Hykeham Sailing Club has secured its future at Apex Lake near Lincoln, following a period of uncertainty that left many in the community concerned. The club, which has been a cherished part of the local landscape since 1958, primarily serves as a charity, introducing hundreds of schoolchildren, Scouts, and individuals with disabilities to the joys of sailing.
Last year, the future of the club was thrown into doubt when Apex Lake was put up for sale with a guide price of £850,000 for the expansive 167.52-acre site. This announcement raised alarms among club members and the wider community, who value the lake as a space for learning and outdoor enjoyment.
Fortunately, local entrepreneur Phil O'Toole stepped in as the new owner of the site, bringing an "overwhelming sense of relief and renewed optimism" to club members. Commodore Sam Davy expressed gratitude for this positive turn of events, stating that the journey to secure the club's future had been long and fraught with uncertainty.
Davy shared, "There were moments when the future of the club felt genuinely at risk, and that weighed heavily not only on our members but on the wider local community. To now have that future secured brings an overwhelming sense of relief and renewed optimism."
He emphasized the importance of the sailing club as a welcoming and accessible space for families and individuals of all ages and abilities. "This is not just the end of a challenging chapter; it's the beginning of an exciting new one for Hykeham Sailing Club and the community it serves," Davy added.
To celebrate this new chapter, the sailing club is hosting its annual open day on Saturday, April 25, at Apex Lake. This event invites the local community to explore the club, meet current members, and experience the friendly environment that has made it a beloved institution.
Visitors will have the opportunity to try their hand at sailing and witness the sport in action. Davy expressed enthusiasm for the event, saying, "With the future of the lake now secure, we can focus on what matters most — bringing people together and introducing more people to sailing. We’re looking forward to welcoming the community and showing them what we’re all about.”
The open day promises to be a fantastic opportunity for families and individuals to engage with the club and learn about the many ways sailing can enrich lives. As the club embarks on this new journey, it remains committed to fostering community spirit and encouraging participation in water-based activities.