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 being hosted by Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, based in Burnham-On-Crouch, Essex. The Discover Sailing Days are taking place on Saturday 07 May (9am-1pm) and Sunday 26 June (9am-1pm). There is no fee to attend the event and try sailing. Visitors will be offered biscuits and tea, coffee or squash on arrival. Further food/drinks will be available thereafter at an additional cost from the bar.
Vittoria Tattini attended the Club’s Discover Sailing Day last year with her partner Mark and family after seeing a poster advertising the event in town and has not looked back since. She explains how they became involved: “We moved to Burnham in June 2021 from London and were keen to get involved in the local community and to make new friends. We wanted to join the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club as neighbours had told us it was a family orientated club with lots of activities”.
Since the Discover Sailing Day they have become family members and undertaken powerboat training – and are planning to volunteer at this year’s Discover Sailing event. Vittoria added: “Now that we have settled into our new home, we have more time to get involved with events at the club. Mark is planning to attend the club on a Wednesday evening where he can go out and support members on their sailing boats. Once Mark becomes more competent, we hope to buy and manage our own boat. The boys are looking forward to the better weather to use their Paddleboards out on the water.”
Vittoria has also enjoyed getting involved from a social perspective, enjoying the food and taking part in the Christmas craft event at the Club. To anyone thinking about trying sailing, she says: “Just contact the club, they are so helpful and welcoming. Give the Discover Sailing event a go, it definitely encouraged us to become members”
The Club said “These sessions are a wonderful opportunity to get afloat and experience a variety of different water sports from sailing to rowing. Participants will be welcomed into the Royal Corinthian Clubhouse that’ll be showing everything it has to offer both on and off the water.”
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