Arnside Sailing Club try out day attracts plenty of locals

Participants got a chance to go out on the estuary in a sailing boat helmed by a club instructor or volunteer. With the warm sunny weather there was a holiday atmosphere in the village with people watching from the beach.

As well as sailing the Club offer paddle boarding, kayaking and lessons for adults and children. The Club were shortlisted for Sailing Club of the Year in 2018 and 2022.

In 2023 they won a new safety boat in a contest against 180 other clubs. Their club house on the Promenade offers live music and social events. Performers in the past year have include Martin Carthy, one of the country’s best known folk singers.

Upcoming acts include Those Folks, a Californian / New Zealand folk duo on Friday 7th July as part of their UK Tour. The Club is now a charity whose aims include introducing people to water sports.

Arnside has a long maritime history. The estuary was the port for Kendal. The Victorians held regattas. Crossfields bult Morecambe Bay Prawners and yachts in the village including Arthur Ransome’s Swallow.

At the turn of the twentieth century sailing boats took holidaymakers from Morecambe up to Arnside and Grange.

Alasdair Simpson said “Everyone seemed to enjoy the event with lots of smiles when people came off boats, It was good to give some many people a chance to try sailing and enjoy Arnside’s scenic estuary.

"I would also like to thank all our club volunteers who made the event possible”.

The event was part of the RYA’s Discover Sailing promotion with clubs throughout the country offering people a chance to Try Sailing.