RYA Discover Sailing Open Days 2022
14 and 15 May - Mike Baker
14 May
Bright sunshine, blue sky, very warm, very light easterly breeze, no stream to speak of.
Started day with four Bosun's joined later by two Lasers and the RS Vision. Plus both safety boats were in operation. Upstream and downstream marks were put out.
The visitors, comprised of seven family groups and according to the head count at the road gate included thirty-
Initially the sailing was a bit of a drifter but early afternoon the breeze picked up and all the boats, including the safety boats were kept busy taking the visitors out onto the water. At one point a two lap race was held with some of younger the visitors acting as crew.
All the families took away information about Aquarius SC with many expressing real interest in possible membership.
15 May
A grey overcast day, occasional light rain but a much stronger easterly breeze.
The club boats had remained in the water overnight and were joined by the Lark. Again a couple of marks were put out to provide some rounding marks.
The visitors, comprised of eight family groups and according to the head count at the road gate included twenty-
The conditions were much better than the previous day with visitors getting a much more representative sailing experience despite the rain.
All the families took away information about Aquarius SC with three ladies filling in membership application forms on the spot and leaving them with the club. It was explained to them about the membership application process which they seemed very happy with.
At times it seemed like there were more people at the club than the count suggests but, I think, this was because quite a number of existing members came down to sail and or just for the tea and cakes. The organising team, both on the water and ashore also added to the impression of a greater number of people.
My thanks go to everybody who helped over the weekend. You all did a great job.
