Landlubbers’ yacht club

9th March 2007

• Members of Brean Land Yacht Club meet at Brean beach every Sunday.

FEEL the wind in your hair, the sand under your feet and look out towards the open sea - without ever leaving land.

The Brean Land Yacht Club meets every weekend throughout the year come rain or shine, but hopefully with plenty of wind.

Secretary Margaret Kathro said: “We have members of all ages, as long as they can use the pedals they can climb aboard. We have eight French yachts at the club so you don’t need to own one to join.

“We have lots of laughs and often meet up for a barbecue in the summer.”

The club was formed in the 1960s and used to hold meetings at the old Crewkerne RAF base, but now members use the long stretch of sand that is Brean beach.

Margaret said: “We don’t sail in heavy rain but we take advantage of the winter months when there are fewer people on the beach. When it’s cold we can enjoy the whole length of the beach, whereas in summer we have to keep to a smaller area.”

Margaret said: “We also have a ‘come and try’ day on May 13.

“For £20 you get one-to-one tuition with a tutor, try out three different courses, practise the basics and then move on to more advanced yachting. We provide all the safety equipment too.”

A year’s membership costs £90, but if you join on a trial day the £20 is included in the fee.

Margaret said: “People who come and try out land yachting usually get the bug.

“It’s such a fun sport.”

THE FACTS:
• Name of club: Brean Land Yacht Club.
• Founded: 1965.
• Membership: Around 35.
• Who the club caters for: Anyone with enthusiasm. There are no age limitations but you have to be big enough to use the foot steering.
• Meeting place and time: Every Sunday all year round at 10am on Brean beach.
• President: George Barwick.
• Who to contact for more details: Mike Young on 01458 850782 or Patrick McKenna on pjmckenna@yahoo.com