Babbacombe Corinthian Sailing Club was founded on Saturday, 22nd June 1935, at a meeting held on Oddicombe Beach attended by some twelve gentlemen. The founder officers of the club were:
President – Mr H Thomas, who held this post until his death in 1950, Commodore – Mr W Terry, affectionately known to all as “The Admiral”, Hon Secretary – Mr S W Francis, Hon Treasurer – Mr G D L White and Captain – Mr F T C Stoneman.
The Club’s headquarters were established in an old fisherman’s hut on Oddicombe Beach, the stone walls of which now form the bottom storey of the present Club House. The Club’s first race was sailed on 6th July 1935 in which six boats competed – the race being won by ‘Bumble Bee’ sailed by Mr S W Francis.
In February 1936, the Club became affiliated with the Yacht Racing Association – later to be re-named the Royal Yachting Association. The Club also was accepted as a member of the West of England Association and became recognised as a major sailing club in Torbay. The first fleet of around a dozen racing dinghies included Snipes, Sharpies,12ft Nationals and 14ft Internationals. Races were originally run afloat from an old 37ft naval whaler, using a 12-bore shotgun as the starting signal.
Learn to sail in Torquay at Babbacombe Corinthian Sailing Club
Later the races were started from a new Club House on Oddicombe Beach. This Club House, still in full use today, was erected in 1937 and opened by the Mayoress of Torquay on 26th June 1937, the year of the International Coronation Regatta in Torbay. The Club held regular races until 1939 when all activities were suspended for the war period. The Royal Air Force and Home Guard then took over the beach headquarters.
Contact Info
Address:
Fore St, St Marychurch, Torquay TQ1 4LY, United Kingdom
Phone: 44 1803 311253
Email: babbacombe.corinthians@gmail.com
Website: babbacombe-sc.com/wp
