On 3rd March 2012 Felpham Sailing Club joined the elite group of sailing clubs to be awarded the prestigious Volvo Champion Club status. The award was presented at the Royal Yachting Association’s annual Dinghy Show held at London’s Alexandra Palace.
Paula Bentley, the club’s Commodore said “This award recognises the culmination of ten years development work at the club aimed at the delivery of safe and fun sailing and sail race training for all ages. The emphasis is on youth sailing with an eye on developing the Olympic champions of the future alongside helping all to enjoy a great time sailing on the water at Felpham.”
Paula paid tribute to the many club members, past and present, who had contributed to this magnificent achievement. “From a standing start and few resources the club now boasts RYA Training Centre status, around 30 qualified Instructors and Assistant instructors of all ages and a fleet of 10 dedicated sailing boats for trainees.
All this means that there are activities for sailors of all ages and abilities. There is a regular Sunday Series for the more serious racers, a light hearted Wednesday evening session to enjoy the summer winds, a special Women On Water session on Thursday evenings and the highly successful Friday evening cadets sailing for the youngsters. Saturdays are not forgotten and safety cover and support is available for those still finding their way round a boat.
“With all this activity we are planning to improve and expand our facilities so that more people can enjoy sailing and social activities by the sea at Felpham”, Paula said as she unveiled the plans for the clubhouse development.
The award was celebrated at a social event held at the club on the 10th March where a toast was proposed and drunk to the future of Felpham Sailing Club.
Picture shows Paula Bentley, centre holding flag and Nick Gibb MP with some of the many club members who have contributed to the clubs efforts to gain the award.
