Sailing through the ages
A leading watersports facility on the Norfolk coast, Snettisham Beach Sailing Club is a lively and friendly centre for both experienced sailors and beginners learning the ropes
Originally formed in 1939, Snettisham Beach Sailing Club has straddled some dramatic historic events, having served as the location of a World War II Prisoner of War camp, seen its original clubhouse destroyed by The Great Floods of 1953 and faced the fury of a roof-lifting storm in the 1980’s. Overcoming every challenge to stand here today, the club is now home to a flourishing fleet of keen watersports enthusiasts.
Located on the west-facing coast of the Wash, Snettisham Beach Sailing Club is in a unique position, making it perfect for sailors of all abilities and interests. Elevated on a shingle bank, it offers easy access to the beach and a large area of seawater for sailing whenever the tide is in. To the rear of the clubhouse is a sheltered lake, ideal for those just learning to sail.
“We’re primarily a dinghy sailing club,” explains current Commodore Adrian Tebbutt. “We teach children from six years old and welcome beginners of all ages to learn with us. Many go on to sail regularly at the club, joining in our comprehensive programme of weekend racing on the sea. We’ve had members go on to compete at national and international level and enjoy careers in sailing.”
Watersports of other disciplines are welcomed too, from kitesurfing and windsurfing to stand up paddleboards, kayaking and even open water swimming. “The main aim of the club is to make water sports accessible to everyone,” Adrian says. “We’re the only full-time Royal Yachting Association (RYA) approved training centre on the Norfolk coast and welcome anyone to come along and start sailing. Once you’re hooked, it costs a family just over £5 a week for membership.”
Dinghy sailing is enjoyed in small open boats powered by sails which harness the natural power of the wind. In the same way that an aeroplane wing works, the sails use aerodynamic lift to propel the boat. While this force helps an aeroplane to stay up, the wind blowing across the sails pushes the boat forward. Under the water, a blade known as a ‘centreboard’ prevents the boat slipping sideways and a rudder at the back is used for steering.
“We can sail in any wind direction and pretty much any conditions comfortably, although racing only takes place in winds between 5-30mph,” Adrian explains. “The only bearing a boat won’t sail is directly into the wind, where the sails will just flap. The sailor must tack, or zig zag, back and forth to make headway on that course.”
Powered by nature, dinghy sailing is an inherently environmentally friendly sport. Adrian and the members at Snettisham are very conscious of their responsibility to look after the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) where the club is located. “We’re sited on a rare habitat of vegetated shingle and see it as our job to protect it and the wildlife it supports,” Adrian says.
The clubhouse has recently adopted renewable sources of energy thanks to local government grants, with photovoltaic panels, solar showers, additional insulation and low energy lighting all significantly reducing carbon emissions. “Sailing is a green sport and our previous reliance on fossil fuels didn’t fit with the environmental ethos of the club,” Adrian says. “We’re now proud to be ‘off-grid’.”
The benefits of fresh air and physical activity are undisputed and sailing offers both in abundance. “The soothing effects of the water and natural surroundings provide a relaxing escape from the pressures of day-to-day life,” says Adrian. “When you’re out on the water, you really can’t think about anything but concentrate on the sailing.”
Depending on the wind conditions and style of boat, sailing also tests physical fitness and coordination, but mobility is surprisingly not a pre-requisite. “It really is a very inclusive sport for all ages and abilities as you can select the boat to suit your needs,” Adrian says. “We’ve recently received a grant from Norfolk Community Foundation which will allow us to become a registered RYA Sailability centre, offering wheelchair access and sailing in specially adapted dinghies for people with a wide range of disabilities.”
Hairdresser Daniel Cole loves being part of the big sailing family at Snettisham and became a full member after completing a beginner’s course at the club. “I try to get out as much as I can and sail on the lake at least once a week. Apart from the physical exercise, I think it’s brilliant for my mental health to have a few hours to myself to practice new skills,” he says. “I’ve just started to join in with the races and have crewed for Adrian a couple of times which really built my confidence.”
Daniel urges everyone to give it a go. “There’s so much more to it than just sitting on a boat. The technicality of it is brilliant fun, it’s definitely a skill. I’ve loved all the courses to take and knots to learn!”
If you would like to dip a toe in the water, visit www.snetbeach.co.uk to give sailing a go!