A momentous day for Bowmoor Sailing Club (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

A momentous day for Bowmoor Sailing Club

IT was a momentous occasion for Bowmoor Sailing Club when members enjoyed a first outing on the new lake on the Sunday before last.

The move to another location, little more than a stone's throw from the old one, took nine years in planning and completion.

It has also taken six months of really hard labour with working parties all doing their bit on behalf of this new venture.

Club commodore Peter McKenzie began formal proceedings by naming the winners of the raffle for 'first sail on the new lake'.

That honour fell to Paul Dorer and David Rollinson who set off to a spontaneous round of applause.

The official opening will be held after all the outstanding work is finally completed.

After an unsettled week, the sun shone and winds picked up enough for an interesting first race and everyone enjoyed a fantastic first day of sailing and socialising.

Club members have built a new boat-store, jetties and children's play area with their existing funds and a lot of hard work.

A new boat-store has been cleverly converted into a temporary clubhouse facility with changing-rooms and showers until enough money is raised to build a permanent clubhouse.

The temporary clubhouse is more than adequate for the time being and the water provides a superb opportunity for competitive racing and cruising alike.

Bowmoor is holding an open day this Saturday, 11am-4pm. Those interested in learning to sail or joining a sailing club should phone 01367 252418 for more details.