KIELDER Water Sailing Club became the latest club to gain the coveted Royal Yachting Association (RYA) OnBoard status.

Presented with the award plaque during the club‘s annual junior camp, Kielder joined the 22 other clubs in the Nothern region part of the programme which includes Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club.

The initiative recognises clubs wishing to promote sailing and windsurfing to young people aged between eight and 18.

Thirty young sailors gathered on the shores of Kielder Water to watch RYA North East sailing development officer James Wheeldon present the plaque to eight-year-old Zachary Pearson, Kielder’s youngest member.

Kielder‘s chief instructor Julie Gibbon said: “We are really delighted to have our work with youngsters recognised by the RYA. We bring lots of young people into the sport, both sailors and windsurfers, and take them through to higher levels.

“RYA OnBoard status is a measure of excellence for the club but we don’t just cater for young sailors, adults are welcome too.

“We can arrange free taster sessions for anyone interested with regular training in dinghies and windsurfers for those who want to master the basics.”

To mark the award, Kielder is hosting an OnBoard Regatta on Saturday when youngsters from across the region will arrive in the area for a day of fun and racing.