Experienced sailors and novices had the chance to try their hands at dinghy sailing at the Royal Yachting Association’s annual initiative “Push the Boat Out” at Hastings & St Leonards Sailing Club on Saturday May 25.
The club, which is below the seafront promenade at Marine Parade, near the Azur bar and restaurant, offered adults and children (from the age of five upwards) of any experience level, the opportunity to have a go at dinghy sailing.
The weather was kind in terms of enough wind and no rain most of the time. No prior booking was necessary. Whoever turned up registered and waited their turn while watching others having fun getting wet.
It was possible to take out a boat alone if brave enough but mostly an experienced sailor took out one or two people depending on the size of the boat. They said, prior to casting off, that one could just relax or be involved in the sailing, explaining the ropes, what needed doing and when and especially how to safely hang over the edge when the boat was tipping too far one way when tacking. It was an amazing feeling out on the sea.
The sailing club was formed in 1953 and has provided social and competitive sailing to the members since then. It runs two annual sail training courses. Coffee, lunches and a bar were available. The day is held every year, so if interested check out their website and make a note for May 2020.
Image Credits: Heidi Foster .