A SAILING club launched its new season on dry land, with a commodore’s lunch attended by 70 people.

Lydney Yacht Club is celebrating 55 years since its foundation in the town harbour, and is gearing up for a busy year.

The popular Lydney Yacht Club rally will be held on Saturday, June 24, when the spectacle of visiting sailors from downriver will bring the harbour to life, alongside music, food, crafts and games.

Members and their families, guests from the community and visitors from other sailing clubs along the River Severn and Bristol Channel attended Commodore Paul Hayes’ lunch last Sunday, (April 9), and were served with poached salmon, roast beef, ham and salads, followed by chocolate cake.

He said: “Not only has the membership increased, but also the range of activities, on and off the water, has been developed.

“For example, a programme to encourage young sailors to learn to sail safely is currently being trialled.”

The club is also readying for its annual duck race on the harbour at 12.30pm on Sunday, April 23.

Anyone who wants to learn to sail or join can visit the clubhouse at The Old Ship Yard House in Lydney Harbour. See www.lydneyyachtclub.org for more details.