Successful Open Day Welcomes Hundreds to the Blackwater Sailing Club
by Gay Ayton 29 May 06:02 PDT
9 May 2026
BSC Open Day members (l-r) Jonny Garlick, Cadet Skipper; Claire Coday, Secretary; Linda Ogburn, Membership Secretary;Tricia Parker; Sheena Berney, Commodore; Pamela Graham; Nigel Wilsher © Zoe Nelson
The Blackwater Sailing Club's recent Open Day proved to be a tremendous success, attracting around 250 visitors for a fantastic day of sailing, sunshine and family fun.
Blessed with a sunny day and a brisk easterly wind, the excellent sailing conditions gave guests a memorable introduction to the Club with a wide variety of activities available both on and off the water.
Throughout the afternoon an impressive 190 test sails took place on the Club's freshwater lake, giving visitors the opportunity to experience the excitement and enjoyment of sailing first-hand under the guidance of experienced members and
RYA-qualified instructors. In addition to the dinghy sailing sessions, visitors were taken out on the river Blackwater in RIBs which proved especially popular with guests of all ages.
Onshore, families appreciated demonstrations, one-to-one chats with the Club's officials and other members, guided tours of the Club's outstanding facilities and clubhouse as well as enjoying refreshments and homemade cake.
The event also delivered a significant boost for the Club, with 40 new members joining on the day itself and further applications expected over the coming weeks.
"What a tremendous Open Day!" said Joe Bird, Rear-Commodore of the Blackwater Sailing Club. "It was only possible though thanks to the incredible effort and enthusiasm of our members. From taking visitors out in the boats, supporting membership enquiries and ensuring everything ran smoothly throughout the day, our volunteers in their customary friendly way did a fantastic job. We are extremely grateful to everyone who gave their time and energy to make the event such a success - and look forward to welcoming new faces and building on the growing interest in sailing and membership activities."
For further information about visiting and joining the Club, contact membership secretary
Or visit blackwatersailingclub.org.uk
Blackwater Sailing Club, Heybridge Basin, Maldon, Essex CM9 4SD