Yacht club marks its jubilee with celebration
SWANSEA’S Yacht and Sub Aqua Club marks its jubilee with a special celebration this week.
Over five decades the club has provided an excellent base for sailing, yachting, diving, fishing, rowing, training children in water safety, as well as social events for members.
Friday, November 19 will see the club hold a members only evening to commemorate its 50th year milestone.
Originally established in the mid 1960s as the Swansea Boating and Sub Aqua Club, the first clubhouse was located by the former Colosseum Hotel pub at the bottom of Wind Street.
In 1971 the club changed its name and the club in its current guise was formed.
In 1981 it moved to its current location at the South Dock Pumping Station at Pocketts Wharf.
There are 500 members on the books and Friday’s event will be a celebration. Over the years the club has not only catered for enthusiasts of water-based activities but also rooted itself in the community.
It has hosted the water carnival, the annual Pwll Du Picnic, various social evenings including Mexican meals, curry and a pint and so forth.
A children’s Christmas party has also been a regular hit along with charitable events for causes – especially supporting the RNLI.
After moving to its current base at Pocketts Wharf at the start of the 1980s, the area began to change over the next 30 years and plans were soon in place for the Tawe Barrage, which was completed in 1992.
The same year a 200-berth marina was opened.
Subsequent years saw other schemes, including the building of a shower block and diving boathouse which opened in 1997 and offers protection for two inflatable boats.
The start of the new century saw even more development in the area with the opening of the Sail bridge in 2003.
While 2009 saw the start of the marina being dredged every two years, which the club plays a part in alongside Swansea Council.
Bob Dowdle at the club said: “The club plays a huge part in the community and while the marina has changed and improved a lot over the years we hope to always be a part of the maritime quarter.
“This year we had a new conservatory built too for people to enjoy, as we are open to the public.”
He added: “We always do as much as we can for local causes and the RNLI in particular because our members rely on them should they need help on the water.”
A number of guests including members and councillors will also be at Friday evening’s celebration.
Bob added: “A plaque is being unveiled to mark the 50 years and we are all looking forward to a good night.”