Built by members in the 1970s on a tight budget, the predicted lifespan of the building had been just 25 years - but the simple yet strong design lasted five decades before its steel structure finally succumbed to the elements and the test of time.

Condemned by a structural engineer and forced to close in late 2023, members had to start fundraising - and did so with a determination and ambition to not only restore their clubhouse but create a valuable community resource for the future.

Although the club had carefully saved £185,000 over the years in anticipation of the work being needed, a further £20,000 was required for the rebuild and so a Crowdfunding appeal was launched in April 2024.

With a can-do ethos and the club’s pro-active approach to making its activities inclusive for all, the Crowdfunder was enthusiastically supported by members, local businesses and the community of Seaford, with match funding grants coming from Sport England and East Sussex Community Wellbeing Fund.

Many club volunteers also stepped up to give huge amounts of their time to plan, manage and carry out the rebuild, making it possible to reopen the clubhouse in March 2025, complete with improved facilities and accessibility.

“The whole place is used by the community a lot,” explained Crowdfunder organiser James Dandridge from the club. “We have people that come in from the community who use the café daily, and we have so many different sports that go on at the club. It’s a great asset and I’m so pleased that we saved it.”

Founded in 1952, the family-friendly club and RYA recognised training centre operates across three sites, with the clubhouse on the beach at Seaford, a lake at nearby Piddinghoe and access to a marina at Newhaven.

Its vibrant mix of activities spans the generations and includes dinghy, catama

ran and keelboat sailing, windsurfing, winging, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding, along with thriving youth and junior, Sailability and model yachting sections.

This commitment to opening up the sport to everyone was recognised in the RYA Awards in 2025, when the club won the Active category for creating positive participation pathways for people to enjoy being on the water throughout their lives.Describing the club’s supportive and friendly atmosphere, member Jo West said: “It’s the people that make it. It’s having people who are prepared to give up their time and get involved and be enthusiastic about it and really care about it.”

Commenting on the RYA Award, fellow club member Jazz Turner, who became the first wheelchair-user to sail a solo non-stop and unassisted circumnavigation of the UK and Ireland, added: “It’s really good for the club to get the recognition. I wouldn’t have got where I’ve got to today without them, so to see them getting the award and a bit of attention is just thanking them for everything they’ve done for me.”

RYA Awards

RYA Awards shine a spotlight on those who make our sport accessible and go the extra mile to help people get the most out of their time on the water.

Do you know an individual, club, class or organisation deserving of recognition? The 2027 RYA Awards are now open and they are a fantastic way to say thank you:

• Impact Awards – Recognising individuals, clubs, and organisations who go above and beyond to make boating and sailing more successful, sustainable, and inclusive.
• Awards for Organisations - Celebrating the vital contribution of clubs, classes and other affiliated organisations in five categories: Together on Water; The Green Blue Team; Young Person’s; Active; Event of the Year.

Explore all the information you need at RYA Awards.