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, Broads, estuaries and waterways. This summer some venues are running #DiscoverSailing sessions inviting you to come and ‘have a go’ for very little cost or FREE.
One of these is the St Edmundsbury Sailing and Canoeing Association based at Lackford Lake, 5 miles NW of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, who are holding an open day on Sunday 08 May.
Mike Steele from the Club, said “The event forms part of the RYA’s (Royal Yachting Association) ‘Discover Sailing’ initiative to encourage everyone to get out on the water and try sailing and boating. It is a great opportunity for members of the public to come along to the Club and try their hand at sailing and kayaking for FREE. Weather permitting, taster sessions and joy rides will be run on an as ‘available’ basis. Buoyancy aids will be provided but please bring soft soled shoes, a towel and a change of clothes if you want to go afloat – as you may get wet.”
Martin Davies came to SESCA through a taster day about five years ago with his family, and has not looked back since. Although he had sailed keelboats previously in Australia some years ago, he had not been actively looking to get back into sailing but saw the taster day advert on a lamppost on the way to work, so decided to give it a go. Attending the day with his wife and two young children, they all sailed in a dinghy together and joined as family members, being impressed at how friendly the club was. Since then, Martin has been able to purchase a Vibe dinghy from the Club which he sails with his son, and his daughter races in a club Topper. He says that they all just enjoy being at the club. He has been involved in working parties, and his children are booked to do courses later in the summer. To anyone thinking about trying sailing, Martin says “It’s a great fun way to get kids outside and spend time outdoors doing something that makes you think. It’s not like going for a run where you just do it, but you need to think about the wind, tactics and how to make your boat go.”
Taster sessions are available for those aged 7 years upwards, and all children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
SESCA is a family orientated club which runs on-water events from the last weekend in March until early November. The Club organises dinghy racing on Sundays and Thursday evenings throughout the summer. The Club also runs RYA sailing courses and coaching sessions for members. A fleet of Club boats is available for hire to members, so it is not necessary to own your own boat if you want to sail or paddle.
Mike added “Whether you are interested in dinghy sailing (pottering or racing), canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding or just like the great outdoors, you are most welcome to visit the Club to see what we have to offer.”
No dogs are permitted on the site, as the Club is located in a Nature Reserve.
For more information about SESCA visit http://www.westsuffolksailing.or.uk/open-day , https://www.facebook.com/events/373635264766028 or e-mail sesca.admin@gmail.com
For more information about a Discover Sailing Event near you, visit https://www.rya.org.uk/start-boating/discover-sailing