New members are wanted at sailing club. MARION SAUVEBOIS reports

FOR more than two decades they have put the wind in the sails of young adventurers, introducing them to the thrill of the open waters.

Now members of the Coate Water Sailing Trust are urging more would-be sailors to join the fold and discover the sport.

“Our aim is to introduce dinghy sailing to the young people of the Swindon area,” said Susan Bridge, of Coate Water Sailing Trust. “It's a fun, accessible sport and we have a super lake right here at Coate Water Country Park in Swindon.”

The Trust offers Royal Yachting Association courses for children aged nine or older during term time from May through to July.

Members also run classes for youth groups including the Scouts and Guides as well as holiday courses for children and adults.

As part of its mission to spread the joys of sailing, the club organises lessons for adults and children with learning difficulties or physical disabilities.

“We've been sailing at Coate Water since the 1990s when we took over from Wiltshire County Council,” explained Susan. “We're a RYA training centre and licensed by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority, so we get regular inspections and our instructors have enhanced CRB clearance. Apart from running the sailing courses, there's lots of behind the scenes work maintaining our boats and safety equipment, so we may be most visible on the lake at Coate during the summer months but we're definitely working all year round.”

On Sunday mornings between 9.30am and 1pm throughout the year, the charity also runs recreational sailing sessions on the lake.

Any child with a basic RYA qualification is welcome. Adults can also take part, provided they too have a sailing qualification.

“We have a variety of dinghies so sailors can widen their experience and develop their sailing skills. Sunday sailing costs just £3 for children and £6 for adults - there's no membership fee.”

The trust will hold an open day from 10am on Sunday, May 3 for children aged nine or older and adults.

“We'll take them sailing on the lake and no experience is necessary,” she added. “We would love to give lots of people a chance to experience sailing at Coate.”

A two-day beginners RYA course will take place on Saturday, May 23 and Sunday 24. The workshop costs £40 for children and £80 for adults.

To sign up or for more details about the trust’s courses and open day call Susan on 01793 619411 or John on 01793 634573. Alternatively visit the Coate Water Sailing Trust page on Facebook.

A two-day beginners RYA course will take place on May 23 and 24. It costs £40 for children and £80 for adults. To sign up or for more details about courses and the open day call Susan on 01793 619411 or visit the Coate

Water Sailing Trust page on Facebook.