Huge Success for Open Day at Blackwater Sailing Club
by Christine Brown 28 Jun 2021 13:34 BST
26 June 2021
Close encounters on the lake during the Blackwater Sailing Club Open Day © David Carr
With the 2020 Open Day being cancelled due to Covid, the long awaited 2021 event took place on 26th June. Scheduled to take place on the first weekend after lockdown restrictions ended, it was touch and go as to whether it would happen after yet another extension of restrictions for the whole country.
Fortunately the club had Covid Plan B in readiness and the day proceeded without too much reorganisation. A Covid Officer was appointed to ensure that the day was run safely and legitimately. It was a gloriously sunny day and hundreds of visitors arrived. With compulsory check in points for several areas of the club, the sea air was soon overtaken by the smell of disinfectant and hand gel. There were dinghy sailing and row boat trips to be enjoyed on the lake and a steady queue formed for these all day. With a one way system in place, one family group at a time were allowed a glimpse of our superb new club room, sun room and members galley which make up a large part of our facilities. This area was completely rebuilt in 2020 and its official opening ceremony has been delayed. A new date has been set and we hope that this will happen.
River trips were available from midday. Some people took the opportunity to experience a lively jaunt in a Rib, others opted for the more sedate Gentlemans' Launch. Cruisers trips were also on offer.
During this time club racing was taking place. This meant there was plenty of entertainment whilst visitors were queuing for their boat trips; many others simply took advantage of the beautiful sunny day and watched from the sea wall. With a steady breeze, race conditions were perfect and the club safety boat had a quiet time, that is until they were passed by a speeding jet ski that then broke down on Northey Island; they very kindly towed it back to its launching site at Mill Beach.
Sponsored by Abercorn Plant and Garden Centre of Chelmsford, Chelmer Radio set up on the patio and were broadcasting from the club during the day. In between interviews with club members and visitors, presenter David Barker provided background music, a pleasant accompaniment to those enjoying catching up with friends and a drink from the bar. Covid rules dictate table service only and it was a very busy time as the sunshine continued on into the evening. A fitting end to another beautiful day at Blackwater Sailing Club.
If you would like to visit the club with a view to joining then please contact our membership secretary, email .
For more details see blackwatersailingclub.org.uk