Family funevent tomark birthday

Strathclyde Loch Sailing Club will mark their 40th anniversary this weekend with a family fun day to encourage new members to join.

Founded in 1978 by Sid Ashford, Alex Hughes, and Crawford Reid – soon after the Water Sports Centre opened in Strathclyde Country Park – the club continues to thrive with members from East Kilbride and across Lanarkshire enjoying an action-packed weekly programme.

There’s racing every Sunday morning, and Wednesday evenings in the summer months, while an informal training and coaching session is held on Thursday evenings.

‘Social Sailing’ on a Friday morning is very relaxed and has become a popular session for many potential members to start to learn the basics of sailing.

The training programme has recently been expanded to include taster sessions with a qualified RYA Instructor from 10am-2pm on Saturdays.

There’s also a social programme every Wednesday evening, October to March. This includes games and quiz nights, film shows and guest speakers, as well as training events.

And this Sunday, the club will host the open day to show potential members what they have to offer.

Club spokesman Stuart Rae said: “Age is no barrier to sailing, several club members have come to sailing late in life, and there is one longtime member in his eighties who sails in weekly club races and social sailing sessions, so it’s open to everyone.

“Strathclyde Loch is a very safe place to learn to sail. It doesn’t have the tides, currents and other issues associated with open water sailing.

“On Sunday there will be fun activities on and off the water as well.”

If you think sailing might be for you, contact the club via their website http://www. strathclydelochsailing.com or just drop in during one of the club’s sailing days where you’re assured of a warm welcome.