Durham School has been a group member for many years and during that time, they have developed a very successful cadet scheme. It has its own fleet of boats and attends many open sailing events around the country.

In 2014 and 2015 the school achieved considerable success by winning several sailing events and now the older recruits are progressing to be dinghy sailing instructors.

An essential ingredient for a successful school group is the leadership provided by the adult staff, usually staff with an interest in watersport activities.

Equipment is not required because we have plenty for now and more can be acquired at a later date if needed.

Teesdale Scouts and Butterknowle Sea Scouts both became group members in 2014.

Neither group has any equipment and so good use is made of the club boats, some of which were acquired with a grant from John Merricks Sailing Trust.

To help keep the youngsters a bit warmer, the sailing gear obtained with a County Durham Community Foundation grant has been a valuable acquisition.

In 2015 four Pico trolleys were acquired with a grant from Teesdale Action Partnership. This was a bid sponsored by one of our junior members and removed the need for trolley sharing!

2016 starts with two further awards from Teesdale Action Partnership – the Pico’s now have new sails and the Oppies have been re-fitted with “lots of go faster goodies”.

Swaledale Outdoor Club has over 300 members that participate in a wide range of outdoor activities, including canoeing, caving, climbing, cycling, fell running, skiing and walking.

The addition of sailing and other watersports provides an additional activity for their members.