Club sails into its 50th year

Loch Ard Sailing Club will be holding a number of events this season to mark its 50th birthday.

Founded in March 1968 as the Forest Hills Sailing Club, the club was, according to a Stirling Observer report at the time, “formed at a meeting in the Forest Hills Hotel.

The main purpose of the club, which has a strong Dunblane support, is to sail dinghies, particularly of the Mirror class, which are proving very popular.”

From its present site at the west end of the loch the club continues to have racing on most Sundays during the season, with the most popular boats being Flying Fifteens and Solos, but there is also a good range of other dinghies taking part in the racing.

Canoeists and kayakers have also been made welcome.

Celebrations include a buffet/ceilidh in Kinlochard Village Hall on May 19; a Solstice Sail (and canoe) on June 23 and a 50th regatta over the weekend of August 25-26. The new season starts on Sunday, April 15.

All current and former members are warmly invited to these events and details will be published on the club website and on social media.

The club is again hosting Push the Boat Out taster sailing sessions for the public and is hoping to have as many boats on the water as possible to make it a really memorable day.

The event, sponsored by the RYA, encourages members of the public to come and enjoy a sail in a dinghy.

Present Commodore Nigel Orr said:“We are delighted to be marking this significant milestone in the club’s history with a number of events over the season, and we look forward to welcoming back the first Commodore and other former members to join us.

“Many things have changed over the years, but the club remains a friendly place where sailors and canoeists of all ages and abilities are welcome.

“We hope that visitors will use Push the Boat Out to find out more about the club and about sailing.”