Blackwater Sailing Club to hold Open Day on 26th June
by Christine Brown 7 Jun 09:55 BST
26 June 2021
Topper fun on the lake at Blackwater Sailing Club © Anna Lau
Blackwater Sailing Club, based at Heybridge Basin near Maldon is holding its annual Open Day on Saturday June 26 between 11.30am and 4.30pm and will be delighted to show visitors all the wonderful facilities and activities on offer to members.
During the last 18 months a major rebuild of the clubhouse has been carried out. Although work was completed many months ago, due to Covid restrictions members have been unable to make full use of the facilities. Open Day will be the first weekend that the whole club is fully open and we extend a warm welcome to visitors and will be happy to show them around.
This event is supported by the RYA Discover Sailing Campaign which aims to get as many people as possible to try sailing
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 and adult sailors.
During the afternoon visitors can watch dinghy and cruiser racing on the river and the Club motor launch and a Rib will also be running free river trips. If conditions allow then there will be an opportunity to take a trip on a cruiser. Light refreshments will be available throughout the day. Chelmer Radio will be broadcasting live from the club. We may even have a visit from the Marine Police on their jet ski or Rib. All in all it will be a fun day with something for everyone.
Blackwater is one of the largest sailing clubs on the east coast and provides traditional dinghy and cruiser sailing and racing and is very proud to be awarded Eastern Region Club of the Year 2019 by the RYA and Yachts and Yachting magazine. It is also an RYA British Youth Sailing Recognised Club, a scheme to promote sailing for youngsters at grass roots level. 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 addition 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 to learn to sail or hone 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 June 26th and see for yourself. Its a family friendly club.
For more details about events like this see blackwatersailingclub.org.uk