RSC Open Day
Rutland Sailing Club Open Day - A Fantastic Success
In spite of strong winds, and blustery showers Rutland Sailing Club went ahead with their annual Open day Event on Saturday 15th July, and it was a fantastic success.
RSC volunteers were determined to make the best of the bad weather. There were over 200 visitors, including several present and former councillors from Rutland County Council.
As a safety precaution, organizer and Olympic Silver medallist David Wilkins decided to curtail the sailing to just catamarans and a couple of keelboats. Many guests also went out on the three Committee boats to see the Club facilities from the water.
Families, and couples were shown catamarans, dinghies, and keelboats on the beach, and were introduced to club members who were on hand to encourage people of all ages and abilities to try the sport. The Sailing School used a sailing simulator to give people an onshore experience of sailing.
Other opportunities were showcased during the Open Day including Sailability for sailors with disabilities, Civil Service Sailing Association and RAF Sailing Association where RSC is one of their home clubs.
Rutland Sailability operates from RSC and provides opportunities for people of all ages with a wide range of disabilities to enjoy sailing at local, national and international events.
David Wilkins said;
"I hope it will not be long before Rutland's next Olympian in sailing emerges from the very active Youth Sailing programmes at the club. All these young sailors started sailing at the club and some are already leading sailors at international Youth level thanks to the facilities and coaching by club members.
We were delighted to see so many family visitors and hope to get future top youth sailors coming through the club system.
Sailing is one of those sports that brings all the family, all age groups together. It covers all aspects of life. The club can offer the right facilities and social experiences for all interested in this healthy outdoor sport.
Sailing by nature is always in isolated locations, off the beaten track. It is not in the middle of the town like you would get with football or other clubs. It is away from everyone's natural eyeline, that is why it goes under the radar.
In Rutland, we have one of the best clubs in the country and a fantastic facility right here on our doorstep. We are a national sailing academy, so we get some of the best sailors and events coming here.
It is one of those things that anybody of any ability, or disability, can do - and it is not expensive. You associate sailing with big yachts, but it is not like that at all. There are small boats, inexpensive and you can get into the sport very cheaply.
The club is an RYA registered Sailing School, and has a full range of training courses available, we welcome all visitors whether sailors or complete beginners."
Recent developments and successes at RSC include:
Youth Sailing successes
Winning performance by Carys Attwell at the RYA Youth Nationals, meaning she will be representing GBR in the Youth Worlds in Brazil.
RSC youth team led by Ben Tylecote won the RYA Youth Match Racing Championship and European Youth Match Racing title, with selection to represent GBR at the Youth World Match Racing Champs in Australia.
RSC Youth, Adult and Ladies Team Racing is so successful that RSC is currently ranked the No 1 club in the world for team racing.
UK Blind Sailing has made RSC one of its centres for training as the facilities and two new RS21 keelboats are perfect for their needs.
The club is embarking on a sustainability project to save energy and reduce its carbon footprint.
It is working with organizations to include Inclusion and Diversity programs.
Last updated 16:09 on 17 July 2023