WEST Wilts Youth Sailing Association is inviting new members to join as their club “rises from the ashes” following last year’s disastrous fire, and will not be charging a joining fee for the 2015 season.
The WWYSA sailing club, based in Westbury, had all their facilities and equipment destroyed by an act of arson last year, but is now back to full strength and encouraging people to get involved.
Membership secretary Emily Abbott said, “Last April we suffered a burglary and arson attack which rendered us out of action for a few months, but we have now risen up from the ashes with a rebuild, restock, etc and are preparing for our 2015 season.
“We are in the unusual place of having spaces available for junior members to learn to sail. This scheme asks for the child to be eight years old and able to swim 25 metres, other than that they just need to enjoy getting wet sometimes and the freedom of being outside!
“We are also welcoming adults to the club, and will be offering an adult sailing course in September. This course is designed for complete beginners to get some boat handling instruction. Again they are often taught/encouraged by our young adults who have become instructors.
“We would also like to encourage adults who have a current RYA Instructor or Power Boat qualification to get in touch, as they may like to support the learning opportunities we offer and gain a more varied sailing experience whilst doing so.
“This is the year to join as we will not be charging our £50 joining fee for the 2015 season!”
All courses run by the club are accredited by the Royal Yachting Association and staff are DBS checked. Junior sailing schemes see the members progress through various stages of boat handling including coastal experiences, and gives them the opportunity to obtain instructor certificates as they mature.
Founded in 1967, the club sail at Station Road in Westbury, Shearwater, and take regular weekend trips to Plymouth and Roadford. All equipment is provided and members are asked to just wear old clothes and bring a towel and change – even the good sailors capsize sometimes!
This year West Wilts Youth Sailing Association has already run First Aid courses for 16 people and power boat courses for nine others. They also offer activity days for local schools.
To find out more about getting involved with the club visit www.wwysa.org.uk.
