Any suggestions for dinghy sailing in 17 or 16, lake or coast. Also any small sailing clubs that do racing?

This may help as a start:=
http://poitoucharentes.angloinfo.com/forum/topic.asp?page=2&topic_id=111866

At the North Charente lakes you can hire dinghies and catamarans (and pedaloes!) Emma and John

Many thanks Emma and John, where are the North Charente lakes in relation to Cognac? Is it open all year round? thanks

Hi a long way! They are almost in the Limousin. After Angouleme take the N141 for about 30 minutes to Suris (just after Roumazieres) then turn right towards St Quentin, then towards Pressignac. The beach (la Guerlie) is on the east side of the lake near the southern end. The boat hire is on lac de Lavaud and is only open in the summer
Emma and John

Thanks Emma and John but as you say a bit far from me. There is a lake my side of Angloeme I believe only about 30/40 minutes away. But am still intrigued as to why there aren't any little sailing clubs around coastal 17. Many thanks for your info anyway.

I know there's plenty of dingy sailing over at Royan or La Pamyre.,sure there must be a club at Royan. I know there is a dive club, plenty goimg on around the port.

aj.