Dee Sailing Club, Station Rd, Thurstaton, Wirral, CH610HN
Following the success of Bridlington last year, there was really only one choice of where to go for the Nationals this year. Dee offering its great hospitality and value for money are all set to host this years event under the watchful eye of their new commodore and ‘Dart Doctor’ Will Thompson.
The club is perched on the cliff top overlooking the Dee estuary and Wales beyond and the front lawn offers a great ‘balcony’ view of the racing. Although tight on space, the club offers free on-site camping and motorhome parking on a first booked / first parked basis. For those who want slightly more room and an escape route from the club bar, there is also the Wirral Country Park Caravan and Motorhome Park which is within 400m of the club. The Country Park has good facilities and views over the estuary, however book early as it fills up on bank holidays.
The club will be open on Friday for early arrivals and the first race is scheduled for 1115hrs on Saturday 25th. Three Races are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday with two on Bank Holiday Monday. Outside (and probably during) racing, the club bar and galley will be open distributing ‘fuel’ to encourage you all onto the dance floor during the DJ led party on Saturday and the traditional Dee live band on Sunday night.
Dee has a tide window in which we sail, so there’s no hanging around and you ‘go’ or ‘don’t go’ at the published sailing times. This means the rest of the time can be mapped out to fit with any non-sailing members. The Wirral Way (behind the club) offers good cycling opportunities, and low tide offers walks across the sands to Hilbre Island, with the chance of seeing the local seals and very special newts. Slightly further afield Cheshire Oakes designer village and Liverpool Docks might be tempting with a combination of shopping, museums and gallery choices. However, make sure you get back to Dee for their legendary parties and the beam challenge!
At £80 double handed entry fee, 8 Races, great views of the race area, 2 nights of parties, free motorhome parking / camping and even a T shirt thrown in, what more could you want on a May Bank Holliday, the club is even well-behaved dog friendly!
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