Whitstable Yacht Club Discover Sailing Day
by Steve Gray 19 Jun 2023 20:52 BST
17 June 2023
Whitstable Yacht Club Discover Sailing Day - boat display © Steve Gray
Whitstable Yacht Club were delighted to host their annual RYA Discover Sailing Day on Saturday June 17th. The objective was to share club members enthusiasm for water sports and sailing with the town, opening the club facilities to visitors and providing 30 minute free of charge sailing or powerboat sessions for those willing to get their feet wet.
Many had booked their sailing space online in advance, but we were blessed with a light to moderate breezes and a bright, mostly sunny day which encouraged curious passers-by to also find out what the club has to offer.
The sailing sessions ran throughout the day using a variety of boats to suit the ambition of our customers, from Topaz to Wanderer to a Dart 18, whilst powerboat trips were provided in one of the club's ribs. A total of 87 newcomers took to the water, most having booked via social media or the WYC website. It was also great that 20 memberships were sold on the day bringing 48 new members to WYC, with many more taking club membership packs home.
Whitstable Yacht Club RYA Principal Jo Wyles and Chief Instructor Ruth Oliver led over 50 club volunteers to make the Discover Sailing Day such a success. Club Commodore Andy Jackson had the pleasure of welcoming Lord Mayor Councillor Jean Butcher and the Lady Mayoress Di Baldock to the event who also took a short trip on a rib.
Andy Jackson commented 'It's been great to give so many visitors their first taste of water sports Whitstable Yacht Club style and having the pleasure to see the smiling faces on their return to shore. Discover Sailing is our annual outreach to the town, and it gives our members a great opportunity to share the sport they are passionate about'.
Whitstable Yacht Club Discover Sailing Day was supported by Holidaycottages.co.uk, who have provided financial assistance to WYC outreach and cadet events throughout 2023.