Llandegfedd digs in for the future

Work beginning at the site of the new Llandegfedd Watersports Centre © WYA

Work beginning at the site of the new Llandegfedd Watersports Centre © WYA

Workers have started the new development which will make Llandegfedd Watersports Centre, near Pontypool in South East Wales, one of the top inland sailing spots in the UK.

The two clubs based there already boast sailors who have represented Wales on the international stage, in particular Hannah Tilley who is training with the GB Olympic Development Squad, but club officials are looking forward to an even better future with improved facilities.

"The new Watersports Centre will transform Llandegfedd and make it one a premier inland sailing venue, attracting visiting sailors from all over the UK," said David Green, Llandegfedd Sailing Club Commodore.

"Llandegfedd Watersports Centre It will also enable investment in boats and volunteer coaches to make sailing accessible to all which will be a real benefit to the local community."

Welsh Water's investment of £2-5m means that work has started after 40 years of planning and disappointments – and 45 years after the sailing club was first established at the reservoir.

The new Watersports Centre will be the focus of all on-water training and sailing. This building will be complete in spring 2014, ready for next summer's sailing and windsurfing.

At the same time, Welsh Water is constructing a Visitor Centre overlooking the reservoir near the dam, opening up the site for the general public to see the reservoir and use the cafe. This is due for completion in September 2014.

The reservoir hosts two RYA Registered training centres; Gwent Adventures and Llandegfedd Sailing Club. For the last few years they have both struggled with a lack of facilities, but now look forwards to a far brighter future.

"Gwent Adventures runs the RYA OnBoard scheme for introducing juniors and youths to sailing, and has links to the local schools," explained Andy Howard, chairman of the South Wales regional committee of the Welsh Yachting Association and also a Llendegfedd member.

"They also promote windsurfing and coach the South Wales' champion T15 windsurfing team. Visitors can learn to sail, and use paddleboards and kayaks. The new facilities will enable them to run larger training groups and support wider use by the local communities and schools.

"Llandegfedd Sailing Club has current world and UK champion racing sailors in sailing dinghies, and hopes to expand training and coaching when the new buildings are in place in 2014.

"Despite the small size of the volunteer-run club, in 2013 youth sailors represented Wales in Hungary, Denmark, and France. There is also a club member training with the Great Britain Olympic squad.

"The new classroom and indoor facilities will make the location much more family-friendly and the club intends to expand by encouraging adults to sail as well alongside their youngsters. They will also be able to build on the OnBoard sailing scheme and widen membership to all members of the community.

"Once the Watersports Centre is open, Llandegfedd Reservoir will be a focus for active sports participation, for all ages from 8 to 80. Sailors from the very raw beginners through to Olympic hopefuls will find support and challenges on the clean water in idyllic rural surroundings."