Category Archives: Sailing Events

Dates and Details of Sailing Events

News and Reports, Sailing Events, You'll enjoy this

Preparations for Crane-In 2025 are underway. (Sunday 27th April)

April 15, 2025 Simon Leave a comment

It is that time of year again, dear members. The clocks have advanced, casting longer shadows as daylight stretches wide. In their fleeting splendour, the daffodils have danced upon the breeze and now, in retreat, remind us of nature’s inspiring beauty. As the weather whispers promises of warmth, we find ourselves at the start of another summer season, filled with promise and possibility.

In the enchanting enclave of our club, a vibrant array of yachts stirs to life, marking the arrival of a new season. This remarkable transformation is the result of tireless dedication from our club members. Fresh coats of antifouling glisten in the sunlight, while the beautifully oiled wooden gunwales ripple with elegance. The superstructures, expertly jet-washed, stand proudly in their renewed splendour. Above, innovative electronic aerial wind speed devices emerge from the mastheads, accompanied by the sturdy overhead stainless steel structures on cockpits, all contributing to this magnificent tapestry of club life (not to mention the chatter, ribaldry, cups of tea and bacon sandwiches). It is a sight to behold—a testament to the passion and commitment.

The annual general meeting is now firmly behind us, and I am pleased to report that it was a resounding success. All members agreed on the path and the election of club officers to navigate the way forward. I am delighted to announce, at least for the first time here on the website, that Terry Hindmarsh will take on the role of Commodore, a position of great responsibility as we look to the future. Let us also take a moment to extend our gratitude to our departing Commodore, Phil Walker, who has shown immense dedication and resilience, steering the club through tough times in recent years. Together, we stand ready to embrace the challenges ahead with renewed vigour and daring do.

I invite you to examine the following photos, vividly illustrating the tireless dedication invested in preparing the club for Crane-In. Additionally, some poignant images serve as a sobering reminder that, sometimes, good things come to an end.

Mud Creek sailing habitats, notably our esteemed Wardleys Marine Yacht Club, are not a gift from Mother Nature to the people of the Fylde Coast but instead a testament to the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts of a small group of passionate enthusiasts with high-pressure, high-maintenance petrol pump-powered hoses. (on this day: Johns B&G. Nick. M, Andy. S, Terry. S) Their commitment over many years has transformed this landscape, fostering a vibrant sailing community that thrives despite the challenges posed by the elements. Here, we are pumping out our No. 1 berth ready for the big day.

Allow me to introduce you to John Gorse and John Bradbury, two exemplary club stalwarts. Whenever an initiative is underway, you can be assured that these distinguished individuals are at the forefront, playing a pivotal role in guiding our collective efforts toward a good outcome. Their unwavering commitment and capability truly embody the spirit of our club.

And, behold our splendid new commodore, resplendent in all his mud creek finery, ready to roll up his sleeves and stuck into the delightful world of hosing out! Not only does he possess a commendable grasp of club affairs that would make any bureaucrat take note, but he’s also remarkably adept at wielding a high-pressure jet. Well done, Terry! Keep up the good work!

Remember that beautiful Red Dragon we craned out late last year? Although she was undoubtedly a work of art, built entirely of wood with a mix of galvanised rigging wire and Tufnell era fittings, she was unfortunately too far gone to be resurrected. We couldn’t find a wealthy benefactor willing to do her justice. Nobody had the deep pockets and facilities necessary. We reached out to various organisations, including the Dragon Owners Association, but to no avail. In the end, she was cut up and given a Viking funeral of sorts, in the traditional WMYC way.

It was an undeniably dismal undertaking, one that inspired little enthusiasm among even the most ardent heavy machinery aficionados. There are those among us who would gleefully brandish a big boy’s powerful rotary saw, relishing the chance to carve up a wooden boat with frightening fervour. Yet, on this occasion, the atmosphere was notably lacklustre. Deep down, we found ourselves in agreement: in her prime, she was the vessel we would most want to skipper, slicing through the chop of Morecambe Bay, under a taught white cloud of sail with a magnificent grandeur.. Ah, the dream of it!

Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. RIP, lovely Red Dragon.

News and Reports, Sailing Events

Crane out October 2024

October 18, 2024 Simon Leave a comment

Here we are, ladies and gentlemen, at that thrilling time of year once again. The nights are creeping in like a stealthy cat burglar; the weather can’t seem to decide if it’s summer or winter, and after what feels like a lifetime spent poring over endless back copies of PBO and other nautical delights, the gallant sailors of Wardleys Creek are craning their boats out of the water. They’re gearing up for some serious TLC and an assortment of ambitious projects and are bound to do a fantastic job. If only our vessels would magically polish themselves when the sun peeks out for half an hour, but they don’t, so very soon, lots of delicious back-breaking work and cups of tea will ensue!

Three weeks ago, this magnificent boat was in Ipswich, and since then, it’s been on a glorious voyage, slicing through some of the most iconic waterways in the UK. It has breezed past the Essex rivers, bravely navigated the Thames estuary, and tackled the Dover Straits with all the gusto of an America’s Cup contender. Then it stormed through the Solent, dawdled at Falmouth Roads, and gloriously rounded Land’s End. From there, it cruised through the Bristol Channel and St. George’s Channel, before stopping briefly at the stunning Isle of Anglesey. But let’s be honest—none of those could hold a candle to Morecambe Bay! OUR hidden gem. So, hats off to you, Norman and Terry! You’ve done a cracking job sailing this beauty across such breathtaking waters!

Suzie B swings with Kiln Lane in the backdrop.

Every year, a ragtag bunch of bold Wardley Marine Yacht Club members descends upon the marina for the grand spectacle of hauling out the boats. And wouldn’t you know it, the sun shines down as if it’s cheering us on! It’s a delightful chaos of enthusiasm and camaraderie, where the only thing more stubborn than the barnacles on the hulls are the good folks trying to pry those boats out of the water. Truly, it’s a sight to behold!

This magnificent vessel has boldly ventured to Stornoway and back this year—an impressive feat, to say the least. Bravo to Sika for pulling it off! If you’re curious about her epic journey, don’t forget to check out the earlier post. You won’t regret it!

https://1drv.ms/i/s!Avdt5RQD1Hg_qJlT0Bykp2kspOzaxQ?embed=1&width=1600&height=1204

https://1drv.ms/i/s!Avdt5RQD1Hg_qJlXmsttdEQ7RAftdA?embed=1&width=1536&height=2040

How many members of the Wardleys Yacht Club does it take to lift a Dragon? Well, let me tell you, this beauty might not be in the best shape, but she’s still the prettiest boat in the yard. I mean, just look at her! As the blokes throw admiring glances her way, it’s clear that when it comes to elegance, a true word has never been spoken. She’s a classic—battered, yes, but undeniably stunning.

Just take a moment to appreciate those lines. True beauty isn’t just about polished perfection; it’s about someone who can throw on a pair of rags, smear themselves in mud, and still make people stop in their tracks, gasping in admiration. It’s massive! That’s the kind of allure you can’t manufacture—a raw, unapologetic authenticity that leaves everyone else in the dust.

Club Information, News and Reports, Sailing Events

We have a winner: Let’s go Anchor in Bass Pool comic outfit award’

August 5, 2019 Simon Leave a comment

By all accounts the sailing and anchoring adventure to Bass Pool by a group of Wardley’s sailors was a success. Five boats in all dropped anchor and it really was a great sight to see so many!

In total

Fifteen sailors
Seven boats
Two dogs

Joined in the fun.

See: Let’s go anchor in Bass Pool event: –

As the Sailing Captain, and with the powers invested in said role, I hereby announce the winner of the ‘Let’s go anchor in Bass Pool most comic sailor’s outfit‘ competition: –

Where the prize is a bottle of :-

Kindly donated by our commodore: Steve Adams

And the winner is:

Nick ‘Nimrod’ Martin

It was a close run thing, all members sported at least one item of comic value, and everyone looked great on the day!

But special recognition must go to Nick for the following reasons: –

He came with a choice of hats, a classic skipper’s and a classic pirate’s hat, and also sporting a groovy ‘Treasure Island’ style themed T-shirt.
The first boat to drop anchor in Bass Pool.
Brought along the juiciest looking beef burgers (no contest here!).
And whose anchor light shone the brightest, and later on helped a trio of Wardley’s Sailors row back to their boat in the wee hours of the morning.

Please can we all give Nick a loud round of applause.

You are invited to double click on the photograph!

Forthcoming Events, Sailing Events, Social Events, You'll enjoy this

CLUB EVENT: Let’s go Anchor on 3rd August 2019.

July 20, 2019 Simon Leave a comment

HOLY MACKERAL, The season still feels like it has just started, but we’re already at the halfway mark. I know, it does not seem like last week since we were all CRANING IN, and proving emphatically to the WMYC’s HR department that we fully understand the word ‘TEAMWORK’.

Still, a sailing club would not be a sailing club without the odd SAILING EVENT, finding its way into the club lounge calendar (Linda, it’s the 3rd August).

Steve Adam’s our brilliant new Commodore decided that after my 52, often hair brained, crossings of Morecambe Bay in my Sailfish 18 in a matter of three years, I deserved bestowed upon me the title of ‘Sailing Captain’ . This honour did not come without obligation, and so here is the pay-back in the form of a PLAN for a forthcoming club event.

Great holding power the ‘Silvikrin’ anchoring location in the Furness Peninsula.

On quite a number of occasions when going to PIEL ISLAND, I and some other most excellent members of the club have eschewed the easy (Ronald McDonald’s Burger and Fries ) option of grabbing a mooring close to the jetty.

Instead we have sailed into BASS POOL and dropped anchor on the south side of the Island.

All I can say at this point is that it’s a JEWEL of a location that needs to be shared amongst us all

What I propose is to get out on our boats on the 3rd August 2019, cross the bay (it’s not that far really), and drop our anchors in the said narrow strip of water, and have a barbeque on the side of the Castle over looking our ANCHORAGE for the night.

For a bit of fun and to enter in the spirit of the occasion, we all get ourselves sailor’s hat, with an ANCHOR on the forehead band, and there shall be a PRIZE for the most authentic/comic look. See the Captain below, but it could also be the Jack Sparrow, or other. Our Commodore has offered to sponsor a prize.

For those who have not anchored for the night before, this is a great location. The bottom is good heavy sand and has a ‘Silvikrin’ max hold. Just let out enough chain and dig the anchor in with plenty of REVERSE THRUST. If your engine cannot shift your boat then the wind has no chance.

And if there is time, you can paddle to the south side (much closer to the boat). Check out the photo’s below of a walk to the lighthouse last year (the day before the 2018 CRANE OUT): –

Members are encouraged to participate if they can. Cruising in company is a great way to boost confidence, and we will aim to stay in radio contact at all times.

Skippers are often in need of crews: if you haven’t got your own boat, it’s likely that another club member would welcome you on board. Just ask around!

Note: times are GMT. Add an hour!

On the other side: –

Nick ‘Nimrod’ Martin

A friendly base for Yacht Cruising on Morecambe Bay