not eligible for membership of the Civil Service Sports Council (Sports and Leisure), you may still apply for membership of CSSA as an Associate Member. Your application must be supported by an Officer of one of the Clubs or Divisions and approved by their Committee, as only limited numbers of Associate Members are allowed (10% of membership of the Club/Division). Potential Associate Members can first use a 3 month temporary membership to sail, meet other members and obtain the necessary sponsorship. The Officer supporting your Associate application must sign it. Contact Ken Pavitt kenwpavitt@aol.com

ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP (application form here)

CSSC SPORTS AND LEISURE MEMBERSHIP (application form here)

CIVIL SERVICE SAILING ASSOCIATION Membership (application form here)

CIVIL SERVICE SAILING ASSOCIATION CREW BUREAU REGISTRATION FORM (CRUISING AND TRAINING) (application form here)

CSSA Channel Sailing Division - Sea Essay Sailing Register ( application form here)

Completion of these forms implies agreement to hold this data on computer for CSSA use only.