£9,000 Grant boost for Windsurfing in Stoke
Windsurfing in Stoke is enjoying a renaissance thanks to a £9,000 Sport England investment at Stanley Sailing Centre.
The centre, based on Stanley Reservoir and affiliated to Stanley Head Outdoor Education Centre, has introduced a revitalized windsurfing programme this year thanks to the £9,091 grant from the Sport England Small Grants fund to buy new windsurfing boards and equipment to supplement the centre’s existing kit.
More people will be able to experience windsurfing on the reservoir this year as the centre expands its activities, including running an RYA learn-to-windsurf course, improving its junior RYA Team15 windsurfing club, running taster sessions for local colleges and setting up a satellite club with Keele University Watersports Society.
Brian Preece, Stanley Sailing Centre Principal, explains: “Our windsurfing equipment, which has been thoroughly used by schools, colleges, members and other groups in recent years, was in need of an increase and upgrade. To get people to stay in any sport they have to enjoy it, and using good quality, up-to-date kit is a key part.
“Last year, as well as providing training courses for members and the public, we ran a Sportivate Start Windsurfing course over eight weeks for a local college and provided for some taster sessions for Keele University Watersports Society (KUWS).
“But the addition of the new kit, which includes some new beginner and intermediate windsurfing boards and a range of intermediate sail rigs, harness lines and a couple of extra fins, means we can now get even more people on the water at the same time and have a pathway in place that enables them to develop their skills in the sport.”
Stanley Sailing Centre is a recognised RYA Training Centre, meaning it conforms to the highest standards of quality and safety. The centre, run by volunteers, also teaches RYA sailing and powerboating courses on its 33-acre water. It was supported in its grant bid by the RYA Midlands team and SASSOT County Sports Partnership.
Earlier this year, through links with some former Stanley members, KUWS took part in a Midlands University Windsurfing event at Nottingham. The centre is also training a junior who wants to attend the Formula Worlds. This is high-level course racing.
Keele student Nikki said: “It’s always really friendly there straight from the start and so welcoming. They have helped me to learn a lot about an awesome sport and get to know some great people.”
To find out how you can get afloat at Stanley Sailing Centre this year visit www.facebook.com/StanleySailingCentre or email info@stanleysailing.co.uk