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East Lancashire Sailing Club, also known as ELSC, is a welcoming and friendly sailing club located on Rishton's 37-acre reservoir in Lancashire, near Blackburn. The club is conveniently accessible from the motorway, making it easy for members to reach. The clubhouse is equipped with excellent facilities including changing rooms, showers, a kitchen, a lounge, and training areas. The dinghy park is secure and features slipways and jetties, allowing for quick and simple launching of dinghies.
ELSC caters to both cruising and racing enthusiasts, welcoming anyone who enjoys sailing. The club has a full season racing calendar with races held every Sunday afternoon. Additionally, social sailing sessions are organised on Wednesday evenings for members to enjoy a relaxed sailing experience.
The club is particularly family-friendly, encouraging children to participate in sailing as crew or solo in various types of dinghies. Dinghy sailing not only offers an adventurous and physically challenging activity but also provides a much-needed break from everyday stress and digital devices.
ELSC also supports women's sailing through the “Ladies Who Launch” group, which unfortunately will not be running in the 2023/24 season but is expected to start up again in 2024/25. This group, run by women for women, meets once a month on Fridays during the sailing season. It aims to create an environment where women can develop sailing confidence and have a great time.
The club is proud to be an RYA Sailability Centre, providing access for members with specific needs through the Hansa 303 access dinghy. This dinghy has been specially designed for individuals who may find conventional dinghy designs unsuitable.
ELSC warmly welcomes junior sailors, who are encouraged to participate in all sailing and social activities. New junior members are offered free use of club Optimists and Toppers during their first year of membership. Informal sailing sessions for juniors are arranged based on demand.
The club's members are the heart of ELSC, comprising a diverse range of individuals with varying ages and sailing abilities. Some members enjoy racing, some prefer cruising, and others simply enjoy watching the sailing activities. Regardless of their preferences, all members are united in their desire to have an enjoyable and safe time on the water.
The dinghy park at ELSC accommodates over 100 dinghies and boasts three concrete slipways and purpose-built jetties. This layout ensures that no one is more than a few boat lengths away from the water, making launching easier, faster, and safer for all members.
The clubhouse at ELSC features a comfortable dry lounge with scenic views of the reservoir, as well as a spacious wet area where sailors can relax between activities. The facilities include changing rooms, showers, and a well-equipped kitchen (also known as the galley) for members' convenience.
Safety is a top priority at ELSC. High-speed RIBs (rigid inflatable boats) operate as safety boats during sailing, training, and race days. All individuals sailing or near the water's edge are required to wear buoyancy aids for their safety.
ELSC is also a recognised training centre by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA). The club offers certified training in sailing craft and powerboats. Whether you are a beginner with no prior sailing experience or have sailed other types of boats and are interested in dinghy sailing, ELSC provides opportunities to learn and improve. For those unsure of their next steps, the frequently asked questions section on the club's website is a helpful resource.
At East Lancashire Sailing Club, members can enjoy the thrill of sailing, the camaraderie of like-minded individuals, and the beauty of Rishton Reservoir. Come and join the vibrant sailing community at ELSC today.