A RECORD number of people went to the Upper Thames Sailing Club’s annual open day in Bourne End last week.

Almost 150 people visited the club in Riverside Road on Sunday, April 27.

Instructors were able to give budding sailors a taste of sailing on the river Thames.

Commodore Alan Markham said ‘It was great to see so many visitors and members having a good time messing about on the river, and we look forward to seeing this year’s new members progress to join the regular Sunday racing.”

The spirits around the club on the day were certainly not dampened by some rain on the day as the weather was good enough for beginners to learn their trade.

The club said The clubhouse was very busy all day and many visitors stayed for ‘Tea by the Thames’, with cakes galore, which raised a marvellous £356.97 for Sail4Cancer.

People went around in three club Wayfarer dinghies and two classic Thames A Raters whilst less adventurous visitors went around in the club’s workboat.

The club has already held more events since the open day including a very successful Pirate Day and BBQ on Bank Holiday Monday.

This weekend there is also a Bourne End to Marlow race on May 11.

The club will also be holding Bourne End Week, their major event of the year, later on in the month.

For more information visit www.utsc.org.uk