Riding along on the crest of a wave

Rye Harbour Sailing Club opened its doors to give would-be sailors the opportunity to dip their toes in the water at the last taster sail event of this year's sailing season last Saturday (October 22).
Helena Anne tows taster sailors back to the club house. SUS-161025-102335001Helena Anne tows taster sailors back to the club house. SUS-161025-102335001
Helena Anne tows taster sailors back to the club house. SUS-161025-102335001

The club’s Commodore Caroline Wylson says the event was a perfect end to the sailing season. “The weather was kind with a gentle breeze from the North, as six people took to the water to enjoy a pleasant sail in the river,” she said. “The wind died as the dinghies ventured into the Bay and the tide had started ebbing. But help was at hand and Helena Anne, a 38’ Micrurgy sailing cruiser, took a rope from a couple of the dinghies and towed them back to the club house.

“The bar was opened and the cruiser skippers and crew joined dinghy sailors at the bar. The evening ended with a Beef Hot Pot cooked by David and Jen Tomkinson and we raised £163 for our fund raising project.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Caroline says Rye Harbour Sailing Club (RHSC) has had a very successful year fundraising for their building project which is set to provide the club house with a new shower block and make the venue accessible to all ages and abilities; able and disabled. She said: “I would like to thank everyone who has helped RHSC to raise the funds for our building project so that we can get Sailability set up as a charity allowing the club to become an accessible, inclusive venue offering sailing for all.”

Taster sailors waiting to set sail with John Powell. SUS-161025-102350001Taster sailors waiting to set sail with John Powell. SUS-161025-102350001
Taster sailors waiting to set sail with John Powell. SUS-161025-102350001

One of the club’s most recent events, the Commodore’s Dinner held at the George in Rye on Friday September 30, attracted 72 guest and Caroline says it was a great success. “The evening included an auction of donations and the Benson room at the George was packed to capacity. The auction was turned over to Kevin Wall, professional auctioneer from Rye Auction Galleries. Through charm, wit and banter by the end of a highly entertaining evening, in total, an amazing amount of £3,334 was raised to go towards the RHSC Club House Development project.

“This is a record amount raised at RHSC auctions - a fantastic result!”

Caroline thanks all those who have helped RHSC with fundraising. “Members who donated items to auction, those who gave up their time to advertise and set up various events throughout the year, the RHSC social group for putting forward such great creative ideas, local businesses who donated some great items to auction, Kevin Wall who did a fantastic job and The George who let us hold the event in their Ball room and Benson room as well as providing a team to help set up the event. The George also generously donated a one night stay at the George.

“Thank you everyone who has been involved with this project at RHSC. A very well done to all!”

Related topics: