Cookham Reach Sailing Club is charting a new course by hosting its first open day since the pandemic on Saturday, May 9.

This grand ‘reboot’ is designed to welcome a new generation of water enthusiasts to their picturesque spot along the Thames.

The event marks a significant turning point for the family-friendly club, which has seen its membership demographic shift and sailing numbers dwindle since the pandemic.

Under the leadership of commodore Tanya Van Wyndgart, the club is moving away from being a ‘sailing-only’ venue to becoming a diverse hub for all types of river-based recreation.

While dinghy sailing remains the heart of the club, long-time member Cara Ivers explained that there is so much more.

“Dinghy sailing saw a huge peak in 2012 with the Ben Ainslie effect, but it has been on a bit of a decline lately,” said Cara, who joined the club 13 years ago. “We are starting again, essentially.

“We’re growing a community for rowing, and offering canoeing, paddleboarding and kayaking. It’s about getting people down to the river more often.”

The club has also strengthened its community ties by becoming a base for the Wycombe Sea Cadets, who now utilise the facilities twice a week.

For those intimidated by the traditional image of a sailing club, Cara is quick to dispel any myths.

“We are not an elite sailing club,” Cara said.

“It’s for everyone. I joined on an open day myself.

“I’d just been to the hairdressers and was just walking past with my family. I was terrified of getting my hair wet, but the members were so nice.