Discover Sailing Round Up in the East
Hundreds of people have taken the opportunity to get on the water so far in the East Region with Discover Sailing Days taking place across the counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire.
Since the end of April, Clubs and Centres have enjoyed successful open days in the beautiful Spring weather, opening their doors to the local community and beyond to try sailing and get on the water.
Across the Region, these have included Horning Sailing Club, who held a Discover Sailing taster day on Saturday 30 April in conjunction with the Horning Boat Show. Club members took over 150 people out for a sail in traditional Broads Boats including Rebels and Yare & Bures on the river in Horning. Matt and Beth, who attended with their family, said “Absolutely beautiful experience… made my week, thank you”. Also in Norfolk, Hickling Broad Sailing Club held a popular Open Day on Saturday 14 May, which attracted prospective sailors from the local community, many of whom signed up on the day to get involved in Club activities. The same weekend, Blakeney Sailing Club, based on the North Norfolk Coast, made the most of the evening tide for their Discover Sailing events – welcoming both members of the public to come and race or flotilla sail with members, and encouraging members to get back involved in club activity. Karen, who had sailed in the past but not for some time attended, said “It was a beautiful evening and an amazing sail. Thanks for organising… it has kindled my interest in sailing again”.
In Suffolk, St Edmundsbury Sailing and Canoeing Association based on Lackford Lake close to Bury St Edmunds held a very successful Open Day on Sunday 08 May with over 300 visitors attending and getting on the water sailing, paddleboarding and canoeing. Claudia, who attended with her family. said “My family and I had a wonderful day and are very excited about the possibility of joining the Club. Our children cannot wait to get stuck in!” Further down the Coast, Southwold Sailing Club enjoyed a successful open day on the river on Saturday 21 May.
In Cambridgeshire, Cam Sailing Club held a popular Discover Sailing Day on Saturday 07 May with good sunny weather and a perfect wind for taking visitors afloat in dinghies, half-deckers and yachts. With over 100 visitors, the club facilities were very much enjoyed.
In Essex, Royal Corinthian Yacht Club in Burnham-on-Crouch had a fantastic Discover Sailing Day on Saturday 07 May welcoming people to try sailing, paddleboarding and rowing, whilst further up the coast at Brightlingsea, Colne Yacht Club enjoyed a busy day of activities on Sunday 15 May, despite the blustery winds and grey skies. The Club’s Sonata yachts were kept in action on the Colne taking out those new to sailing.
Other events have included Discover Sailing days at Aldeburgh Yacht Club, Paxton Lakes Sailing Club, Snettisham Beach Sailing Club and Stewartby Water Sports Club.
If you missed these events there are still plenty of opportunities to get on the water this summer with more Discover Sailing days taking place across the Region – find your nearest here https://www.rya.org.uk/start-boating/discover-sailing
By joining a sailing club, you can give back to that community through volunteering and helping to run the club. So, what are you waiting for? Give sailing a go this summer.