BUDWORTH Sailing Club opens its doors on Saturday for potential future members to get a glimpse of improved facilities there.

A project, costing around £80,000, to replace wooden jetties at Budworth Mere was completed last week at an official opening.

They had been there for more than half a century.

“It was an exciting moment for us,” said Hugh Devereux, the club’s commodore.

“The new jetties allow us to offer a better experience for our sailors as well as others that visit from the community.”

Geoff Meggitt, the Royal Yachting Association’s regional chairman, attended a ceremony along with Cllr Bob Rudd, chairman of Cheshire West and Chester Council.

He is also a member of the Manchester Airport Community Trust Fund which, along with the sport’s governing body, provided a grant to help pay for the improvements.

Sport England contributed too, while Budworth Sailing Club members raised the rest of the funds required.

The new jetties feature a hoist that can be used by disabled sailors.

Northwich Guardian:

New wooden jetties in use at Budworth Sailing Club in Northwich. Picture: Mark Cleary

“We want to make our sport accessible to as many people as possible,” said vice-commodore Mark Cleary.

“It’s something we’re always conscious of, and now we can share our improved facilities with them.

“The job was a big one, not only erecting the jetties but also removing the old ones that had served us so well.

“They had slowly grown more dilapidated though, and it was definitely the right time to make the change.”

The open day runs from 10am until 5pm.

A full range of boats that sail at Budworth will be available to try for adults and children.

Cleary added: “We’d just say come and give it a go.

“Lots of people haven’t tried sailing or windsurfing previously, and it’s a great way for families get active together out on the water.”

To find out more about Budworth Sailing Club, visit their website here