Henley Sailing Club Open Day
by Duncan Mackay 14 Jun 2009 22:39 BST
13 June 2009
Brilliant sunshine and perfect winds for the Henley Sailing Club Open Day © Duncan Mackay
Family fun on the Thames
Brilliant sunshine and perfect winds brought out the crowds to enjoy the Henley Sailing Club Open Day on Saturday 13 June at Willow Lane, Wargrave. Nearly all the visitors to the club were new to sailing and keen to learn more about the sport and look over the picturesque facilities at the art deco clubhouse. Tables on the immaculately mown lawns were set with flowers and protected by sunshades so that even the most reluctant novice sailor could enjoy a cream tea and watch the thrilling sailing boats skim by on the river. A posse of former Commodores; Duncan Mackay, Jeff Manning and Tim Haigh, with experienced sailors Stephen Rothery, Steve Gent, Tim Saunders, Tim Le Mare and Carol Stitson provided conducted tours and sailing demonstrations in a variety of dinghies from Mirrors and Optimists to Enterprises, Phantoms and Lasers.
Commodore Helene Hook said “This was a splendid day out for all the family with many visitors from along the length of the Thames Valley. We had guests from Reading, Henley, Twyford, Wargrave, London and Abingdon but also an intrepid couple from Preston in Lancashire on a passing cruiser who couldn’t resist the temptation to have a go at dinghy sailing. Everyone was amazed that such a wonderful place could be found tucked away down a quiet leafy lane only a few hundred yards from the main Henley to Twyford road. Nearly everyone wanted to join and show their children how to sail as well as to ‘learn the ropes’ themselves on one of the club’s collection of boats. It was great to hear so many positive people wanting to learn something new and to join in the vibrant social life we share at the club. We hope to be showing off this lovely stretch of the river Thames with many more new people over the summer”.
“If you missed the Open Day why not come along to the club and try out some dinghy sailing at Willow Lane, Wargrave; we would be really pleased to welcome you. We have tea and cakes on the lawn every Sunday and we’re always happy to show visitors the club and the river. See the club website www.henleysailingclub.org for details of Fun Sailing days”.