A FUN-packed regatta was held to show being a member of your local yacht club is more than just plain sailing.

Boating enthusiasts gathered at the Grimsby and Cleethorpes Yacht Club as the competition kicked off over the bank holiday.

The merry members had a whale of a time completing a gruelling competition course – despite not being able to sail on two of the days due to bad weather.

However, sailors still came from as far as Hull to take part – and the club is now hoping more people will come forward to help fly the flag for yachting.

Race organiser Martyn West, 54, of Cleethorpes, said the atmosphere during the regatta was fantastic.

He said: "I've been sailing 20 years and no sailing day is the same. I love being outside and talking to people about my passion."

Winning boats on Saturday were: JLS, Ruffian, Hippy Chick and El Animado.

John Smith, 55, of Cleethorpes, owner of Hippy Chick, has been sailing since he was 17.

He said: "Sailing is a massive learning curve. It was great to win, it was a very challenging course and quite difficult to get round.

"It took me four and a half hours to sail 33 miles because of the 38mph wind. But I made it."

Brian Killick, 66, secretary of the Yacht Club, added: "We have four fleets of racing and cruising boats this weekend.

"On Saturday the race took us towards Spurn Point. We have prizes for the winners and it's great to race against people from different clubs.

"We had 22 entries this year and we all enjoy the thrill of sailing and the challenge of competing."

Rhona Jack-Nilsen, 51, of Grimsby has been sailing for 20 years and shrugged off the perception of sailing being an expensive hobby.

She said: "We are always looking for new members and it would be great for some younger people to join.

"You don't need your own yacht, you just need a pair of Wellington boots and some waterproof clothing."

Find out more

Call Grimsby and Cleethorpes Yacht Club on 01472 356678.