CADETS from Bolton’s ‘friendliest sailing club’ will be competing in the junior traveller’s race this weekend.

It comes as Delph Sailing Club were lucky enough to be the recipient of a legacy grant from John Merricks Sailing Trust in March.

After 25 years, the trustees announced that they were winding up the scheme and invited clubs to apply for legacy funding.

The club put in an application, and out of over 70 clubs, Delph was one of eight clubs awarded a legacy grant.

The club received £12,500 which has allowed them to increase the club loan boat fleet to eight boats, consisting of two Lasers and six Toppers.

Club development officer Ian Brown added: “It’s absolutely tremendous and we are over the moon with what they have done.

“It’s a family club and it will make a real difference to families who struggle and will help families and friendships continue.

“This will make a huge difference.

“These boats are given to promising cadets, who do not own their own boat, on an exclusive long-term basis of 1-3 years depending on their circumstances.

“Through this scheme we have been able to break down the barriers to participation and this has allowed our young sailors to progress to a high standard of racing.”
This Saturday (11th June) the club is hosting the North West Junior Travellers where eight of their cadets hope to compete, and four of those are either current or previous beneficiaries of the scheme.
Their most promising cadet, who is currently a beneficiary of the scheme, is Will Dyson and Will has recently also become an Assistant Instructor, helping train the next generation of cadets.
As well as the John Merricks Sailing Trust (JMST) grant, the club have also had grants from Bolton CVS, and Forever Manchester, which has allowed them to send nearly 50 members over to The Anderton Centre, including nearly a dozen cadets, some as young as 12, for powerboat training as this is an essential part of our safety cover needs.
Ian added: “Through these schemes to break down barriers, the club has seen nearly a 50 per cent increase in membership over the past two years, mainly through families wanting to do something outside with their kids.

“We describe ourselves as Bolton's Friendliest Sailing Club as from the moment you join we get you involved with running the club and trained to sail as soon as possible.”
There will also be an open day on the August Bank Holiday weekend (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/come-onboard-at-delph-sailing-club-tickets-327899304647) , and anyone who joins will get 2023 as part of their membership.