Sailors navigate the Thames (From Bucks Free Press)

Sailors navigate the Thames

2:26pm Tuesday 4th August 2009 in News By Lawrence Dunhill

SAILING boats were launched onto the River Thames last week as 28 people took the 'learning to sail' training given by the Upper Thames Sailing Club in Bourne End.

The club, which is celebrating its 125-year anniversary, trained sailors ranging from nine to 70-years-old, many of whom were new to the sport.

Norman Waite, of Upper Thames Sailing Club, said: “The River Thames provides us with a beautiful natural resource as it flows through Berks and Bucks.

“The variable and fresh breezes during the week provided good teaching conditions. Sailing is a healthy outdoor sport in which Britain succeeds at world class and Olympic level.

“The club currently has national champions in 2 dinghy boat classes - the OK’s and Dragons – proving that river sailing can still provide a great basis for success!”

For more information about the Upper Thames Sailing Club visit: www.utsc.org.uk or call Tony Ketley on 01628 472389.