2024 sees Blackwater Sailing Club celebrate its 125 year anniversary. Formed in 1899 by twelve local men, the club has expanded over the years into one of the biggest on the estuary. It now has a steady membership of around 1100 ranging from social sailors to potential Olympic champions. Over the years members have competed all over the world with much success.
The celebrations were kicked off this weekend by a spectacular Parade of Sail with over 125 boats taking to the water in various craft, ranging from the smallest lugsail dinghy helmed by a former commodore to large cruisers. The weather was not kind to us and we are very proud that despite the strong winds and driving rain so many members turned out for the event in such awful conditions. As usual, safety cover was provided by the club and ribs were manned by our trained drivers and crew.
Immediately after the Parade of Sail the club's annual Round the Islands Race began and despite the challenging weather many stayed on the water for this. The course takes them around Osea Island and Northey Island. This race is part of our annual fundraising activities for the RNLI, with donations being made in lieu of race entry fees. This year the magnificent sum of £946 was raised. This brings the total sum donated by the club over the last twenty years to £15,000. After the race honorary club member Ken Harrison, Past Chairman of the Maldon RNLI branch, presented the club with a plaque commemorating this great achievement. This weekend was the beginning of our celebrations and we have much to look forward to over the coming months.
If you would like to visit the club with a view to joining then please contact our membership secretary : -
membership-secretary@blackwatersailingclub.org.uk
For more details see : - blackwatersailingclub.org.uk
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