Grafham Water Sailing Club Celebrates 60 Years of Sailing in 2026
by Peter Gee 13 Jun 01:53 PDT
Grafham Water SC's original clubhouse before it was extended © GWSC
One of the UK's best known inland sailing venues is preparing to celebrate an important milestone as Grafham Water Sailing Club marks its Diamond 60th Anniversary in 2026.
Founded in 1966 alongside the creation of the vast Grafham Water reservoir, the club has grown from an ambitious vision into one of Britain's leading inland sailing centres, renowned nationally for championship racing, elite training and family-friendly water sports. The club's origins were closely linked to the forward-thinking vision of Anglian Water and its predecessors, who recognised the huge recreational potential of the new reservoir and helped establish a purpose-built sailing club capable of hosting major national events.
Over the past six decades, the club has welcomed generations of sailors and water sports enthusiasts to the 1,550-acre reservoir, whose open water and reliable winds provide ideal conditions for dinghy sailing, windsurfing, wing foiling and foiling classes. Today, Grafham Water is recognised as one of the UK's finest inland venues for competitive sailing and training, regularly hosting national championships and high-profile regattas.
The club is also proud of its thriving training school and its status as an RYA-recognised training centre, supporting sailors from complete beginners through to elite racers on the RYA Pathway programme.
Throughout its history, the club has welcomed royalty, national champions and thousands of families to its shores, creating a vibrant community at the heart of UK inland sailing. A memorable royal visit remains an important part of the club's heritage, alongside decades of successful championships, regattas and club racing that have cemented Grafham's reputation within British sailing.
Club Commodore Mark Rushton said:
"Reaching our 60th anniversary is a proud moment for everyone connected with Grafham Water Sailing Club. From the original vision for the reservoir and clubhouse through to today's thriving sailing and water sports community, the club has always combined competitive excellence with a welcoming family atmosphere. We are incredibly grateful to Anglian Water for their foresight in helping found the club and for their continued support over the past 60 years."
The club's Diamond Anniversary celebrations will take place on Saturday 4th July and promise a full day of activities for members, former members, families and visitors alike. The celebrations will include a special anniversary regatta in support of the RNLI, a family treasure hunt, traditional games and activities, a club quiz
and a family barbecue. Windsong Boats will be present to demonstrate their new 14ft wooden planning lug rigger capable of achieving 12 knots.
More than 100 historic photographs and press cuttings charting the club's six decades of sailing history will also be displayed, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of one of Britain's most respected inland sailing clubs.
From its earliest days hosting pioneering sailing events on a brand-new reservoir to today's thriving mix of racing, training and recreational water sports, Grafham Water Sailing Club continues to inspire new generations to get out on the water.
For more information about the anniversary celebrations and club activities visit www.grafham.org
Historical links: