Anyone interested in the world of sailing has an opportunity to gain a whole new perspective on the Isle of Man’s magnificent coastline when the Isle of Man Yacht Club holds its open day on Sunday, August 4th.
The Port St Mary-based club has grown its fleet significantly and is now offering a number of exciting new openings for racing and cruising. There is also a range of dinghy and power boat training programmes, some suitable for children from eight-years-old and upwards, plus shore-based seafaring courses available.
Cruiser captain Mike Stanton, a long-time club member, is keen to dispel yachting’s ‘blazer and G&T image’. He explained: ‘In the main all you’ll need is sensible outdoor clothing. The club’s a very friendly place, open to all ages and abilities and the sailing can be as fast and furious or as leisurely as you like. We have a core of enthusiastic crew members and would welcome people to come down to Port St Mary and discover more about this exhilarating leisure pursuit.’
By day Mike is head of business development at Celton Manx. He said: ‘Sailing is a great way to switch off, relax and enjoy the company of friends and family. You also get to see the Isle of Man from a different angle.’
That’s a sentiment echoed by world-class yachting photographer and sailing instructor Dave Kneale. He explained: ‘Sailing around the Isle of Man you get to see some of the most stunning coastal scenery in the British Isles. And you can be as competitive as you want or just enjoy gentle cruising over to Ireland or Wales, for example.’
‘Sailing’s a very sociable pastime. The club’s very welcoming and you don’t need masses of kit. No experience is necessary, you don’t have to be super-fit and there are opportunities at every level of ability. And, as Mike says, blazers are definitely not required.’
To experience the thrill of sailing, sample the club’s hospitality and meet some of the members come to Isle of Man Yacht Club’s open day on Sunday August 4th from 10am. For more information about the open day and the club, call 472488, visit iomyc.com or email sailing@iomyc.com
Photo - A stunning image of yachting around the Isle of Man by Dave Kneale