Marconi Sailing Club Open Day
by Chris Kirby 18 May 2015 05:14 PDT
16 May 2015
Sunshine and a healthy breeze set the scene for a day of fun on and off the water at Marconi Sailing Club.
As part of the RYA 'Push the Boat Out' initiative, the club along with a number of others along the River Blackwater held their annual Open Day which attracted visitors from across the area to take to the water.
Visitors began to arrive shortly after midday where they were welcomed to the club by Commodore Michaela Dowley and Company Secretary Sue Shenton. After a brief induction and overview of the clubs facilities guests were offered the opportunity to take a ride on the fleet of boats waiting on the shoreline. Keeping an eye on proceedings was club member Jenny Ball and a strong team of helpers who were on hand to provide suitable sailing attire to those that wanted to sail. Nacra F18, Dart 18, Laser Pico, Wayfarers and Windsurfers were just a few of the boats available to guests wanting a blast around the river. A strong breeze and a conveniently timed high tide ensured maximum time on the water. Safety was overseen by Marconi's 3 RIBs which kept a close eye on those sailing.
HM Coastguard were in attendance, too making sure that the day ran without a hitch and even allowing Rear Commodore Graham Cross to organise a photo call midway through the afternoon using their patrol vehicle as the focal point. Elsewhere, and following on from the success of last year, the Pimms Tent made a welcome return with sales bolstered by the beautiful May sunshine. As if almost by chance, there was a bouncy castle together with an arts and crafts area next to the Pimms Tent to keep the younger guests entertained.
To help round off a successful day, a barbecue was held in the evening to thank those who visited and to congratulate club members who had helped organise the day. The bar was kept busy in to the night as local band The Freighthoppers kept drinkers entertained with their acoustic and string music.
The day was hailed a big success, largely because the club managed to sign 6 new members on the day with some promising enquiries to follow up later in the season.
Marconi will now be looking ahead to the rest of the season and other planned events including the East Coast Piers Race and their Cadet Week. For further information please visit www.marcon-sc.org.uk.