Rye Harbour Sailing Club’s (RHSC) application to Rother District Council Community Grants for £30,000 was approved at Cabinet at Bexhill Town Hall.
On the evening of Monday, September 5, Rye Town Council, in support of the RHSC project, awarded the club £2,500.
The approved sum of £30,000 from Rother District Council Community Grants and £2,500 from Rye Town Council has left us with a very realistic sum of money that we still need to find. Previously, we had been awarded £75,000 from Sport England Inspired Facilities Fund, £2,500 from Little Cheyne Court Wind Farm and £250 from Icklesham Parish Council. This funding, along with our own money, goes towards our project to build a new shower block and changing rooms with accessible facilities, so that we can provide sailing to less abled people as well as to 14 to 25 year-olds. The auction at the Commodore’s Dinner (see below) is just one of many fund raising drives to raise the remaining £13,500 so we can start the build.
We needed £146,000 and we have now raised £132,500, leaving an outstanding balance of £13,250. Grateful thanks go to everyone who has supported the applications along with the project and given up their time to make this wonderful achievement possible. The temperature on the thermometer is rising! The outstanding sum of money is easily attainable if we all pull together and support the club with the ongoing fund raising activities. Or if you would like to make a donation towards the project please contact davidtownsley1@hotmail.co.uk or call 01797 223112.
RHSC aims to set up Royal Yachting Association (RYA) backed RHSC Sailability, a charity with the sole purpose of getting people who are less abled onto the water, and that coupled with getting more youth, aged 14 to 25 years, on the water too, will mean we start to realise our vision of becoming a truly inclusive sailing club. We are just starting up RHSC Sailability, so please let us know if you would like to be part of this exciting new project by contacting davidtownsley1@hotmail.co.uk
We are absolutely delighted with the result and  are grateful to Rother District Council Community Grants as well as Rye Town Council for financially backing the project and we are pleased that the build can soon be underway. As Commodore, I would like to thank the wonderful team at the club who have worked extremely hard, as well as those in the local community who have supported us and are helping us to fulfil our vision of a sailing club with facilities available to all.
Pirate Fun Day at Rye Harbour Sailing Club  on Saturday September 17
Come and have a go at dinghy taster sailing from 11:30am – donations please. From 1:30pm, join in the fun with children’s games – Treasure Island, Roll the Penny, pick a lolly; tombolas; face painting and Bouncy Slide (if it’s not too windy); listen to the sounds of The Rye Bay Crew Band playing sea shanties and look at the arts and craft stalls.
BBQ and bar available. All welcome.
For more information about taster sailing call Simon Marsh 01233 758181 or email simon@hi-flyght.co.uk
RHSC, The Point, Rye Harbour, East Sussex, TN31 7TU
Commodore’s Dinner with Annual Auction of Donations at The George in Rye on Friday September 30
From 7:30pm listen to The Rye Bay Crew Band with a complimentary glass of wine and enjoy a 3 course meal at the George in Rye for £27.
Bid for donations given by local businesses as well as members that include a day course in bread making from The Lighthouse Bakery, RYA Start Yachting/Sailing Skills Weekend and VHF SRC interactive course from Nomad Sailing, a 30 minute flight on a helicopter for two over London, an overnight stay at the Mermaid in Rye and much more.
You can look at the video of donations on RHSC Facebook page or on Youtube.
Dress code lounge suit or black tie optional. All welcome. There are still some places left. You will need to book in advance making sure you return your application and menu choice by September 17. Application forms with menu are available by emailing mark.a.mills@gmail.com or by calling 01797 223112.
Photos: RHSC