Locals and visitors took advantage of an opportunity to have a go at sailing with a special event at Rye Harbour Sailing Club on June 23. John Powell, Club Commodore, explained that Discover Sailing is an annual initiative by the Royal Yachting Association.
“It encourages sailing clubs to open their doors to the public to introduce more people to the sport, whether sailing yachts or dinghies, to race or just to cruise around. Every year Rye Harbour Sailing Club runs the event which also becomes an excuse to fire up the barbecue, open the bar and run a concurrent social occasion.
“Sailing so far this year has been challenging with dinghy races being cancelled or moved to the river because of the poor weather. However, last Sunday the weather gods smiled upon us. It was a tad on the windy side, but sensible precautions (like reefing sails) delivered two hours of fun sailing for those who had registered to sail with us.
“Amongst those who took boats out, we welcomed Sophie O’Neill, one of the UK’s top female sailors who, as a teenager, sailed at Rye Harbour Sailing Club alongside the current Club President Mark Whiteman.”
Sophie commented: “Last weekend I travelled back to Rye to volunteer at the sailing club I spent many hours at as a teenager, taking someone out for a taster sail. This event was put on by the club, was free to attend and included a BBQ afterwards! It’s a great way to introduce those interested into the wonderful world of sailing! I felt very fortunate to be able to give back to a place that meant so much to me.
“I also believe that there is also no finer place to learn: Rye Harbour has it all! A stunning river on the edge of a nature reserve, the enticing open sea and if you choose, a meander, ‘Swallows and Amazons’ style up the river towards the historic town of Rye!
“If you are local to Rye, check out the Rye Harbour Sailing Club or perhaps your local club if you have the opportunity. How beautiful is it to cast off under sail! “
John Powell continued: “The wind conditions allowed us to launch before the tide was fully in and get to Rye Bay in good time. Sailing around the bay, the packed visitors on Camber Beach were clearly visible as we zoomed back and forth overseen by two safety boats, one of which came from Rye Sea Cadets who are club members. However, the southerly wind was soon competing with the outgoing tide making things a little too choppy for dinghies with novice crews to stay at sea, so we moved to the river for the rest of the session where conditions were a little bit more benign if still gusty.
“The day ended well with many expressing their interest in learning to sail and in joining the club. We now have an arrangement with Rye Watersports for those attending their courses and then joining us that their membership until the following April is included in their course fees.
“Once the boats were in, the bar was open, the barbecue lit and excited talk regarding the day’s activities followed. The yachting element of the club had raced that day, and we were soon joined by them which added to the lively vibe.”
One of the people trying out the day was Sumba Sinan who had seen the session advertised and came to find out more. “I found Martin and other members of the club very welcoming and when I was sailing the instruction I received was really informative. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend the day to others thinking about discovering what sailing is all about.”
Overall, it was a successful and fun day to encourage members of the public to have a go at sailing. If you want to know more about the club, visit their website
Image Credits: Sophie Iona O'Neill , Kt bruce , Rye Harbour Sailing Club .