Blackwater Sailing Club celebrates 'tremendous' open day

Around 250 people attend the open day, which offered visitors a taste of sailing in ideal conditions with sunshine and a brisk easterly wind.

Guests took part in a wide variety of activities both on and off the water, including 190 test sails on the club’s freshwater lake.

Visitors Rosie and Jack Hopper at the open day (Image: Blackwater Sailing Club)

Joe Bird, Rear-Commodore of the Blackwater Sailing Club, said: "What a tremendous open day!

"It was only possible though thanks to the incredible effort and enthusiasm of our members.

"From taking visitors out in the boats, supporting membership enquiries and ensuring everything ran smoothly throughout the day, our volunteers in their customary friendly way did a fantastic job.

Visitors Harley, Jordan and Anthony at the open day (Image: Blackwater Sailing Club)

"We are extremely grateful to everyone who gave their time and energy to make the event such a success – and look forward to welcoming new faces and building on the growing interest in sailing and membership activities."

Visitors were guided by experienced members and RYA-qualified instructors during the dinghy sailing sessions and also enjoyed trips on the River Blackwater in RIBs, which proved especially popular with guests of all ages.

Onshore activities included demonstrations, guided tours of the facilities and clubhouse, conversations with club officials and other members, along with refreshments and homemade cake.

Blackwater Sailing Club members from left: Jonny Garlick, Claire Coday, Linda Ogburn, Tricia Parker, Sheenagh Berney, Pamela Graham, Nigel Wilsher (Image: Zoe Nelson)

The open day resulted in 40 new members joining on the day itself, with further applications expected over the coming weeks.

For more information about membership or visiting the club, email membership-secretary@blackwatersailingclub.org.uk or visit blackwatersailingclub.org.uk.