New safety boat increases sailing opportunities at Anderton Centre

A new safety boat will enable the Anderton Centre to expand its sailing activities, making them more accessible to local people as well as schools and businesses using the outdoor activity centre on Rivington Reservoir, near Chorley.

The new boat, a RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) was officially launched on 10 June by David Williamson, Chairman of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA).

Dave Williamson commented: “The new safety boat will allow the centre to deliver comprehensive RYA sailing programmes that deliver basic skills to youngsters and develops these, so they can take part in competitions at a local level and then move into the national arena. These courses are often seen as the first step on the pathway leading to Olympic competitions.

“The Anderton Centre has amazing outdoor facilities for sailing and other land based activities, plus it boasts the largest reservoir in the North West outside the Lake District!”

The charity run centre is already active in the RYA’s 'Push the Boat Out Programme’ that offers sailing taster days to the public to attract new people to the sport.

The Anderton Centre is in the process of establishing an 'OnBoard' club which offers introductory and developmental skills-based sailing courses for local young people at very affordable prices. This club will enable youngsters to take part in regional events and enjoy joint activities with other OnBoard clubs nearby.

The new RIB was purchased with funding received from the Sport England Small Grants Programme, a scheme set up to support local community projects to increase participation and develop opportunities in sporting activities.

Keith Gillies, chairman of the charity, Lancashire Outdoor Activities Initiative, which operates the Anderton Centre, added: “The whole aim of our Centre is to encourage adults and children to “have a go” and get involved in the activities we run. There really is something for everyone, ranging from mountaineering, bush craft and orienteering to sailing. We’re delighted with the purchase of the new RIB as it broadens our offering, and we can provide an additional range of activities such as powerboat and instructor courses.”

The launch was attended by the trustees of the charity Lancashire Outdoor Activities Initiative, local business people and also members of the public. Contact: Sarah Pattison, Anderton Centre Tel: 01257 484 220 Email: info@andertoncentre.co.uk Web: www.andertoncentre.co.uk Photo courtesy of AC Photography http://acpclick.com