Established by the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club in order to encourage the children of members to sail, the Corinthian Otters is the largest organisation for youth sailing on the Crouch Estuary and one of the biggest clubs on the East Coast. Recognised by the RYA as a sailing club in our own right we welcome all children aged between 7-18 regardless of parental membership of the RCYC.
Although we work closely with the RCYC and are privileged to share in their facilities the Corinthian Otters is managed independently of the main parent club by the Otter Management Committee consisting entirely of parent volunteers. Annually elected Flag Officers aged 15-18, voted for by those aged 12 and over, also contribute extensively to the running of sailing, social and fundraising events.
Our sailing season runs from mid March to mid November each year with regular weekly sessions taking place on Saturday mornings.
Beginners join our Pond Group to learn the basics of sailing on a nearby local pond which provides a safe and calm environment for younger children. Children joining the beginners group make use of our club owned Optimist training boats until they are ready to move onto sailing on the river in their own boat.
Once on the river most children start sailing in Optimists before moving onto larger dinghies with regular sailing sessions grouped in to fleets for Cadets, RS Tera, RS Feva, Lasers and RS 200 by boat class and, for the Optimist by ability level. Each fleet has a designated Lead Trainer.
All of our Trainers, shore and water based helpers are volunteers and parents who readily involve themselves in the success of the club.
Video created by Maximillian Newcombe
