More than 250 people visited our Open Day to try sailing and find out more about our award-winning Club.

Sunny weather graced the event on Sunday 7 May, drawing visitors keen to go out on the water and have a look around our wonderful facilities on land.

Taster sail on the lake. Photo: Anna Lau

Experienced instructors took out many children and their families on taster sessions in Quest dinghies on the training lake, which offers a safe environment for those new to sailing.

Quest dinghies on our training lake. Photo: Ian Barratt

Those wanting to experience the estuary were taken out on powerboat and yacht trips, giving them a feel for the beautiful experience of being out on the water between Heybridge, Mill Beach and Northey Island and enabling them to see up-close the dinghies competing in the Britannia series.

One of the vessels offering river trips. Photo: Anna Lau

The Clubhouse was buzzing with activity and nearly 60 people joined up as members on the day.

Allan Hunt, Rear-Commodore, said: “We were thrilled to have so many visitors to our Open Day. People had travelled in from north London, Chelmsford, Brentwood, Billericay, Colchester and further afield to look around our fantastic facilities and give sailing a go. We’ve had wonderful feedback at the event and on our social media channels.

“I would like to extend a sincere thank you to all our volunteers who helped put on the event. Sailing is such a wonderful past-time and we cater for all abilities, from complete novices to those wishing to compete. We were pleased to welcome them all to our friendly Club and inspire them with the opportunities for enjoying our beautiful stretch of the Estuary, which put on an excellent show in the sunshine!”

The event was held only months after Blackwater Sailing Club was named the Royal Yachting Association’s East Region Club of the Year.