The Crouch Yacht Club initiative to invite people to experience Yacht Sailing at their Open Day on 06 June was an absolute success.

The offer to enjoy a yacht sailing experience on the River Crouch was specifically aimed at people who hadn’t had the opportunity to try sailing in the past and who may not know how they could get involved. The Club is particularly keen to make the sport more accessible – especially to those living in Burnham itself. Owners kindly put forward their boats, skills and crew to provide an hour and a half of river time for all our guests. The experience on offer was the chance to go onboard, help set the sails and cruise the river for about an hour. 35 happy people took up and greatly enjoyed their sailing experiences. Other CYC Club Members supported the event by welcoming people into the Club and providing refreshments. The Club is particularly grateful to the RNLI who provided guests with information on safety throughout the day.

Whilst on this occasion the age range for sailing was set at 16+, it actually spanned from 16 to some looking for excitement in retirement – with a nearly equal split between the sexes. Most staying on into the day with their friends or family to enjoy the Club’s facilities – and partners who didn’t wish to sail were able to view progress from the First Floor Restaurant or by sitting outside the Club in the sunshine.

The day also offered the Crouch Yacht Club the opportunity to counter many misconceptions around Yacht sailing, particularly the fact that you don’t have to own a boat to either join the Club or enjoy sailing. Most owners need at least 5 crew to help sail their boats – and are most often looking for crew to train up and compete in sailing races both in the river and offshore.

Many people attending the day wanted to take their experience forward and the Crouch Yacht Club will be facilitating several sail training days in the near future. If you missed out on the Open Day – and want to join in the training sessions – please register your interest on cycopenday@hotmail.co.uk, or drop into the Club and ask to talk to a Committee member.

Piers Stanbury