On coastline, lakes and waterways across the UK there are around 2,000 RYA affiliated clubs and centres offering opportunities for water-lovers of all ages to get afloat, with many of these based on the East Coast inland rivers, lakes, estuaries and waterways. Plus, this summer some venues are running #DiscoverSailing sessions, inviting you to come and ‘have a go’ for very little cost or FREE.
These events are aimed at giving individuals the opportunity to try sailing across the country. Two of these events are at Blakeney Sailing Club, based on the North Norfolk Coast, on Saturday 14 May (4.15pm), and Sunday 15 May (5.00pm).
Peter Middleton joined the Club through a Discover Sailing Day last year and has not looked back since. Although Peter sailed as a child on the Norfolk Broads, and a little whilst living abroad in Singapore, pressure of work meant that it was difficult to find time to get on the water, so once retiring back in the UK a year ago, Peter vowed that he was going to focus quality time on becoming proficient on the water and buy his own boat.
Living relatively close to Blakeney, he saw the Discover Sailing Day advertised and recognised it as a good way of getting out on the water and being introduced to the Club and members. He said: “It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience and confirmed my resolve to start sailing again properly and become proficient enough to sail around the beautiful Blakeney area. I am now a fully paid-up member. I would recommend Discover Sailing days as an excellent introduction to the sport and a sure way of “getting bitten by the sailing bug”. The person who took me out was a very experienced sailor and also confident enough to let me helm for part of the day out.”
Since that taster, Peter has been out crewing on different boats and taken his RYA Level 1 qualification. He is looking forward to taking his Level 2 and beyond, and is actively looking to buy his own boat. He adds “Not only have club members been very helpful in providing advice, but there is a very good calendar of events at Blakeney – racing, regattas, flotillas and social activities throughout the season”.
For anyone thinking about giving sailing a go, Peter says “I would urge anyone who is remotely interested in sailing to try out the Discover Sailing Day event. It is a great opportunity to get out on the water with someone experienced and just enjoy that great feeling of the wind filling the sail and moving you forward through the water – that bug! On top of that, at Blakeney, you have the stunning North Norfolk landscape to admire as well as the unique wildlife.”
The Club said: “This year, we are running Discover Sailing over two tides on the evenings of 14th and 15th May. Our club members will host our Discover Sailing guests on their boats, giving them a taste of the beauty (stunning skies, birds and peaceful marshes) as well as the challenges (big tides and shifting channels) of sailing in Blakeney. Quite a number of our guests this year have sailed in the past but are keen to get to understand the coastline and environment better. Our members sail in a real variety of craft – everything from the locally built Norfolk Gypsies and Oysters to speedy Seaflys, from the ever reliable Wayfarers to the indestructible Picos and Fevas for younger members.”
To find out more and book for Blakeney Sailing Club’s Discover Sailing event, visit https://blakeneysailing.co.uk/
By joining a sailing club, you can give back to that community through volunteering and helping to run the club. So, what are you waiting for? Give sailing a go this summer.
For more information about a Discover Sailing Event near you, visit https://www.rya.org.uk/start-boating/discover-sailing
