Yeadon Sailing Club (YSC) has been busy working on a new project in collaboration with the local tarn fishing club. The goal? To design and build a new buoy that will help keep the water safe for fish, while also providing clear markings for sailors during racing and training.
For years, YSC has used old plastic buoy cans that were anchored in place by a long chain and a heavy weight. Unfortunately, this design often led to the snagging of fishing lines, which can harm the fish and impact the overall health of the water.
Fish play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of British inline tarns, and it’s important to protect and preserve their populations. These small bodies of water are home to a variety of aquatic plants and animals, which are all interconnected in a delicate web of ecological relationships. Fish, as predators, help to regulate the populations of smaller aquatic animals and insects. They also play a key role in nutrient cycling by consuming organic matter and releasing nutrients through their waste.
Some species of fish, are considered “keystone species” in inline tarn ecosystems. These fish are important indicators of water quality and ecosystem health, and their presence or absence can have a significant impact on the entire ecosystem.
With this in mind, YSC’s club bosun, Paul, has worked with other club members and has come up with an innovative design that prevents fishing line snagging and ensures that the buoy marks are clearly visible for sailors. The design consists of a float with a weighted cone and a long smooth hose, which is then attached to the float.
Once completed, these new marks will be placed in the water and feedback will be gathered from all tarn users. YSC, the fishing club members, and the model boat club all recognise the importance of having a healthy body of water to sail on. Sailing is one of the most ecological water sports and has a long history of working in tandem with nature.
As a local sailing club, YSC is committed to preserving the environment and protecting the natural resources that make it possible for us to enjoy our sport. This collaboration with the fishing club is just one example of how we can work together to ensure that our tarn remains healthy and sustainable for years to come.
About Yeadon Sailing Club
Yeadon Sailing Club (YSC) is a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) affiliated club located in the heart of Yorkshire, near Leeds Bradford Airport. Our members have access to club-maintained boats and safety equipment for social sailing, informal training, and adrenaline-fueled racing on a safe and clean stretch of water, which is maintained by the council and all tarn users.
With easy access from a large community car park and major bus routes, YSC is both convenient and safe for sailors and spectators alike. As an independent club run by passionate volunteers, we love the fun and excitement of sailing, an environmentally friendly and surprisingly affordable water sport. We believe that nothing beats the thrill of learning a new life skill in a beautiful location powered by natural energy.
Sailing offers a wide range of opportunities for sailors of all levels, from casual social sailing and friendly club racing to life-changing experiences such as sailing the oceans in the Clipper Round the World Race or competing in the Olympics in a boat such as the Laser, a much-loved regular in our fleet.
YSC works in partnership with other tarn clubs, such as the Leeds Sailing & Activity Centre (LSAC), to provide our members with opportunities to continue developing their sailing skills after completing formal courses offered by the council-run facility.
We’re thrilled to see our junior and adult membership growing again following the pandemic, and our RYA training club coaches are on hand to guide sailors every step of the way. We look forward to welcoming new members to our modest club house, where you can enjoy stunning views of the tarn.
For more information about our club and how to join, please visit our website at www.yeadonsailingclub.co.uk.