Delph reservoir was completed in 1924, to provide a 78 acre source of water for domestic/industrial use (after purification!) and to supply extra, cleaner water to improve the River Irwell via Delph Brook. The Sailing Club was founded in 1962, when permission to sail on the water was granted.
The Club started modestly with two preferred classes – Fireballs and Enterprises, using a wooden garage as the Clubhouse. This building still exists as storage, known as the Bosun’s Hut. There was no electricity, and lighting was bottled gas. A garden shed on stilts served as the race starting box.
Preparing for Sunday racing Gradually membership grew, and to the original two fleets was added a Handicap fleet, there grew a Scorpion Fleet (now defunct), a Mirror Fleet (now with Toppers as a Slow Handicap Fleet), a Laser Fleet, more recently a Solo Fleet Geriatrics at the Lark Nationals separated from the Handicap Fleet, the Miracle Fleet being the latest to evolve in a similar way. In addition there is a Sailboard group. Use of the water by members with Canoes is now allowed. The Handicap Fleets accommodate craft which have insufficient numbers for fleet status, the Fast Handicap has Larks, Merlin Rockets, Graduate, 420s and GP 14 at the moment, there are Optimists associated with the Slow Handicap Fleet.
A Training sessionIf as a new member, you do not yet have a dinghy you are recommended to think about buying one in one of the recognised fleets. In this way you are more likely to get knowledgeable assistance and advice.
As membership increased, the need for more Clubhouse facilities grew, and our present Clubhouse was erected, and a new rescue and control centre was also added to the two-acre sight. There are now about 300 members (Full, Spouse, Juniors, Cadets and Cadets under ten) and about 160 dinghies and sailboards.
A Taste of SailingSailing is permitted (if you wear a life-jacket or buoyancy aid) on all days, but during free sailing periods there are no rescue facilities. All members are provided with keys and can gain access at all times. Wednesday evening HandicapOrganised racing occurs between April and December on Sunday afternoons and Wednesday evenings during Summer Time. Friday evening is training evening from May to October, with extension indoors to December. This is the time for beginners. The Club is a designated RYA Training School. Several members are RYA Instructors and/or hold Sports Power Boat certificates. Instructor, Power Boat proficiency , and Race Management courses are regularly organised. There are other one-off events arranged on some Saturdays and Bank Holidays.
