Before the Second World War & as sailing started to become a leisure activity a club was set up in a building at Portishead Dock. This was used as a base for cruises which mostly went ‘downalong’ with the ebbtide. Events of 1939/45 curtailed access to the Dock so ‘temporary’ moorings were found at Crockerne Pill and Sea Mills. Pill was the favourite location, with its choice of two dozen pubs. Whilst access to Portishead Dock was restored after the war, no right of way was allowed across Parish Wharf, lessening its appeal. A lengthy litigation was successful but boats stayed in Pill creek except when taken to Portishead to be hauled out. Fifty years on when the Dock was virtually redundant, the owners of the site had grand plans for development. This included a marina, but NOT unlimited access. Once again PCC went to the law, to the House of Lords, and the rights were reaffirmed, though with some modification. Back at Pill it was only a spirited defence by individual members of PCC that restricted a proposal in the 1960’s to fill in the creek from the railway arch to the river. With the opening of the M5 Avon Bridge & subsequent closing of the ferry service between Pill & Shirehampton, the Club bought the ferry company building over 20 years ago & turned it into a facility for members & guests. Planning permission was obtained to extend, which was not acted upon at the time. Before the permission expired it was agreed that the old flat roof needed replacing & the consent could be put to good use. The National Rivers Authority compensated the club for using their building as part of the Sea Defence scheme in Pill & with additional money & the enormous efforts of club members, the two storey clubhouse you see today was erected on the site.
