Midland club besieged by potential new members on Open Day
by Robin Buxton 15 May 2018 14:29 BST
12 May 2018
Hollowell Sailing Club Open Day © Stewart Elder
Last weekend Hollowell Sailing Club threws open its doors to the general public and hosted its annual Open Day in conjunction with the RYA Push The Boat Out. Although the event officially opened at 11am, potential new members were besieging the club up to an hour beforehand; keen to give sailing a go.
In total, the club recorded over 180 visitors and some 128 individuals took advantage of a free sail in one of the club's Wayfarers. Many of the visitors were young families, no doubt attracted by the club's active and successful youth squads.
Local MP, Chris Heaton-Harris even showed up to help the support the event and encourage more people to take up sailing.
Commenting on the day, the club's Commodore, Clive de la Fuente said, "It's days like today that make me tremendously proud to be a member here. Everyone pulled together to make this event a success and results speak for themselves".
The following day, the Club continued its good work by hosting the annual Sail4Cancer Personal Handicap, in which some 20 boats took part in up to four races.
Mike and Helen Playle, sailing a Wayfarer finished first overall, having won the first two races and coming second in the third race. It was then left for Alistair Duncan to take up the slack in second place, with two seconds and a first.
Next week, things hot up further at Hollowell when the hosts sailors from around the country for the Solo Open on Saturday. Solo sailors from Hollowell will be up against some of the best and will be hoping to do the club proud.
On Sunday summer officially starts at Hollowell with the start of the Sunday Summer Series. This is by far the most popular Sunday series of the year and is expected to have a huge turnout.