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ISLAND-DWELLERS keen to ‘conquer the seas’ will soon be able to splash out and learn sailing and diving skills at one of Bahrain’s oldest-established social clubs.
There are also plans to invest in upgrading and enhancing the Bahrain Yacht Club’s facilities and dining options to attract new members to the Sitra facility, as well as to encourage more young people to take up water sports.
New general manager Paul Fraser, who had two spells in a similar capacity at the Dilmun Club, said: “We’ve some exciting plans for the Bahrain Yacht Club especially when it comes to getting people to experience sailing and some great watersports.
“With a choice of Easter camps this April which are not available anywhere-else, we think it gives the younger generation a chance to make the most of living on the island!”
Earlier this year the executive committee and members cut a celebratory cake to mark the club’s 55th birthday and its continued growth as a non-profit social club offering water sports and sailing, pool and beach facilities alongside casual dining options and entertainment.
The Bahrain Yacht Club’s mission is to bring together and build a community for those who share a passion for water sports and will be launching its Conquer the Seas water skills camp from tomorrow to April 22.
It will involve two days of sailing training to RYA (The UK Royal Yachting Association) Level 1 certificate standard and one day diving under the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI - the world’s largest recreational diving membership and diver training organisation founded in 1966) Seal team in the pool, followed by two days of water sports fun involving paddle boards and fun rides. It is open to children, aged eight and over, for BD180 including BYC entry, lunch and wetsuit hire.
A ‘Conquer the Ocean’ water skills camp, costing BD250, for children aged 10 and over, involves two days sailing and four days PADFI Junior Open Water sessions.
PADI half-day and full day dive camps will also be held daily over the period for BD60 and BD100 for those aged eight and over.
The sailing club, based in Sitra since 1977, is built around a small lagoon with a beach. There is a swimming pool and lounge area too and plans are going ‘full steam ahead’, said Paul, to hold a community BIG Beach Day on Saturday, May 6.
Today the club plays host to many people who share a common passion for the varied forms of sailing and water sports. “Whether you are a seasoned sea dog, or just keen to get your feet wet, we offer a great range of training facilities and services to meet your requirements,” Paul added.
Membership is available to all, with family and individual memberships on request, and visitors and members of all yacht clubs are welcomed.
Sailing at the Bahrain Yacht Club is made up of two aspects that are closely linked. The first is a full social cruising programme, the second is an exciting racing programme. Many members participate actively in both.
For nine months of the year the racing programme is highly-active, with sailors battling it out in two major regattas and up to 18 races a year across the autumn, winter and spring.
The Bahrain Yacht Club provides sailing courses for all ages, as well as powerboat and windsufting lessons.
For further details visit www.thebahrainyachtclub.com or www.facebook.com/TheBahrainYachtClub or call 17700677.
