Rishi took to the water when he visited the only sailing club in the area he represents.
The Richmond and Northallerton MP tried his hand at dinghy sailing at Thornton Steward Sailing Club, near Bedale.
He was taken out by the club’s chief instructor John Knopp.
He described the club’s base at Thornton Steward reservoir on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales as idyllic and praised the club’s efforts to attract more people to the sport.
“The club’s set-up is very impressive and it is a beautiful stretch of water to sail on,” he said. “The club is run entirely by volunteers whose commitment to their sport and safety of those using the reservoir is exemplary.”
During his visit, Rishi met club officials and members in the clubhouse – built by members – and heard about their efforts to attract more people to use the club’s facilities.
They include a range of dinghies for different abilities which are available for members to hire. Facilities are also available for paddleboarders, kayakers and windsurfers.
The club has recently completed fundraising for two new club dinghies to expand the fleet available to members. The new boats, purchased with the help of a match-funding grant from Sport England, to assist with sail training, have now arrived and have been commissioned.
Earlier this year a successful Try Out Sailing day at the club boosted the club’s membership. As a club accredited by the Royal Yachting Association it offers a range of training courses for novice and more experienced sailors.
Mike Smith, of Thornton Steward Sailing Club, said: “It was a real pleasure to welcome Rishi to the club. We hope he thoroughly enjoyed his time on the water and seeing first-hand the fantastic facilities we’re proud to offer. His visit was a great boost for our members and a wonderful recognition of the vibrant community we’ve built here.”
