Whitehaven Sailing & Boating Association was started in 1965. Back in the sixties Whitehaven Harbour was run mainly for commercial purposes, feeding the local industries with essential raw materials and exporting coal to Ireland, but sailing and pleasure vessels were always popular and so the W.S.B.A. was formed. Some founder members are still part of the backbone of the Association today.

With the impounding of the water within the harbour and the success of the new Marina we have seen the association grow over the past few years, to well over 100 members. Ownership of a boat is not necessary to qualify for for membership. A number of members who have owned boats in the past have continued membership, and some members have never owned a boat but are keen to crew, sailing or angling, or just enjoy keeping on top of the situation with the intention of buying a boat in the future.

Whitehaven Sailing & Boating Association has always remained independent of Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners and Authorities. However we have always been on good terms with the Harbour Authorities and enjoyed their co-operation with the running of sailing and angling events. We have always been invited to meet and discuss any concerns we have.

W.S.B.A. is run by a management committee of volunteers, comprising of:

• Commodore

• Vice Commodore

• Treasurer

• General, Racing and Fishing Secretaries

With a working committee for both sailing and fishing sections. Regattas and Angling Competitions are held each season, a presentation evening (held in December) is normally a great night out, with banter and speeches throughout.

We encourage people with an interest in sailing and boating to enrol in one of our Royal Yachting Association' approved navigation classes, for Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster, RYA first aid and VHF (inc DSC). W.S.B.A. is a recognised RYA training establishment.

In addition to our normal annual events, the association again expects a very busy season during the bi-annual Whitehaven Maritime Festival held in June with Celebrity Sailing Regattas, Angling Competitions, Best Dressed Boat award and many more.