Push the boat out at Newport's sailing club regatta

South Wales Argus

2 days ago

Of course, there were more boats about in Edwardian Britain to do the messing about in, but although like everywhere else, it has lost the host of boats that used to crowd out the Usk, the sailing club located behind the former Uskmouth Power Station, oozes "messing about in boats".
(Image: NUSC) This Newport "roll-your-sleeves-up" institution is a hidden gem, that is home to seagoing adventurers in all shapes and sizes in small yachts that can take to the ever-present Usk mud.
If you are curious how Newport does its messing about, you are in luck, as the Cowes Week of the Usk is coming up (August 28 to 31) when members engage in friendly racing in the mouth of the Usk and into the Bristol Channel.
(Image: NUSC) It is all about the taking part – although winning is a bonus – and having fun on the river.
You may not have considered sailing as something for you, but thousands of people across the UK from all walks of life, enjoy pottering about on their floating pride and joy, and occasionally sailing into the sunset for little adventures over the horizon.
In a time of wellness and personal health, sailing at NUSC hits several sweet spots, which give you the benefits of being outdoors in the fresh air, physical activity, learning experience, and above all a wonderful social environment.
(Image: NUSC) Sailing as a leisure activity, seen from the outside, is a bit of a puzzle. Britain tops the all-time Olympic sailing medal table with 64 medals since 1900, and Sir Ben Ainslie winning gold medal after gold medal in successive Olympic games.
So there is obviously a serious competitive sport side. But then there is the cruising element – a bit like having a floating motorhome, but with less traffic jams, and more opportunity for real peace and quiet.
Kay Withers, who has grown up with the club for 50 of her 59 years, said: 'NUSC is perfect for people of all sailing abilities, but especially for a person with no sailing experience.
'People sometimes join with pre-conceptions of sailing but in our club you will learn quickly that sailing as a beginner involves teamwork because there are moorings to be maintained, boats to launch and recover, general maintenance of boats and equipment, all part and parcel of sailing.
'You don't need to own a boat to sail at NUSC, it's the perfect place to join and have a go before deciding to buy your own boat,' Kay said.
Growing out of a dinghy sailing club based near the Newport Docks Office below Transporter Bridge, NUSC moved to the east bank of the river in 1968.
(Image: NUSC) Appropriately, it is situated next to St Julian's Pill, which used to be where the sailing pilot cutters moored up when home from guiding ships across some of the most challenging waters in the world.
The original clubhouse were former construction worker's huts, but the present clubhouse building was designed and built by the members in the late 1980s. Having a lot of tradesmen in the membership helped.
The clubhouse is run by members, cleaning, cooking, and playing barman themselves, as part of the payoff for keeping down the cost of membership. But the rewards that the effort of doing everything for yourself gives the bond that strengthens the enjoyment of every trip out on your boat.
Putting your toe in the water is a pretty painless experience, with membership for a non boat owner less than £2 per week.
If you are interested in testing the water and want to experience the NUSC Regatta, send all names and vehicle registration to [e-mail], stating which day you would like to visit.
For other membership enquiries, use form.jotform.com/251744569364063 or click on the link on the NUSC website nusc.wales/ . Just use the membership enquiry form to visit when it suits you if the regatta is not convenient.