Deck project brings improvements and opportunities.

It’s all hands on deck at Lerwick Boating Club on Sunday 15 May 2011, with celebrations to mark the completion of a project to upgrade facilities as part of improvements to training for young Club members.

Kirsten Napier from Cunningsburgh (pictured front centre) cut a ribbon to formally open the new wooden boat deck under the watchful eye of, from left to right, John Manson - Arch Henderson LLP, Brian Anderson – Lerwick Port Authority Chairman, Neil Fraser - Lerwick Port Authority Operations Manager, Tommy Allan – Lerwick Boating Club Rear Commodore and Andrew Anderson – Lerwick Boating Club Commodore
Kirsten Napier from Cunningsburgh (pictured front centre) cut a ribbon to formally open the new wooden boat deck under the watchful eye of, from left to right, John Manson - Arch Henderson LLP, Brian Anderson – Lerwick Port Authority Chairman, Neil Fraser - Lerwick Port Authority Operations Manager, Tommy Allan – Lerwick Boating Club Rear Commodore and Andrew Anderson – Lerwick Boating Club Commodore

The larger wooden boat deck includes a new launching ramp designed to enhance access for all users, in particular juniors. It has been provided in the joint project by the Club and Lerwick Port Authority. Members also use the deck for landing and storing their boats.

The celebrations include a ceremony on the deck, with Kirsten Napier, 18, cutting a ribbon, followed by a reception in the clubhouse. She has come through the junior sailing ranks and will represent Shetland at the Island Games this year.

Commodore of Lerwick Boating Club, Andrew Anderson, said: “We are very grateful to the funders for their support and assistance in developing the new boat deck which brings important benefits.

“These include improved access, especially for training of juniors; increased boat storage; and the capacity to enhance training on the deck. It will also be able to accommodate the growing local fleet of dinghies and attract national and international events, as well as contributing to boating activity in the old town centre.”

Young sailors from Lerwick Boating Club make ready to launch their boats from the new boat deck at Small Boat Harbour
Young sailors from Lerwick Boating Club make ready to launch their boats from the new boat deck at Small Boat Harbour

The upgrade has been supported by a £100,000 grant from a Scottish Government Town Centre Regeneration Fund, with assistance from Shetland Islands Council’s planning department and Lerwick Old Town Development Association; £50,000 from sportscotland, and £10,000 from The Crown Estate towards the cost.

Around 45 young members participate in sailing and rowing organised by the Club which is affiliated to the Royal Yachting Association.

Brian Anderson, Port Authority Chairman, commented: “The boat deck project is an excellent example of our involvement with the community and has particular appeal in that it involves the young and at the same time brings a range of improvements and opportunities in the Club’s activities.”

Constructed by local firm, Tulloch Developments, on behalf of the Port Authority which now owns the deck, it is leased to the Club at a non-commercial rental. The work was carried out as part of a wider improvement programme by the Port Authority at the Small Boat Harbour, including a new wall and amenities.

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