West Riding Sailing Club Double Diamond Jubilee Sail for Gold Open Day
by John Gledhill 18 Jul 2012 10:06 BST
14 July 2012
West Riding Sailing Club's Double Diamond 'Sail for Gold' Open Day © Dan Trowsdale
The sun shone for West Riding Sailing Club's 75th anniversary Open Day on Saturday 14th July, apart from a small rain shower in the middle of the afternoon, but it didn't dampen the party atmosphere at one of the oldest sailing club's in Yorkshire. The afternoon also included Try a Boat sessions for visitors under the Royal Yachting Association's Sail for Gold scheme.
By the time the doors opened to the public at 12 noon the clubhouse was decked out with bunting and the main mast was dressed overall with flags. There were stalls on the front lawn accompanied by a BBQ that served burgers and hot dogs throughout the day. Inside the clubhouse there was a display charting the history of the club, including the fire that nearly destroyed the club in 2005, alongside the galley selling teas and coffees. For the more relaxed visitor the bar was open, whilst on the lawn young club members of the club sold cakes and buns donated by the members.
Approximately 80 visitors were given a taste of sailing in one of 14 boats, ranging from Laser 2000's, RS200's and Laser Vagos to some of the oldest boats in the club, the classic 15 foot Uffa Fox designed Swordfish. The only disappointment of the day was the lack of wind, which meant the trips round the lake took longer than expected and less exciting than sometimes adrenalin fuelled sailing can be. Other more cautious visitors stayed on the shore to soak up the atmosphere.
A brief but heavy rain shower in the middle of the afternoon sent visitors scurrying for the club house, or one of the several large gazebos dotted around the premises, but soon the sun came out again and proceedings were resumed. Finally at 5 o'clock, as the last visitors came through the gate, a raffle for a bottle of champagne was drawn.
West Riding Sailing Club welcomes new members throughout the year and offers sailing courses for all ages and abilities. For more information visit the club website at www.wrsc.org.uk