Hykeham Sailing Club receives funds to repair storm-damaged waterfront

A sailing club near Lincoln has received an award of £41,700 to transform its storm-damaged waterfront.

Hykeham Sailing Club has been one of the beneficiaries of the Biffa Award, part of the Landfill Communities Fund, a tax credit scheme enabling operators of landfill sites to contribute money to organisations that meet environmental objectives.

Erosion of a storm-damaged part of the waterfront was impacting on the sailing club’s activities as the land available to the club was reduced and debris which was sliding into shallower waters along the shore had the potential to damage boats.

All contractor work on the waterfront was completed late last year with regular volunteer groups of club members putting the finishing touches to the project, such as levelling and landscaping the area, ahead of the new sailing season.

Before work was carried out to the waterfront. Photo: Hykeham SC

Vince Wilkinson, Hykeham SC committee member, said: “The waterfront in question was protected by wooden piling dating from when Apex Lake was first sailed on over 40 years ago. This had been collapsing over the last 10 years and, despite efforts by club volunteers, was continuing to erode.

“But this waterfront protects a spit of land that is the only land available for rigging of boats prior to sailing so is essential to the club.

“The Biffa Award has enabled us to stabilise the waterfront permanently, using steel sheet piling, allowing both land and mooring areas to be brought back into use.

“This all makes getting boats ready to sail a much more relaxed experience, as well as limiting the chance of the boats getting damaged once in the water.”

Gillian French, Biffa Award programme manager, said: “This lake is the only one of its kind for a considerable distance and was in need of repair.

“We are pleased to support this project, which is an excellent example of how the Landfill Communities Fund can help improve local recreational facilities for the community.”

Hykeham Sailing Club are running three taster days and a free open day from May onwards to encourage anyone who wants to try the sport to have a go.

More information can be found on the sailing club’s website.