It is with much sadness that we announce the death of Gaye Woolvern. Gaye had been an enthusiastic member of the WSO team for five years and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her. To read the eulogy written by David Greenway, click on this link... Gaye

On 23rd August 2005, WSO member Hilary Lister became the first quadriplegic to sail solo across the English Channel. This incredible achievement attracted the attention of both the national and international press and has inspired many people to try sailing. For the full story visit Hilary's own website.

Hilary learned to sail at Westbere by 'calling the trim' in one of our Wayfarers or our Challenger trimaran. Then at the end of last season we bought a Tracer, a seventeen foot keel boat that has since been fitted with a 'sip and puff' control system to allow Hilary to sail solo again. Over the next few months Hilary will be sailing 'Little Wig' at Westbere and also sailing at clubs around the UK as part of her role as Sailing Ambassador to the UKSA.

It has always been our policy (for safety and comfort reasons) not to take our Wayfarers and Walkerbays on the water in winds over around 12mph. So each year there have been a few disappointing days when it has been too windy to sail. To reduce these 'lost days' we have now bought a 'Viva 18'. It is bigger and significantly heavier than any of our other boats, and we have tested it in up to 20 mph winds and it still felt safe and secure. We can but see...