New Forest sailing club Spinnaker Sailing Club earns RYA Pathway status

Ringwood-based Spinnaker Sailing Club has received Pathway status from the RYA, the UK’s sailing governing body, in recognition of its high training standards.

Launched at the end of February, the Pathway Club scheme is a new programme to identify and develop clubs around the UK to provide affordable, excellent sailing and coaching for junior racers.

It rewards high coaching standards and clubs that create fun racing in an accessible environment where young racers can develop great fundamental skills and feel part of a bigger team.

RYA Pathway club manager Hannah Wilcox said: ‘We’re looking forward to supporting clubs that inspire the next generation of sailors by providing fun, accessible, and high-quality race training close to home.”

James Oborne, club operations manager, commented: “We are pleased to see our hard work recognised. Spinnaker Sailing Club is, first and foremost, a family club, and we want to maintain a fun environment where everyone enjoys time in the water together.

“This is not just elite-level racing. Club activity is so much more: youth weeks with lots of fun on and off the water, friendships, growing

confidence are all core to what we want to achieve.”

Spinnaker Sailing Club commodore Phil Tinsley added: “The club is more than simply race sailing – we are a watersports club, with members using the lake each week for canoeing, paddleboarding and windsurfing as well as sailing.

“Our sheltered waters allow access most days without the complications of shipping, waves and tides. As a result, we host Portsmouth, Southampton and Bournemouth universities sailing, as well as partnerships with local schools for PE activities.

“We have also recently received grants to run a programme for visually impaired sailors to get afloat. Our aim is to allow people from whatever background to develop confidence and skills on the water.”

The club is a recognised training centre, running courses for adults as well as being a member-driven club with the aim of keeping costs low.

There is an extensive hire fleet of paddleboards, canoes, and sailing boats, and members own boats.

Membership starts from £32. There is a club open day on Bank Holiday

Monday 5th May, see www.spinnakerclub.co.uk for details.