Sailing Club Half Century
Throughout 2023, Stanborough Better continued their close association with Welwyn Garden City Sailing Club (WGCSC), first established at Stanborough in 1973.
2023 was an important year for the club as they celebrated their 50th anniversary. To mark the occasion the club hosted the “Welwyn Garden City Sailing Club 50th Anniversary Cup”.
The celebration event took place in July 2023 and enticed a larger than usual fleet, including some past members keen to relive good memories at Stanborough. The regatta enjoyed a great day with good wind for sailing and sunshine for the spectators; which also brought out the keen photographers.
A full selection of races were held, with the reigning club champion, Annette Walter, taking the top honours after leading the pursuit race right from the start, leaving the Supernovas in her wake.
The club continued their regular program of races every Sunday morning at Stanborough, and finished up their 50th anniversary season with their traditional Christmas Pudding race in December.
Christmassy boats led a parade before the start of the racing, with one sailor dressing as a snowman, winning him first prize in the costume competition. The weather was kind, dry with good wind for the most part, occasional windy gusts keeping the sailors on their toes.
Despite frequent capsizing the sailors enjoyed an exciting, festive set of races, with the top prize, the puddings themselves, being awarded to the winners.
In addition to the Christmas Pudding race, The SilverTops group from the club held their annual festive get together at Stanborough just before Christmas; balloon modelling, singing, ukulele playing and homemade mince pies were the order of the day, with much fun had by all those who attended.
Stanborough were delighted to deliver both powerboat and RYA first Aid courses to many of the club members during the year, to make sure the club continues to run smoothly & safely as we go forward.
Better Stanborough look forward to continuing our association with the club and to welcoming them back for the 2024 season.