Priory Water Sports Centre

The Priory Sailing Club, located in Bedford, is excited to promote their upcoming local sailing event at the Priory Water Sports Centre. This fantastic facility, which is shared with the Bedfordshire Canoeists Association, offers a range of water-based activities and amenities.

Situated in Priory Country Park, just east of the centre of Bedford, the centre boasts excellent launching options for all types of watercraft. With a grassy foreshore, parking space for dinghies, a beach, slipway, bank, and jetty, it's a sailor's paradise. The clubhouse itself is equipped with changing rooms, showers, and an upstairs self-catering kitchen. For convenience, there's also a disabled toilet and shower facility on the ground floor. Need a place to gather and warm up before heading out on the water? No problem – there's a 'Wet Training Room' on the ground floor that serves as a briefing area and muster point for groups. And for those who can't bear to leave their four-legged friends behind, feel free to bring your well-behaved dogs as long as they're on leads and under control.

The water sports centre is open seven days a week from April to October, and on weekends from November to March. During the week, you may come across school and college groups enjoying the lake. If you have your own sailing dinghy, windsurfer, canoe, kayak, or Standup Paddle Board, you can purchase day/half-day or Wednesday evening visitor tickets at a modest fee. It's an incredible opportunity to enjoy the water and make new sailing friends. Plus, the Priory Sailing Club is a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Recognised Teaching Centre for Sailing & Windsurfing. They provide free training for club members, making it an excellent place to develop your sailing skills. Just remember to wear your buoyancy aids for dinghy sailing and using safety craft. If you're a windsurfer using harnesses, you may use your discretion. During summer, safety boats are typically available on weekends and Wednesday evenings.

But it's not all about sailing at the Priory Sailing Club! They also host a range of social events throughout the year. From barbeques and fun events to quiz nights and new members lunches, there's always something happening. One highlight is the Club Regatta, held in aid of the RNLI, where sailors can showcase their skills while supporting a worthy cause. To stay informed, make sure to keep an eye out for their Club newsletter called 'Telltales,' and check their website for news items and a diary of events. And if you're looking for more to do, Priory Country Park offers additional amenities such as a visitor centre, marina, hotel, Beefeater restaurant, walking trails, a national cycle route, and fishing opportunities.

Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a curious visitor, you'll always receive a warm welcome at Priory Sailing Club. So, if you want to learn more or plan a visit, head over to their website or drop them an email. Happy sailing!