Frensham Great Pond is artificial, having been created in the early Middle Ages by damming the Whitmore Stream at what is now the west end of the Pond. The Bishop of Winchester stocked the Pond with carp and drained it annually to trap the fish. These were then transferred alive in barrels to local monasteries and kept in 'Stew Ponds' to provide Friday lunch for the monks and local population.
Paintings from the 18th century show boats sailing on the Pond, and in the period between the world wars, sailing boats were hired out by the local hotel using a jetty built by the hotel. A suspicion that the Luftwaffe was using the lake as a navigational waypoint caused it to be drained. With peace the water returned.
Paintings from the 18th century show boats sailing on the Pond, and in the period between the world wars, sailing boats were hired out by the local hotel using a jetty built by the hotel. A suspicion that the Luftwaffe was using the lake as a navigational waypoint caused it to be drained. With peace the water returned.
Services
Based on a beautiful lake in South West Surrey, the club welcomes new members, both experienced sailors and those wishing to learn. If you would like to find out more, please look further at our website or why not take the opportunity to visit and talk with the club manager or the clubs members. Frensham Pond is a club for all ages, all abilities and all seasons.
Follow the A3 turning off on the A333 near Hindhead. Turn left (North) on the the A287. After about 4 miles you will pass through the village of Churt. Continue for a further mile and a half and turn left at a sign to the Frensham Pond Hotel. This is Pond Lane and the club is about 200 yds along this road on the right.
From novice to national, even world champions, Frensham Pond Sailing Club has plenty of appeal for sailors of all levels. There are over 10 classes of boats sailed at the club including model yachts for those who want to keep their feet firmly on the ground. The club prides itself on its vibrant youth programmes and was delighted when one of its former members, Nick Craig, won YJA Pantaenius Yachtsman of the Year 2012.
There are several different classes of boat that we sail at Frensham Pond which are suitable for a variety of different types of sailor. Some are single-handed dinghies and others are two-handed boats. The classes that we sail are listed on our Favoured Boat List. Classes on this list are in two groups, the Favoured Classes and the Prospective Favoured Classes.
The Frensham Pond Cadet fleet is one of the most competitive in the country. The club has frequently sent boats the Cadet Worlds, notably Argentina and Poland in recent years. Frensham hosts two main Cadet events per year: An open meeting, usually in April and "October Training" which is 4 intensive days of training from professional RYA coaches, every Saturday in October.
Reviews (3)
Adrian Law
May 30, 2021
Report
Chris Brown
Sep 22, 2020
Report
Kevin M.
Oct 13, 2019
Report
I joined this club to introduce my daughter to sailing and she is now loving every minute of it. This a superb club where she learns from some of the best sailing expertise going. It is very well run and exacts the highest standards of safety both on and off the water. A friendly club that provides for adults and children alike and runs the RYA Sailability programme for people with disabilities.
