SAILORS in Winsford are celebrating 75 years at the helm on Saturday.

A group of 22 enthusiasts bought three Sharpie dinghies for £15 5s 0d each to race on the Bottom Flash in 1931, and their successors have tried to harness the wind there ever since.

Now the membership figures have swelled to more than 300.

Winsford Flash Sailing Club secretary Helen Walsh hopes more will sign up at an open day this weekend.

"All people need to bring is a towel and a change of clothes," she said.

"We'll do the rest."

Novices

Commodore Simon Duggan will be on hand to guide novices on to the water, and anyone interested in sailing can have a go.

Both Simon and Helen agree there is no substitute for literally testing the water.

Helen said: "The best way for newcomers to learn is to throw them into a boat.

"That way they can see what it is really like and decide whether they like it."

She recalls many occasions when reluctant recruits have ended up falling in love with the sport, enjoying the challenge of battling with the elements.

But sailing faces another foe of a different sort - other sports.

"Boys in Vale Royal have the chance to play football, rugby, cricket and a whole host of other activities," said Helen.

"So they may not realise what sailing has to offer."

Still, the junior section at Winsford is a thriving one, with a core of keen youngsters regularly competing in events across the country.

Helen said: "They're the future."

"So it's great that they have the opportunity to hone their skills here."

A member for more than 16 years, Helen served as press officer before swapping to secretary, but she is not a sailor.

"My husband roped me into it," she said.

"I just concentrate on knowing everything else about the club."

There is a lot to know and organise.

This year Winsford will host three national competitions: the Comet Nationals on August 26 to 28, the Albacore Inlands on October 14 and 15 and the GP14 Youth Nationals two weeks later.

All these are in addition to regular sailing evenings on Wednesday and Sunday.

"It's going to be a busy birthday," said Helen.

The open day starts at 11am.

Light refreshments will be available.

To find out more call Helen Walsh on 01606 551344, or visit winsfordflash.co.uk.