We are a very friendly dinghy sailing and windsurfing club with one of the most beautiful settings in the whole of the UK. Based on the 253 acre Pontsticill Reservoir in the Brecon Beacons National Park. With this location even non-sailing members of your family can enjoy a lovely day out, with a gentle stroll around the reservoir or up into the hills, simply enjoying the views.

We are a diverse club, sailing everything from boards to 20ft cats and have members of all ages and with a wide range of abilities.  All are welcome. Come along and try it for free before you join. Certainly don't think you have to buy a boat before joining; come and try sailing first and chat with the members who'll be happy to take you out in their craft so that you can try several types before deciding what to buy.

The emphasis within this club is on fun. We do race but the atmosphere is always friendly and welcoming to newcomers. We will organise training days each year to assist improvers and beginners. Racing is organised for the Sundays throughout the sailing season, from mid-March to Boxing Day. There are spring, summer, autumn and winter series with a trophy for each and many other trophy races throughout the year, with several on bank-holidays. During most of the season there is also sailing on Saturdays, this is a more informal affair with people just cruising, teaching others or organising small races. During the summer months with lighter evenings members who live close enough, organise their own series and additional training for Wednesday evenings.

The younger members of the family in age or heart may also enjoy a trip on the Brecon Mountain Railway which now passes the club and has its terminus near the dam of the reservoir.

Being almost in the centre of South Wales and only a short distance from the "Heads of the Valleys" road we are very conveniently located for people to visit from the large population centres of Newport, Cardiff and Swansea. We have members who visit from as far away as Reading in the east and the upper Swansea valley in the west.

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Some views of Merthyr Tydfil Sailing Club

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Outdoor Activity Centres

The local authority centre and one operated by Mid-Glamorgan Scout council are situated at the head of the reservoir.

  • Dol-y-Gaer Outdoor Education Centre who are affiliated to the sailing club and offer training courses and adventure weekends in all sorts of activities.
  • Dol-y-Gaer Mountain Centre operated by Mid-Glamorgan Scount Council but available for other community groups to book too. Undergoing major renovation until mid 2012 - check their website for details.

Other Sports

Fishing

Canoeing

  • The sailing club does not control access for canoeists. A new "passport" scheme is being established by the Brecon Beacons National Park that will permit access for Education Providers and Outdoor Activity Centres. These organisations will have to provide details of insurance, risk assessments, activity centre licences (AALA) and instructor qualifications. Canoe access will not be permitted for individuals or other groups or events for casual access. Dwr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW) will not allow casual access to any of their sites on grounds of biosecurity (alien species such as Zebra Mussels or "Killer Shrimp") and water safety. More will be published on this when we are aware of it. For the moment, if you are an organised adventure activity group apply to DCWW's Llandegfedd office, phone (01495) 769281. Information from here.

Swimming

  • Swimming is not permitted at any time. For the same biosecurity reasons outlined above and especially for your safety. This is a deep water reservoir: The water may appear warm at the edges and on the very surface during better weather but it rarely warms more than 20 cm deep. You will get cold. People have drowned.
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