A SAILING club hosted one of its biggest events to date last Saturday, which saw over 30 boats take part.

The Rossendale Valley Sailing Club says that the Northern Travellers Series Event, organised by the International Topper Class Association, turned out to be a huge success with over 100 spectators in attendance.

The East Lancashire club, based at Clowbridge Reservoir, had stepped in at the last minute to make sure the event, the first of its kind it had organised, could go ahead.

A spokesperson for the sailing club said: "It was an amazing event. Over 30 boats took to the waters and competed over several races, with crowds of over hundred cheering them all the way.

"We want to extend our thanks to all the local volunteers.

"They did a sterling job and made sure the event ran smoothly.”

This comes not long after the pandemic curtailed public sporting events like this, with both participants and crowds relieved to be back.

The spokesperson said: "The weather was glorious, ideal for sailing, making the races even more exciting.

"The vast range of sailors, both young and old, provided the club a great opportunity to showcase its facilities.

"Hopefully, it’s the first of many events we hold here at the club."

Having been founded in 1965, the Rossendale Valley Sailing Club hopes that events like last Saturday's will help to attract the next generation of members.

As such, it will be running training and taster sessions once the last of the UK's lockdown restrictions have eased.

The spokesperson said: "The success of the Event is proof that sailing is as exciting as ever.

"If you’re interested in joining the club or getting on the water, the RVSC will be holding taster sessions once restrictions have been fully lifted."

To find out more, go to: www.rvsc.co.uk.