Club History
Founded on February 20th 1944 by a group of 28 local enthusiasts, racing has been fundamental to the health and well-being of the club. The family environment has been the cornerstone of the club's growth and solidarity. This, and the fact that club members provide the vision, professional and artisan skills necessary, make it one of the most successful and active clubs in the area. This has been evident right from the start with competitors ranging in age from eight to eighty. Some notable dates in the Club's History:-
The acquisition in 1945 of the lease of Benn's Island from the Thames Conservancy with the right to moor a headquarters boat of 80 foot in length was paramount to the club's future. The clause enabled the club to purchase and use the steamer "King Edward" as its headquarters.
Benn's Island when the lease was secured.
The "King Edward" our original Clubhouse was purchased in 1951 and moored on Benn's Island in May 1951.
"Cos" our Treasurer, Timekeeper and general Guardian of the Club who lived on the "King Edward" in the summer.
Installation in 1962 of the piles upon which the new Clubhouse was built.
During 1962 the clubhouse was built on the piles at Benn's Island. In 1973 the building was altered when the bar and tea counter was moved from the west end of the club to the north side.
St Mary's Church & the Bell in the 50's
Putting in a sewage pipe and 3 phase electricity to the Island. A major project in 1981
Sewage works in progress.
An early Regatta
Cadet Open
A Raters being towed back to Thames Sailing Club
Improvements to the clubhouse have been on-going. One of the greatest benefits was the installation, in 1981, of the sewage-system. This was carried out by members over a four day period. In 2003 a strip of land was purchased opposite St. Mary's Church, Hampton which provides winter berths for the club.
The latest extension saw the repositioning of the changing rooms from the eastern to the western end of the clubhouse and fitting of picture windows.
During its existence, Hampton Sailing Club has produced top flight sailors in the Cadet, Merlin Rocket, 505, Scorpion, International 14, Flying Dutchman and Thames A Rater classes.
Over the years members have joined from all around London and the South East, from Battersea to Buckinghamshire. Many live in Surrey; Kingston, Richmond, Thames Ditton, Molesey, Sunbury, Espom, Cheam and Middlesex; Teddington, Hampton HIll, Twickenham, Hanworth and many more towns from all around.
Last updated 8:39am on 4 December 2023