Local sailing boost as Chipstead SC celebrates new lease

All smiles on the water at Chipstead SC's 2013 Open Day in May © Chipstead SC

More local people than ever now have the opportunity to sail after Chipstead Sailing Club secured an agreement to stay at its Chipstead Lake home for another 25 years.

The club, one of the top and most popular sailing facilities in the South East region, has signed a new 25-year lease for continued use of its clubhouse and the lake with the owner, Canadian property developer and landowner, Baron Deschauer.

Some 300 people sail regularly at Chipstead, which as a recognised RYA Training Centre conforms to the highest standards of safety and quality, while this year alone the club has introduced around 70 newcomers to the sport through its learn to sail courses, with some 50 sailors also enjoying learning more through improver courses.The club's Open Day in May this year attracted over 200 visitors.

Meanwhile the club also has a thriving juniors' Saturday Club, with upwards of 30 young sailors learning to sail and enjoying themselves each week as well as participating in a Summer Camp. Chipstead has an impressive track record in developing its youngsters many of whom progress to regional and national racing events, while the club itself hosts regional racing events.

This is the first time in its 60 year history that the club has enjoyed a 25 year lease and Greg Jenkins, Chipstead SC club commodore, admits having that stability will be invaluable in attracting and retaining more local people in the sport of sailing.

He said: "This is tremendous news for Chipstead SC and Chipstead village and the surrounding areas too, as it signals an end to the period of uncertainty surrounding both the club and the lake itself. The club has a tremendous family ethos and caters for all ages and abilities from top level racing enthusiasts, sailing for the disabled to our thriving junior section.

"We have introduced many people to sailing over the past few years through our training and also our social activities. A number of locals are now enjoying the delightful, peaceful surroundings Chipstead Lake affords while discovering a sport that really does offer a lifetime of opportunity on the water."

To celebrate its confirmed residency for the next quarter century, Chipstead SC is now planning a major refurbishment of its clubhouse, including improving the facilities and updating the decoration. The club also plans to expand its activities to include other watersports such as canoeing and rowing.

It's not too late to discover for yourself what sailing at Chipstead can offer this year. The club is running RYA Level 1 and 2 adult sailing course for Novices starting on Friday 6 September.

Meanwhile Chipstead's vibrant social programme means that as the weather gets colder the atmosphere at the club doesn't as the club hosts a number of events and activities 'off-season' to keep everyone involved.

To discover everything Chipstead SC has to offer, and how you can get involved, visit www.chipsteadsc.org.uk or follow the club on Twitter at @ChipsteadSC