Seventy years ago, a few scientists at the Royal Aircraft Establishment met to form a sailing club with the aim of using one of the RAF Yacht Club’s 50 sq.m. ‘windfall’ yachts – previously owned by the German air force. The first meeting was on 10th November 1948 with a subscription fixed at 10 shillings (50p) and an agreement to help with maintenance of the yacht. This inaugural meeting was followed by talks on seamanship, yacht husbandry, navigation and (since many members were scientists) on the aerodynamics of sailing!
Later, many members bought or built their own yachts and the windfall yachts moved to other organisations (such as the Offshore Cruising Club). Later still, the RAESC (as it was then) acquired one or two sailing dinghies and began a small dinghy section, which started a unique programme of dinghy cruises. The RAESC became a group member of the Frensham Pond Sailing Club where the dinghies were kept and where sailing tuition was provided to new members. (In winter the plywood dinghies were moved to RAE and stored and maintained in a disused aircraft hangar!)
By the end of the century much of the RAE had become privatised and the club changed its name to the Cody Sailing Club, in recognition of its association with Farnborough airfield and the first UK aviator, Samuel Cody. The club also drew its membership from over a much wider area and now welcomes any with a passion for sailing. The club continues to maintain a fleet of dinghies at Frensham and has a vigorous programme of dinghy cruises including several events for yachts.
This year we will be celebrating the club’s 70th Anniversary – the key event will be the Anniversary Dinner on 10th November 2018 – exactly 70 years to the day!
The dinner is not the only celebratory event; there will also be a beach day, regatta and BBQ at Stokes Bay on the 20th May, with the aim of also supporting the RYA ‘Push the Boat Out’. There will also be celebratory activities at other events, especially during the camps!