PROBABLY one of the lesser known sporting outlets for landlocked Herefordshire is its own sailing club with a 36-foot sea-going yacht moored at Plymouth.
The Hereford Sailing Club are now setting off on a new tack and actively seeking both a new yacht and members to enjoy the pleasure of sailing to both UK and continental destinations. Members have already ventured to Ireland, Scotland, the Channel Islands, France, Northern Spain and Holland.
The club was founded in 1985 by a small group who had met on the Herefordshire College of Technology RYA Yacht Master course. The aim was - and still is - to provide affordable offshore sailing experience for both novices and experienced sailors.
As members' experience and sea miles increased, Ceilidh of Oban, a Sigma 362, was bought to replace the original club yacht which was a Sadler 32. Ceilidh has been extensively upgraded to Category B offshore status and is equipped with modern electronic aids.
Club membership is open to like-minded people of both sexes, all ages, backgrounds and sailing ability.
They are looking for novice crew who want to learn to sail a yacht and also those with experience who wish to broaden their sailing horizons. Most of the members live in and around Herefordshire but there are members from further afield.
Club social meetings are held at Hereford Rowing Club from 8pm on the first Thursday of every month. At these social gatherings members get together to plan sailing trips and swap sailing experiences.
Hereford Sailing Club is a non profit-making organisation that can offer a taste of the sea at affordable rates.
Anyone interested in joining Hereford Sailing Club should contact the club secretary, Helen Phillips, at Helenonsight@aol.com or go along to one of their regular club meetings.
A number of our members achieved their RYA qualifications through Herefordshire College of Technology (HCT) which is an accredited RYA training centre. To find out more about the range of RYA courses available from HCT this coming Autumn call Freephone 0800 032 1986.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article