Yacht club members set sail for Bridlington races

BRIDLINGTON IS perhaps the best bay for sailboat racing on the whole of the east coast of England, according to former British Olympic sailing team coach Jim Saltonstall.

The coastal town is home to the Royal Yorkshire Yacht Club, several members of whom are pictured here preparing catamarans before heading out onto the North Sea.

The blue sky may seem like a far cry from some of the autumnal weather of the past few days. Indeed, the image was actually taken on the August bank holiday weekend, when family groups on the catamarans were able to organise some socially- distanced racing.

Though Bridlington is now the club’s home, it was originally based in both Hull and Whitby, established in 1847 by Hull businessman and ship owners. The story of how the club has changed over time is set out on the club’s website.

It says: “By the turn of the century there was increasing traffic on the Humber and in the Hull Docks making the area less suitable for pleasure yachting.

“Consequently the club decided to move its activities to Bridlington, where it occupied various premises until in 1939 the present clubhouse, previously the Ozone Hotel, was acquired and adapted to provide facilities for members and visiting yacht crews, to whom a special welcome has always been extended.”

The club has held regattas since its founding, though it had to cancel a number of times due to the First and Second World Wars and the Crimean War.

The Duke of Edinburgh remains its patron, last paying a visit during its 150th anniversary year in 1997.

The harbour of Bridlington is still the heart of the town, a magnet for visitors to the coastal community, as well as being a place where many people earn their living, including in the shellfish industry.

At the helm is the Bridlington Harbour Commissioners’ body, who manage, protect and develop all aspects of the harbour and its activities.

Technical details: Nikon D5 camera, Nikon 12- 24mm lens, exposure of 1/ 500th second at f8, ISO 64.