Devon club sails into its 90th year
by Keith Rossiter 21 May 17:14 BST
Babbacombe Corinthian Sailing Club Commodore Adrian Mark in front of the new clubhouse on Oddicombe Beach © Keith Rossiter
A Devon sailing club is celebrating a 90-year voyage from humble beginnings in an old fishermen's hut to a thoroughly modern new clubhouse with all mod cons.
Babbacombe Corinthian Sailing Club (BCSC) in Torquay was founded in 1935 on the beautiful Oddicombe Beach, by Henry Thomas.
The club has been a cornerstone of the local community, growing into a thriving establishment with nearly 300 members and a remarkable 90 years of tradition, camaraderie and sport.
The first race at Oddicombe Beach took place on July 6, 1935, with six boats competing, and was won by 'Bumble Bee', sailed by Mr S. W. Francis.
With its rich history, exciting sailing events and strong social presence, the club continues to make waves - on and off the water.
The story of BCSC began when Henry Thomas secured exclusive rights to Oddicombe Beach for bathing, boating, and catering.
At first the club operated from an old fisherman's hut on Oddicombe Beach. This building has been extended and modernised over the 90-year history and the hut's stone walls still form part of the bottom storey of the present clubhouse, which was officially opened last year by Keith Musto.
Sailors use the much-improved Oddicombe Beach clubhouse on race days and for training sessions and its second clubhouse in nearby St Marychurch for social events.
The club is also a proud participant in the Royal Yachting Association's Junior OnBoard initiative, running a 12-week program on Friday evenings designed to introduce young people to the joys of sailing.
BCSC offers dinghy and powerboat courses, and members can hire the club's sailing dinghies for designated sessions, making it easier to get out on the water.
The club also hosts thriving kayak and sea-swimming sections.
But BCSC has evolved into much more than a watersports club. It has become a haven for people of all ages and interests, offering a mix of social, educational and sporting activities.
"We welcome non-sailors as well as sailors," says the current Commodore, Adrian Mark. "We have an active social side to the club, with events like film nights, food gatherings and quiz nights that bring everyone together in our top clubhouse in St Marychurch. It's about fostering a strong sense of community."
As a volunteer-run, non-profit organization BCSC relies on the support of its members to keep things running smoothly. Any proceeds from social events go directly into maintaining and enhancing sailing facilities.
The club is not standing still. One of the proudest achievements is the recent redevelopment of its beach clubhouse. With the help of generous sponsors, the clubhouse has been extended and modernised to a high standard, complete with new showers and, after 90 years, its own toilets.
BCSC is planning a series of celebrations throughout the year to mark its milestone anniversary.
Whether you're an experienced sailor, a newcomer looking to learn the ropes or simply searching for a welcoming social community, Babbacombe Corinthian Sailing Club has something to offer.
"Here's to 90 years of fun, friendship, and sailing on the beautiful shores of Oddicombe Beach," Adrian said.