A LOCAL sailing club is aiming to enhance the popularity of the sport.

Bury’s Elton Sailing Club is one of the oldest devoted to the sport in the North West.

Renowned for its regular competitive racing, it is the home of the national topper youth sailing squad whilst also offering members the opportunity to enjoy the sport at their leisure.

Established in 1858, it now has more than 150 members aged between two and 80.

Elton’s honorary secretary Lisa Mullineux, who has been involved with the club for eight years, said the diversity of members was astounding.

She said: “It’s just brilliant. We’ve got toddlers, right up to people in their 70s who are still competing. It’s just a great club to be involved in.”

Mullineux also revealed that the future of the club itself is looking brighter than ever.

“With the Olympics coming next year, the sport is becoming hugely popular. We’ve taken on a number of new members in the past year, with many citing the Games as the spark of their interest. Considering England is one of the most successful countries for sailing, it can only get better for us from here.

“We’re currently offering a special rate for a yearly membership. The cost is £175, one which includes a RYA Level 1 training course.

“That basically just means we teach the members the basics of sailing so that they can get out onto the water with confidence.

“You don’t need any experience to join – our members range from beginners right up to professionals.” She also stressed the club’s “try before you buy” initiative, giving people the opportunity to experience the sport before committing to a membership.

“If people aren’t sure about whether sailing is for them, we offer free taster sessions on Saturdays,” she said.

“We know that not everybody has the opportunity to try something like this, so this seemed a natural thing to provide.”

“Our aim is ultimately, to promote sailing at all levels in a safe environment in the Bury area. We also just want to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and to be able to collaborate with other local organisations to promote the active use of Elton Reservoir by the community.”

Apart from the activity of sailing, the club also holds a number of social evenings including live band and quiz nights for members and guests.

For more information regarding membership or taster sessions, contact the club on 0161 764 2858 or email at eltonsailingclub@yahoo. co.uk.