Datchet Water Sailing Club 50th Anniversary - Preview
by Hilly King 20 Jan 14:22 GMT
Wing Foiling at Datchet Water SC © DWSC
Datchet Water Sailing Club celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026 and although a time for celebration the club are also using the milestone to evaluate the offering to all members and potential members, as sailing as a sport continues to change.
Datchet Water Sailing Club for those who are unaware is a large reservoir situated within a stones throw of Heathrow Airport and has Windsor Castle as a glorious backdrop. The Club has School and University affiliated clubs, plus a large windsurfing/wing foiling/ paddle boarding community, which together with the very active Sailing Club/Model Yacht Club provide a broad offering to all water users.
The management and training teams are excellent at providing an extensive RYA programme which are well supported. Safety boat cover is available whenever the club is open which allows use of the Reservoir by those who do not want to race but just enjoy the fantastic facility.
The Club is also aware of its green responsibilities and to that end have solar panels on its roof and a heat exchanger in the water which provides the majority of the energy it requires. The Club proudly display the trophy supplied by the RYA for its green implementations. The Club boasts both the largest K1 and Waszp fleets in the country together with significant Cats and handicap Dinghies.
A professionally run galley/bar provides food whenever the Sailing Club is operational which also leads to a very social atmosphere and the usual discussions after racing. Recently the RYA have appointed the Club as both one of the British Sailing Pathway Club and British Sailing Talent Academies.
In the wider Sailing community Datchet Water SC runs the Datchet Flyer which is part of the Sailjuice series held in early December attracting large numbers of sailors each year.
The Club is aware Sailing is as a sport competing for people in an environment where the leisure/sport market is saturated. There is talk to change the Olympic programme to make it more TV friendly. How do you teach the wider public how sailing is structured so someone can win a series and therefore trophies rather than one final race?
Sail GP and The Americas Cup competition have clearly moved to fast foiling boats which are exciting and both competitions have moved to finals to determine the winners.
Datchet Water SC has asked its membership what exactly it wants from the Club and how it can remain successful for the next 50 years and continue to attract new members when unfortunately some clubs are finding it difficult to flourish.
Firstly introducing three back to back races on a Sunday rather than two. Once a month to introduce sprint races/series where five short races are sailed which are more fun and learning orientated. Continue to promote good quality training and introduce a pathway from training to racing. This includes dedicated times where foiling and foiling racing are concentrated upon, but being aware that not everyone is of a demographic to take advantage of foiling opportunities.
Datchet wish to give members of other clubs, some of which close during the winter months, the opportunity to sail at Datchet. To help facilitate this we have introduced a "Winter Warm Up" month in February. Therefore there is an option to join for the whole series which comprises of three races per Sunday over a four week period in February.
However competitors can pay for just one or more weekends should they not wish to compete in the whole series. Please join in with the 50 year anniversary celebrations as well which will take place over the weekend 7/8th March.
Lastly with the popularity of Model Yachting increasing worldwide I am pleased to say Datchet will be hosting the IOM World Championships over the weekend of 16/17th May which should be an incredible spectacle.
50 years with so many memories, so here's to the next 50 years!