Open Day 2011
at Durleigh Reservoir, Bridgwater. TA5 2AW
Saturday 14th May
10.00 to 17.00,
378 new sailors took to the water
"Enable All to Sail" was launched by Pete Branson in a live interview on the Simon Parkin morning show on BBC Radio Somerset.
"Our Emma" Britton then broadcast her morning show live from Durleigh Reservoir. She ran live interviews with Pete Branson, Tim Walters, Lisa Hodge and Liz Loveless.
She certainly helped us to promote, "Enable All to Sail", The Peoples Millions, our Open Day and sailing in general.
Emma Britton you did us proud. Thanks Emma.
It was a windy but warm day, with a blustery F3/4 NW breeze that gusted to F5/6 during the day.
On the water, the helms needed great stamina, skill and determination to stay out in the windy conditions, they certainly earned their bacon rolls and burgers!
We thought it may be a quiet day due to the adverse weather forecast but by 12.00 we had had a busy morning and by 16.00 when the booking closed we had taken 378!!!!!! people onto the water.
Considering we were competing with the FA Cup Final and several other local events, we did really well.
It was great to see so many families, so many new faces as well as some familiar ones. The youngest sailor was just over 4 year's old and the oldest well into their 70's.
Many people got wet due to the waves splashing over the boat bows, even so comments like "it was great" were prevailent.
While they were onshore, the crowds were able to get drinks and food from the new galley. The galley & BBQ volunteers were working non-stop from 09.00 to the end of the day selling tea, coffee, bacon rolls, cakes and BBQ food.
To keep youngsters busy while they were on shore we had a sailing simulation game, which many tried and one or two managed to sail to Treasure Island.
In the afternoon the crowds enjoyed the Duck Race, which started at 15.00, 58 ducks in a yellow wave, were blown slowly across the lake from far shore towards the dam wall, they arrived in close order at the shore line with the winner receiving half of the takings from the race.
This was one of our busiest Open Days to date, why don't you come next year to our 14th Open day and find out more about sailing!
Photos from this and previous year's are below, click to view
Calm before the start, Car Park, Briefing, Tea before the start, Checking Boats, Checking Comet, The new Trio, Getting Ready, Topper Launch, Pico Launch, The Galley, The BBQ, The reservoir, Getting Lifejackets, Embarking, Setting sail, Safe return, Boat changeover,The New Bahia In full swing, The Crowds,The Queue, My turn soon, Windsurfing demo, Picnickers, A near miss
