Brightlingsea Hosts the RYA and its Sporting Life Exhibition.

Now on the final leg of its UK tour that started back in January at the Tullett Prebon London Boat Show, the RYA’s ‘Our Sporting Life – Sail for Gold’ Olympic and Paralympic heritage exhibition heads to its final destination;  Brightlingsea Sailing Club in Essex.

From London to Largs the exhibition that has visited numerous locations and events across the country and makes it final stop in Brightlingsea where it will be open to the public every day from 15 – 30 September, 10am – 4pm on weekdays and 10am – 6pm on weekends, entry is free.

Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in 112 years of triumph and glory at this extraordinary exhibition celebrating Britain’s unique Olympic and Paralympic sailing heritage.

Discover how Britain cemented its place as the world’s most successful Olympic and Paralympic sailing nation through the captivating anecdotes, photographs and keepsakes of those sailors who made sailing history.

From ‘yachtings’ debut as an Olympic sport at Paris 1900 to Britain’s record-breaking medal haul at Beijing 2008, the exhibition lets you into the secrets behind the success including how the boats, the racing and the sailors have changed dramatically over time, brought to life through a creative mix of fascinating historical artefacts and modern-day videos.

“The exhibition consists of photos and memorabilia through the ages, from pre world-war one right through to our present day champions, with past Olympic and Paralympic sailors including legend Rodney Pattisson, Keith Musto, Andy Cassell and Alistair Currey having all very kindly shared with us some great items for the exhibition”, explains Celia Edgington, Sail for Gold co-ordinator.

Four times’ Olympic gold; and silver medallist Ben Ainslie who took a tour of the exhibition when it visited the National Maritime Museum Cornwall in May/June commented: “The exhibition is hugely inspiring. As a child growing up you heard about your heroes, but to see all the photos and memorabilia is hugely inspirational.  It gives you a lot of pride in our sailing heritage which is important, especially for the younger generation to see what support the sailors now have in particular compared with how it was in the past.”

To find out more about the ‘Our Sporting Life – Sail for Gold’ exhibition visit www.rya.org.uk/sailforgold

Watch the trailer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FeVaz4LCqk&feature=player_embedded#!

Further information about Brightlingsea Sailing Club can be found at www.sailbrightlingsea.com

Brightlingsea falls within the East Anglia Skipper's Guide area. See this years guide for updates on the area and where to stay. More at www.skippersguide.co.uk