Welcome to Village Connect

Tucked away in the North of Thrapston is 182 acres of water in a beautiful setting bordered by Titchmarsh Nature Reserve, the River Nene and the Town Walk. This is the home of Middle Nene Sailing Club, which has over 350 members and an interesting history.

The club was established in 1946, the first in Northamptonshire, using the then gravel pit, which was about one third of its present size, and sailors had to contend with the occasional barge carrying gravel from the Aldwincle end to the works at Thrapston. Most boats were kept in a builders yard, now the Bridge Hotel, and were pushed along the High Street ready to be lowered by crane into the water.

A significant date for the club was in 1992 when following years of patient negotiations, the Sailing Club Members purchased the site including the water and surrounding land. This means that each member owns a part of the club and this, together with the fact that the lake is stream-fed and so does not suffer from the droughts of recent years, means the club
is unique in the county.

The club has gone from strength to strength and today it can boast of members with national sailing awards and a particularly strong junior squad who are champions of the Anglian Water Series together with many individual achievements. Our fleets include Classic Flying Fifteens, Enterprises, Solos, RS 200s, Toppers, Picos and many others within the Menagerie class. Members are able to use the lake throughout the week and race on Thursday evenings and Sundays. Saturdays are allocated as family fun days.

During a very successful 65th anniversary year the club was able to purchase five new Pico training boats with a grant from Sport England and these form the fleet for our new training drive. In this Olympic year, the Club’s aim is to introduce sailing to as many people as possible and a variety of course are offered. Those who perhaps have never been on the water might like to try the Tuesday evening taster sessions when non-members can come along for four weeks to see what it is all about.

For sailors who wish to obtain an RYA levels 1&2 qualifications we offer twoday weekends and these are open to novice sailors as well as those with more experience. For both types of training, one month membership of the club is included in the fee.

Finally, the club runs Powerboat training courses. All details of the courses can be seen on our web site www.middlenenesc.co.uk

An important part of the club is the social programme and this includes a summer picnic party, a firework party, barbecues, dinners, Christmas extravaganza events and a summer camp week for children and parents. The club has a licensed bar and Sunday evening meals are a weekly occasion during the main sailing period.

This month on Monday 7th May is the Club’s Open Day. It is a chance for visitors to see what we have to offer and to have a go at sailing; trips will be offered throughout the day from 11am until 5pm. There will also be a raffle, quiz, children’s activities and food for sale. If you would like more information, please look at the website or ring the PR Secretary, Glyn, on 01832 735797.