Rishi Sunak visits Thornton Steward Sailing Club near Bedale

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Rishi Sunak took to the water during a recent visit to a North Yorkshire sailing club.

The Richmond and Northallerton MP tried his hand at dinghy sailing with chief instructor John Knopp during his visit to Thornton Steward Sailing Club near Bedale.

It is the only sailing club in the area he represents.

Mr Sunak said: "The club’s set-up is very impressive and it is a beautiful stretch of water to sail on.Rishi Sunak takes to the waterRishi Sunak takes to the water (Image: Supplied)

"The club is run entirely by volunteers whose commitment to their sport and safety of those using the reservoir is exemplary."

He described the club’s reservoir base, on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, as "idyllic" and praised its efforts to make sailing accessible to more people.

During his visit, Mr Sunak met with club members and officials at the clubhouse, which was built by members themselves.

He learned about the club’s outreach programmes and its range of dinghies designed for all abilities.

The club also offers facilities for paddleboarding, kayaking, and windsurfing.

Recently, the club completed fundraising for two new dinghies, supported by a match-funding grant from Sport England.

The new boats have now arrived and will support the club’s sail training programmes.

Mike Smith, of Thornton Steward Sailing Club, said: "It was a real pleasure to welcome Rishi to the club.

"We hope he thoroughly enjoyed his time on the water and seeing first-hand the fantastic facilities we’re proud to offer.

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"His visit was a great boost for our members and a wonderful recognition of the vibrant community we’ve built here."

Earlier this year, a Try Out Sailing day helped boost membership.

As a Royal Yachting Association-accredited club, Thornton Steward Sailing Club offers training for both novice and experienced sailors.

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