IT'S the thrill of being at the mercy of the elements - the wind especially - says Richard Redman.

At 84, he admits he is just as passionate about boats now as he was as a child and that's why he is still sailing and racing twice a week.
Richard is a founder member of Halifax Sailing Club, which is celebrating its 50th season of sailing this year.

And, as part of a programme of special events to mark the anniversary, he, along with other members of this thriving organisation, is now inviting other would-be sailors to take to the water.

The club, which is based at Warley Moor Reservoir (formerly Fly Flats), Wainstalls, is holding an open day on Sunday, May 23, when visitors will be able to try their hand at dinghy sailing, windsurfing and kayaking.

"There is just something very special about being driven along by the wind because you have to bear in mind that the wind can be very complicated so you have to react all the time," says Richard.

"There is no room for taking your eye off things. You need to concentrate 100 per cent of the time, otherwise before you know it, you're in the water," he says, hinting that he could well be speaking from experience.

He reveals that his interest in boats began as a child, inspired by Arthur Ransome's adventure book series, Swallows and Amazons. Then as a teenager he was involved in making and sailing "some crude craft."

"However, I became a rock climber and then when my wife thought it was too dangerous and we needed a holiday activity suitable for the whole family, I turned my attention back to boats."

So he built an Enterprise dinghy from a kit and as well as sailing it on holiday, began sailing it at Leigh Sailing Club.

"I soon became addicted but the 40 mile trip to Leigh was getting too much and so I began to look around for a place to sail nearer home."

The venue turned out to be Fly Flats and after discussions with the manager of the then Halifax Borough Waterworks department, an inaugural meeting was held and Halifax Sailing Club was officially formed in October 1959. "I've been sailing regularly ever since and as long as my health will allow, I intend to continue," he says.

"For many sailors it's not just the love of sailing, it's the thrill of competition too. That's why many of us race. You're always trying to go just that little bit faster and get around the course in record time."

Richard also enjoys sailing the open seas. He owns half a yacht and for many years enjoyed the waters around the north coast of France. This year he is heading to Croatia. He has also passed on his love of sailing to not one but two generations of his family - son William and grandson Charlie are both keen sailors and members of Halifax Sailing Club.

Charlie is a regular participant in the youth open events around Yorkshire.

The sailing club has changed since its inception half a century ago and members now enjoy mod cons such as a new clubhouse (the club's third), an extended range of sailing craft and even a thriving windsurfing section, says longstanding member, Chris Holden who joined in the early 1960s.

"I'd never sailed before but I was an avid reader and once I'd read about sailing I decided I wanted to give it a go. So I jumped on my bicycle, peddled up to Fly Flats and they were good enough to take me on."

Chris, the club's honorary secretary, now regularly sails his 13 foot long single-hander Supernova.

He describes the thrill of sailing Warley Moor Reservoir, a body of 90 acres of water set at 1200 feet above sea level.

"Because of its position we are often at the mercy of the elements but that's what makes it so interesting. No two sailings are ever the same. You are always challenged," says Chris, who has also moved into cruising and enjoys sailing the open seas with Scotland's west coast being a favourite location.

He adds that the club now has around 80 members of all ages - the youngest being his four-year-old grandson Sam who sails his Optimus dinghy when the weather is suitable. Many club members compete at World and European Championship level - including brothers Tim and Ben Holden, and the club's windsurfing member, Connor Bainbridge, is a potential Olympic contender and member of the British National Youth Squad, having represented Britain at a number of international events, including Turkey and France.

The club is now hoping to encourage new members," says Chris. "There are so many different facets and levels to sailing. Some like to race, some just like pottering around on the water. But often you'll find that once you've tried sailing, you'll be hooked. I certainly was."

Halifax Sailing Club open day takes place on Sunday, May 23, from noon to 4pm at Warley Moor Reservoir (follow the road to Wainstalls and continue to the windfarm, the sailing club is another half mile on the left.) Visitors will be able to try out dinghy sailing, windsurfing and kayaking.

The club advises bringing along a change of clothing, suitable soft shoes, a towel and waterproofs if possible. All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Refreshments will be available. For further information visit the website at www.halifaxsailingclub.org.uk or contact the club at membership@halifaxsailingclub.org.uk