Berthing, Launching and Clubhouse

Everything at Island Barn is laid out to make launching and recovery of boats as easy as possible, using our many years of experience. There are six access points to the water round the reservoir, so there is no bottleneck due to everyone trying to get through one gate, and the distance from berth to water is minimised for everyone.

Access to the upper level is via a ramp up the side of the reservoir, with a powered winch to ease the effort. Berths are either in the lower park or round the top of the reservoir according to preference. Tie-down wires or scaffold poles are provided round the top as securing points. Make sure you always tie your boat down well before leaving - if it gets blown over it will probably damage someone else's boat as well as your own, and you insurance company will not like you! Most water access points now have side ramps which provide a manageable slope regardless of any change in water level. You can launch from the bank or from a pontoon as you prefer.  Once on the water we have 185 meters of pontoon, so there is plenty of space to tie up between races and no need to haul the boat out.  In the last year we have installed a splendid new pontoon for the clubhouse area, which is a solid metal item with hardwood decking, and we've also

replaced the Laser launch ramp with a new professionally-built item which should last for years.

Island Barn is a backup reservoir for Thames Water, and we haven't had problems with water levels in quite some time. The reservoir is an average 80 feet deep when full (which is most of the time) - so you won't get your must stuck in the mid on the bottom!

IBRSC was one of the first clubs to have a permanent clubhouse, and with recent extensive improvements it is now a comfortable facility with hot showers, spacious bar and lunch area, and no need to remove the wetsuit before coming in! Bar prices are much lower than elsewhere. We also provide outside seating for that beautiful British summer, and a small children's play area. With the finish line 30 meters from the clubhouse, boats will always come past the clubhouse on each lap and so we provide excellent spectator facilities without the need for binoculars. 
 
 
On offer during the day are:

•  Snacks: hot and cold drinks, biscuits, chocolate, crisps
•  Lunch at the appropriate time
•  Our drinks bar will also open over lunch, and later if there is demand; you'll like the prices!
 

For children

• There's a toy box for tinies in the dry children's area, and outside is a small climbing frame.
• There is a recreation ground with a playground five minutes walk away.
 

Non-sailing guests are welcome.

At IBRSC, racing goes past the clubhouse every lap so they will be able to see some of the action. If your non-sailors want to drop you off and come back later, the obvious must-see near Island Barn is Hampton Court Palace, which is less than two miles away. Walkers can enjoy a stroll on Molesey Heath, next to the reservoir, and Molesey village has a reasonable selection of shops.
 

NO DOGS ALLOWED AT THE RESERVOIR