Ulley Sailing Club marks its 50th anniversary

The club, which officially launched in May 1972, has introduced countless sailors to the water over the decades, including former Olympic gold medallist and Americas Cup competitor Paul Goodison.

It continues to cater for people of all ages and will celebrate its half-century on Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday sees a family fun afternoon for members, past members and their family and friends, followed in the evening by a party for members and past members.

On Sunday, 50th Anniversary Open Handicap races will run from 10.30am-5.30pm.

Nicola Panter, commodore of Ulley Sailing Club, said: “It is quite an achievement to get to 50 years, particularly after going through what we have for the last two years (with Covid). The club is run by volunteers.

“At the start of the planning for the anniversary we were still going through the pandemic and we were not sure how much we were going to be able to do, but it is all organised now and we're really looking forward to it.”

Paul Goodison, whose dad, Roy, taught him to sail at Ulley, is doing a recorded message for the occasion.

Ulley continues to enjoy a thriving membership.

“Family sailing has taken off, particularly in the last couple of years,” said Nicola. “Family memberships have rocketed because sailing is an activity all the family can do.

“We get really small four and five-year-olds through to 18 year-olds. We cater for beginners through to some who have started taking place in races elsewhere representing the club.

“It is about trying to bring them on and you'd like to think there are some future Olympians in amongst those members.”

Ulley hosts 12 boats on Wednesday nights while Saturdays are for casual sailing.

Anyone interested in trying sailing at Ulley is asked to visit the club website at https://ulleysailingclub.org.uk in the first instance for information.

in the first instance.