New Safety Boat for Upper Thames Sailing Club
by Roy Burnham 26 Apr 2008 08:50 BST
In preparation for their busie © Roy Burnham
In preparation for their busiest season yet, Upper Thames Sailing Club in Bourne End have invested in a new Safety Boat with the help of a grant from the Royal Yachting Association (RYA). The boat was named Tigris VI and formally launched with customary champagne by Commodore Vanessa Pilon on Sunday 20th April. She said “this is a clear statement and commitment to the clubs objective of promoting dinghy racing on the upper reaches of the Thames”.
The club, one of the oldest on this part of the river, has been in existence since 1884 and Tigris VI joins the other 2 boats in providing safety coverage for the dinghy sailors who use the river in Bourne End. This is particularly needed during annual regatta week, which commences this year on 24th May 2008.
The club also announced its appointment as an RYA OnBoard Centre and will welcome new families who wish to learn about sailing on Saturday afternoons from 3rd May onwards. They will also be holding an Open Day on Sunday 11 May when anyone is invited to visit the club, chat with members and even go sailing. A charity “Tea by the Thames” will also be held during the afternoon with profits going to Sail4Cancer.
More information is available on www.utsc.org.uk or by phone from Tony on 01628 472389.