BRAY SAILING CLUB’S 60TH ANNIVERSARY
BRAY Sailing Club members, former members and supporters gathered at the harbour facility last Saturday to celebrate the club’s 60th anniversary as a modern sailing club.
While recreational sailing and racing predates the foundation of Bray Sailing Club, the modern club has been based at the harbour since 1958.
On a day of celebration last weekend, members and visitor enjoyed plenty of displays, activities and reflection. A day of events in the club and on the water was followed by a ticketed event in the club house.
Members of the public enjoyed a ‘ Try Sailing’ afternoon to give the activity a go. There were 17 sailors on the water and €100 raised for the RNLI.
Commodore Declan Lavelle said that the club has changed a huge amount since its fledgling days in a timber hut near the railway line.
While maybe three nationalities were represented then, today they have 12.
‘Back then, only people who could afford to buy or build their own boats could fully participate,’ said Declan. ‘Today, due to the generosity of our members and grants from Sports Capital Programme and Wicklow County Council we have been able to buy boats and equipment that enables us to make sailing available to all.’
The club trains children, adults and Lakers members. Lakers is a sports and recreational club for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Young instructors give their time to organise and participate in events for Lakers.
There are a number of families with three generations involved in the club, many of whom were present last weekend.