Whitstable Yacht Club were delighted to host their annual RYA Discover Sailing Day on Saturday June 17th. The objective was to share club members enthusiasm for water sports and sailing with the town opening the club facilities to visitors and providing 30 minute free of charge sailing or powerboat sessions for those willing to get their feet wet. Many had booked their sailing space online in advance, but we were blessed with a light to moderate breezes and a bright, mostly sunny day which encouraged curious passers-by to also find out what the club has to offer.
The sailing sessions ran throughout the day using a variety of boats to suit the ambition of our customers, from Topaz to Wanderer to a Dart 18, whilst powerboat trips were provided in one of the club’s ribs. A total of 87 newcomers took to the water, most having booked via social media or the WYC website. It was also great that 20 memberships were sold on the day bringing 48 new members to WYC, with many more taking club membership packs home.
Whitstable Yacht Club RYA Principal Jo Wyles and Chief Instructor Ruth Oliver led over 50 club volunteers to make the Discover Sailing Day such a success. Club Commodore Andy Jackson had the pleasure of welcoming Lord Mayor Councillor Jean Butcher and the Lady Mayoress Di Baldock to the event who also took a short trip on a rib.
Andy Jackson commented ‘It’s been great to give so many visitors their first taste of water sports Whitstable Yacht Club style and having the pleasure to see the smiling faces on their return to shore. Discover Sailing is our annual outreach to the town, and it gives our members a great opportunity to share the sport they are passionate about’.
Whitstable Yacht Club Discover Sailing Day was supported by Holidaycottages.co.uk, who have provided financial assistance to WYC outreach and cadet events throughout 2023.

Well done to WYC member Simon Reynolds who survived his first World Championships last week on a windsurf Raceboard ~33 years after he last sailed it competitively. 5th Veteran overall, 16th in the Silver fleet. Many friends made, and a fantastic time had!
The event, Raceboard World Championships, was held at Steinhuder Meer, 30km NW of Hanover, Germany. A total of 167 competitors from Argentina to Australia including all European Countries took part.

We regret to report that Julie Puckett has passed away. Julie was an active sailing member for many years, most recently crewing Tasar dinghies.
She had fought illness and depression for a long time with great courage.
Her family will let us know when her funeral will take place.

Fantastic waves, fantastic sailing, fantastic volunteers, fantastic oysters, fantastic venue! Yes you have guessed it, Topper NS4 was held at Whitstable Yacht Club and Tankerton Bay Sailing Clubs. There were over 100 competitors, many submersed and only visible on a crest of a wave. It was amazing fun! Full report now available on Yachts And Yachting at https://www.yachtsandyachting.com/news/262385/Topper-GJW-Direct-Costal-Championship-at-Whistable. Photo by Nick Champion.

Due to strengthening winds from the north east only 4 of the scheduled 5 Club Championships races were sailed over the Bank Holiday, with Monday’s racing and prize giving having to be cancelled. However, racing over the weekend was competitive and those who braved the conditions enjoyed their sailing. Amongst the sailors it was good to see a number of younger club members battling it out on the racecourse! Prizes will now be awarded at the Annual Prize Giving on Sunday 22nd October. Results can be viewed here: https://wyc.org.uk/on-the-water/results

In a change to the sailing programme, it has been decided that the Spring Series results will be based on all-in handicap and Lasers, rather than the class based results as was originally indicated.

Congratulations to WYC member Christopher Marsh on winning the RYA Youth National Championships in the men’s ILCA 6 fleet at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy last week. Christopher had a great week, with four firsts, a second and a third over the seven races in the competitive 46 boat fleet!

The club bar opening times will change from Monday 3rd April. The new opening times will be:
Monday: 17.00-20.00.
Tuesday: 14.00-21.30.
Wednesday: 14.00-23.00.
Thursday: 14.00-20.00.
Friday: 13.00-22.00.
Saturday: 12.00-22:00.
Sunday: 12.00-20:00.
Bank Holidays will see Friday and Sunday opening times changed to Saturday hours, and Mondays changed to Sunday hours.
The bar may be opened longer if special events or parties are planned (for example Thursday closing times are regularly extended for the Music open mic group). Please discuss your requirement’s with a member of the Bar committee giving at least 2 weeks notice.
If you have any feedback on the opening hours, please email bar@wyc.org.uk