Inspirational Hilary opens doors to new Herne Bay Sailing Facilities

by RYA on 4 Nov 2014 History-making Kent sailor, Hilary Lister, urged more local people to take advantage of first class sailing opportunities on their doorsteps when she officially opened Herne Bay Sailing Club’s new £50,000 boat store and training facilities on Sunday (Two November).

Herne Bay SC, near the Kings Hall, were awarded a £50,000 grant from Sport England’s Inspired Facilities Olympic legacy fund in August 2013 to help expand its capacity and activities to get and keep even more local people sailing through increased and improved opportunities for all.

Hilary, who is paralysed from the neck down and, amongst other record-breaking feats, became the first disabled woman to sail solo around Britain in 2009, also became one of the first people to take advantage of the club’s new wheelchair accessibility whilst celebrating the opening of the new building with around 100 club members and other local dignitaries.

Since 2011, Inspired Facilities has helped breathe new life into tired community sports facilities and converted existing buildings into venues suitable for grassroots sport.

Herne Bay SC’s new combined safety boat, kayak and training facility store has replaced an old precast garage and rusty shipping container. The structure has been designed to blend in with the seafront wooden groynes by using oak sleepers and a galvanised frame.

Several hundred hours of volunteer time and labour, predominantly from dedicated club members and led by a small development team, ensured the success of the project, which was supported by Canterbury City Council and sailing’s national governing body, the RYA.

Hilary said: 'Sailing and other watersports allow people from all backgrounds the opportunity to experience a sense of freedom, whilst having a tremendous amount of fun.

'Facilities like this will make a huge difference to the people of Kent, providing not only secure storage for their training boats and kayaks, but also a place where people can learn about staying safe on the water.'

Steve and Jane Lee, Herne Bay SC Joint Commodores, added: 'We’re extremely grateful to Hilary for coming and sharing our special day with us. It’s proven that people will only stay in any sport if they enjoy it, and having comfortable, pleasant facilities and a good quality, well maintained variety of equipment is a major part of that enjoyment.

'Not only will the new boat, kayak store and training facility help us ensure that our kit remains in good condition and give us extra capacity, but it enhances the likelihood of people returning to sail regularly with us because they know we are committed to investing in the club.

'The club has been successful in making sailing accessible to all, and these new facilities will enable us to continue to develop and deliver our proud claim of ‘family sailing at its best’.'

Herne Bay SC is a recognised RYA Training Centre meaning it conforms to the highest standards of quality and safety. Dates for the club’s 2015 learn to sail and improver courses and Open/Taster Days will be published on the club website soon.

The club is also active in supporting a number of local community groups using the club facilities including Herne Bay Roller Hockey Club, Herne Bay Swimming Club and Seafront Life Guards – all of which are associate members of HBSC - plus the 10k Fun Run, Deaf Children’s Association Fun Day and MacMillan fundraising event.

For more information on how you can get involved at Herne Bay SC click here.