Home Secretary joins in the fun at Henley Sailing Club
by James Cox 23 May 2016 08:59 NZST
21 May 2016
Theresa May helps Henley SC Push the Boat Out © James Cox
On Saturday 21st May Henley Sailing Club once again opened its doors to the public as part of the Royal Yachting Association's 'Push the Boat Out' promotion of water sports. Joining the club members and visiting public on the day was local MP Theresa May who was keen to see for herself what we get up to.
Unlike at the club's Open Day the previous week, the Thames stream was calmer and members, as well as many visitors who had missed out at the Open Day, were able to get a full complement of boats out on the water to enjoy the south westerly breeze. There was something for everyone to try their hand at from Toppers to Mirrors as well as local resident Steve Gent's supercharged National 12.
Commodore Carol Stitson welcomed the opportunity to brief the Home Secretary on the club's history and its activities and commented, "Like many locals, Mrs. May didn't realise the club has been inexistence since 1896 and she was very interested in all our sailing activities from racing through to the fun days we hold throughout the summer."
As the MP for Maidenhead chatted and took in a tour of the club's facilities, members were taking part in the day's challenge to see who could do the fastest lap in a "reasonably priced club Topper". Some were more successful than others with one unlucky sailor taking a dip in the Thames right on cue for our special guest's arrival!
"It was great fun seeing everyone test their skills around the lap we'd set out in front of the clubhouse and it was a perfect way for everyone to get engaged with what we're all about; trying to have as much fun as possible out on the water with friends," said Adam Sokolowski, the club's training officer.
For further details see www.henleysailingclub.org.uk
Henley Sailing Club is located off Willow Lane, Wargrave, Berkshire.