Getting ready for windsport return

Up to 25 mini-yachts and a number of kite buggies will attend from all over the country for this weekend’s regatta on St Annes beach organised by British Landsailing and members of the British Land Speedsail Association.

Thousands of people used to watch sand-yachting in the area in the 1960s.

But the sport was banned 12 years ago after mother-of-two Carole Cruz lost her life following a collision with one of the vehicles.

After a campaign to bring the sport back started two years ago, plans were announced last month for Saturday and Sunday’s event.

Coun Sue Fazackerley, Fylde Council leader, said: “This will be a fantastic weekend for residents and tourists.

“We hope it will be the first of many regattas to raise the profile of Fylde and give a boost to the area’s visitor economy.

“It is a tremendously exciting sport to watch and I hope that many turn out for an enjoyable weekend.

“Mini-yachts are the perfect introduction to the sport. They are fun, easy to transport and quick to assemble. It will be a fantastic family day out.

“I hope that people will eventually form a club which will be the gateway to the sport’s return on a regular basis.”

It is hoped that the mini-yachts – small enough to be carried in a car-boot – and the kite buggies will be made available for members of the public to try at any future events.

Anyone interested in the event or joining a new club should contact [email protected]; Graham Dalzell of British Landsailing and BLSA on 07715 077437 or at [email protected]