Sailors in Musselburgh are forecasting an exciting year ahead after taking ownership of a new boat to add to their club’s fleet and seeing their yachts craned into the harbour for the summer season.

Last Thursday, about 30 boats were lifted from dry land and put back in the water at Fisherrow Harbour, in a successful operation directed by Stuart Rillie.

The yacht racing season started two days later, with wins for ‘Rebel Rebel’ and ‘Swirley’.

The junior club for young sailors had its first sail last Friday, as club spokesperson Inez Visser said: “Plans are now being considered for youth-orientated courses during the school holidays.”

A Kinsman keel boat has also been purchased by Fisherrow Yacht Club (FYC).

Inez said the Kinsman was a “potential stepping stone” between learning to sail in dinghies and moving on to yacht sailing.

East Lothian Courier: The crane is in position for the annual craning in of the yachts at Fisherrow Harbour. Photo: Angus Bathgate.The crane is in position for the annual craning in of the yachts at Fisherrow Harbour. Photo: Angus Bathgate.

Another new addition to the club fleet is ‘The Vortex’ – a high-speed catamaran – which was bought back in October.

Inez said: “The acquisition of this boat came too late in the season for many of the experienced sailors to try it out but the few who did sail it said it was a really exciting boat to helm and surprisingly stable.”

FYC is hosting an open day on Sunday, June 20, and those interested in trying dinghy sailing should contact the club via fisherrowyachtclub.com

Since 2016, the club has enjoyed the expertise of Max Blinkhorn with training. He was instrumental in the establishment of a RYA-recognised training centre at the club and is a senior sailing instructor with the soon-to-be-reopened Whiteadder Sailing Centre.

Anyone interested in becoming a FYC member or learning to sail can email membership@fisher rowyachtclub.com