Following the RNLI crew visiting the Club for the very successful Discover Sailing morning, Justin, who’s always willing and keen to get people onto the water, spotted an opportunity and suggested that an afternoon of sailing would be a fun activity, both socially and for developing boat skills, especially as many of the crew are new to boats and sailing.

So, last Friday, we took 14 crew members out on three of the 707s and had a great sail up the river, learning and demonstrating the basics along the way. RNLI members Lizzie Brown and Chris Starr kindly skippered the other two boats.

The fun didn’t stop there! Justin had laid on a mini, informal wine tasting in the old RNLI shed for the sailors and those who hadn’t been able to make the afternoon. (Who knew the wooden charging box in the ceiling was still there from when the shed was active!)

During the tasting, a Corinthian member popped in to thank the crew for helping him the previous week after he had dislocated his hip while working on his moored boat on the river and had to call the RNLI. He was obviously very grateful for the service provided and just wanted to thank everyone for their kindness and humour!

A relaxed and enjoyable supper then followed on the balcony.

It’s wonderful to have Tilly, Mark and Eddie in the crew and to have had them there for the day.