THE West Wilts Youth Sailing Association, based in Westbury, is preparing to celebrate 50 years of teaching young people the ways of the water.
To mark their golden anniversary, the club is making big plans for a fun day on the water in September for its younger members, whilst the adults, made up of members past and present, can look forward to a night of good food, dancing and a guest speaker.
Secretary for the club, Pat Walker said, “Former member of the club, Tim Cross, who has gone on to achieve big things in sailing, will be our guest speaker for the evening.”
Reflecting on the club’s rich history, Pat took the time to share with the White Horse News some highlights and turning points for the club. “Founded in 1967 by John Booth and friends, the association started to teach sailing to young people in Westbury. They had two boats and a headquarters that cost £5.
“In the 1970s the association blossomed and began to buy its own boats and buoyancy aids and a sail store. It was at this time that the Youth and Community Service provided nine toppers (protective covers) for the association’s use and this arrangement continued until 1986.
“From that point on, the association carefully selected and bought dinghies, building the fleet up to its present numbers, also purchasing a motor safety boat.
“As we had outgrown the old headquarters building, a new one was purchased from British Rail, a signal box. The building arrived at Westbury station in sections and was brought to our site for re-assembly.
“The former signal box was re-erected by members of the association and we then had the luxury of a two-storey headquarters. It was officially opened on 17th September 1988 by the Mayor of Westbury, Mr Robert Algar. During the 1980s our instructors began to acquire greater skills by going on recognised courses and their increased knowledge became of great benefit to the association.
“By 1991 the association received formal recognition by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA). This meant our standards were fully recognised and we could offer RYA certification.
“This achievement was due to the hard work of our chief instructor, Mr Ray Chisling and his team.
“The association continued to grow and expand, running four teaching evenings each week, with 24 children on each night. Many local schools also came and enjoyed sailing with us. We also welcomed children from Chernobyl who had never sailed before, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
“The association encouraged our members to sail on coastal waters and weekends away in Weymouth and Plymouth proved very popular.
“Our annual visit to Studland Bay, taking all our dinghies, safety boats and buoyancy aids became a highlight of the year.
“In 2000, the association became a registered charity with trustees elected to manage and run the club.
“Over the years many children have enjoyed learning to sail and some have made it their careers – Tom Saunt (49er coach and ex-Skandia Team GBR Olympic coach), Tim Cross (coaching & development officer for World Sailing), Rob Bunce (skipper of the Ben Ainsley Racing (BAR) Academy Team).
“As part of the build up to the London 2012 Olympic Games, the association welcomed a 1948 Olympic torch replica with a party by the lake. The visit was part of the 1948 Sailing Relay, organised by the RYA, which saw the torch travel by water from Torquay to the Olympic sailing venue at Weymouth.
“ A couple of years later in 2014 the association suffered a major setback when arsonists set fire to our sail store and destroyed all our sails, masts, rudders, safety boats and several dinghies.
“However, thanks to the dedicated instructors and helpers who worked ceaselessly to replace the building and equipment, within 12 weeks we were back on the water.
“We would like to thank all our instructors and helpers over these many years for their generous support of the association. We have had dedicated teams of helpers who on a voluntary basis kept up the high standard of training at the club, repaired the boats, the buildings and cleared the site. Thank you all.”
The celebrations for the 50th anniversary take place on Saturday 16th September. If you are a past member of the club and would like to attend the evening party at the Horse and Groom, get in contact with Pat by email: secretary@wwysa.org.uk
