Whether you’re completely new to the sport, looking to get back on the water or sail regularly, head to Daneshill Sailing Club near Retford on Sunday 10th May to give sailing a go. The Club will again taking part in the RYA Discover Sailing event.
Following the success of last year’s event when nearly 170 guests went out on the water and tried their hand at sailing, the club is again inviting potential sailors to go along and have a go, see what the club has to offer and get involved. If you visit you might just get hooked!
There will be free on-the-water taster sessions for both juniors and adults. Starting at 11.00am, club members and instructors are available to take you out on the water to experience dinghy sailing first hand. They recommend taking a change of clothes just in case, as it is possible you may get a little wet. Pre-booking is not required but if there is a queue there are plenty of other activities to pass the time. The event is open until 4.00pm but the Nature Reserve is open until dusk.
The club is situated within Daneshill Lakes Nature Reserve, between Torworth and Lound. The club sails on the main lake and although sailing activities began at Daneshill in 1973, the sailing club as it now exists was formed in 1988 to provide the development of outdoor activities for schools in the Retford area. The lake was originally excavated as part of the amenities development of the nature reserve in the eighties and now has a number of scenic walks and picnic friendly areas all within easy reach of the lakeside. The site is owned by Nottinghamshire County Council and managed on their behalf by Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust who have made great efforts to improve the site in recent years.
The number of visitors to the Nature Reserve continues to increase, especially as it is very close to the Idle Valley Centre which caters for all manner of wildlife enthusiasts. The club has always promoted sailing as a social activity with emphasis on introducing people of all ages and particularly children, into sailing dinghies as an active sporting pastime. Sailing takes place most Sundays during the season, which runs from 1st March to 31st October. Club members sail an assortment of dinghies and are always happy to take potential sailors out on the water for a taster session. Just take a towel and a change of clothes just in case.
The club has a fleet of Toppers, Picos, Laser II, Enterprises, GP14s, RS Quest and, their latest acquisition, a Hartley H15 dinghy. These are used for training and all are available to club members.
For further information and contact details see http://www.daneshillsailingclub.co.uk or go to http://www.rya.org.uk/start-boating/discover-sailing.