A SAILING club open day has been hailed a huge success as hundreds of visitors enjoyed messing about on the river.

Maldon's Blackwater Sailing Club resurrected the event after last year's open day became a victim of the pandemic.

Organisers said it was "touch and go" whether the long-awaited crowd-puller would go ahead after lockdown restrictions were extended.

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

  • A young sailor learns the ropes at the open day

But the club appointed a Covid officer and already had safety measures in place so the show could go on.

A spokesman said: "It was a gloriously sunny day and hundreds of visitors arrived.

"With compulsory check-in points for several areas of the club, the sea air was soon overtaken by the smell of disinfectant and hand gel.

"There were dinghy sailing and row boat trips to be enjoyed on the lake and a steady queue formed for these all day.

"With a one-way system in place, one family group at a time were allowed a glimpse of our superb new club room, sun room and members' galley which make up a large part of our facilities."

River trips were available from mid day with some people going for a lively ride in a Rib, while others opted for the more sedate gentleman's launch.

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

  • There was a steady stream of visitors at the club

Cruisers trips were also on offer and visitors could watch the club racing which was taking place.

The spokesman said: "This meant there was plenty of entertainment whilst visitors were queuing for their boat trips and many others simply took advantage of the beautiful sunny day and watched from the sea wall.

"With a steady breeze, race conditions were perfect and the club safety boat had a quiet time until they were passed by a speeding jet ski that then broke down on Northey Island.

"They very kindly towed it back to its launching site at Mill Beach."

Anyone who would like to visit the club with a view to joining can email membership-secretary@blackwatersailingclub.org.uk.