New Community Boat Boost As Sailing Season Starts At Sutton

People learning the ropes at Sutton Sailing Club this year will have a shiny, new 'plaything' to enjoy after the club was awarded £5,000 from the Sport England Small Grants programme to invest in a new boat. The club are buying a GP14 sailing dinghy, which can be sailed by up to six people but more commonly with two or three, to add to its expanding fleet of at least 15 club boats to provide even more opportunities for local people to sail at low cost. The good news gets Sutton's 2015 season off to a flying start as the club's first RYA learn to sail course of this year gets underway on Saturday 11 April. Sutton wanted a new boat to not only help attract more newcomers into the sport but to help build on the 2014 success of their 'improvers group' where people who are doing or have completed their first RYA certificates can get together more informally to hone their skills while enjoying the social buzz of club life. Chris Hale, Sutton SC Commodore, explains: "People can be put off trying sailing because they think they need to own or buy a boat, but the reality is they don't! "We've had a real focus on building and maintaining our fleet of club boats over the past few years so our members can really decide if they like sailing and try lots of different types of dinghies before even thinking about buying a boat. "We want to make it as easy and cheap as possible for people to regularly come sailing with us. Having good quality equipment they can use and fostering a friendly, welcoming club atmosphere is key to that. "As well as being able to borrow club boats for as little as £2 a session, we also run a successful 'buddy' system where improvers get paired with club instructors to build their confidence and introduce them to different aspects of the sport, like racing." Family membership including partners and any children under 18 can sail for as little as £14 a month at Sutton SC this year, while kids and students in full time education can be individual members for just £3 a month! Sutton SC is a recognised RYA Training Centre meaning it conforms to the highest standards of safety and quality. Chris added: "We had two RYA inspectors observe our course last autumn and they commented on the exceptionally welcoming and friendly nature of the club, the experience and knowledge of our own instructors and their excellent use of resources to support the learning experience. This was great feedback for us!" There are still places available for Sutton SC's RYA Level 1 and 2 Start Sailing course beginning on 11 April. Running for four consecutive Saturdays, you will be taken from absolute beginner to being able to take control in fair conditions. If you cant make these dates, the second course starts on 26 September. Meanwhile if you aren't ready to commit to a course and would just like to find out more about sailing and what Sutton SC can offer, the club's annual Open Day takes place on Saturday 11 July, coinciding with Sutton Community Games Day. Want to know more about life at Sutton SC and how you could get involved this year visit www.suttonsc.org.uk