Blackwater Sailing Club Open Day to be held on 5th May

Fireballs at Blackwater © M Norman

Blackwater Sailing Club, based at Heybridge Basin near Maldon is holding its annual Open Day on Saturday May 5th between 12 noon and 5pm and will be delighted to show visitors all the wonderful facilities and activities on offer to members.

This event is supported by the RYA Push the Boat Out Campaign which aims to get as many people as possible to try sailing in May.

There will be opportunities for dinghy taster sails on the lake and there will be sailing demonstrations by the Blackwater cadets, There will also be rigged examples of the boats generally used by the cadets.

During the afternoon visitors can watch dinghy and cruiser racing on the river and cruisers will be available to take visitors for a free taster sail. The Club motor launch and a Rib will also be running free river trips. Light refreshments will be available throughout the day.

Prospective members can also book a two hour one-to-one dinghy sailing taster session with a qualified instructor to take place at a mutually convenient time.

Blackwater is one of the largest sailing clubs on the east coast and provides traditional dinghy and cruiser sailing and racing. It boasts a strong cadet section that offers sail training, coaching and racing for youngsters from the age of 8 years alongside social activities.

In additon to the excellent river Blackwater, members have the use of the large training lake and there are many informal groups that meet there midweek and on summer evenings.

There is a thriving adult sailing group that meets on a Friday morning and novices are always welcome to come along and take advantage of the wealth of knowledge that is shared by all. These sessions take place on the lake or the river as tides permit and are a great way for a novice to learn to sail or hone their skills; an ideal opportunity to sail and socialise without being too competitive.

With access to a large section of foreshore that accommodates over 100 moorings, a ramp, pier and pontoon for mid tide access, extensive safety boat cover, ample boat storage and car parking, the club provides more facilities than any other on the east coast. There is even a sea wall bungalow for hire. There's much more on offer; go along on Saturday May 5th and see for yourself. It's a family friendly club.

For more details about events like this see www.blackwatersailingclub.org