THE commodore of the Royal Northern and Clyde Yacht Club says exciting times lie ahead for the organisation after initial plans for up to 46 homes at its current clubhouse in Rhu were made public.
As reported in the Advertiser, a screening notice for a 'pre-application consultation' was published on Argyll and Bute Council's website on May 17, describing a "new yachet clubhouse with associated access, parking, yard and boat storage area".
Under the plans the RNCYC's existing clubhouse and gatehouse – home to the club since the 1930s – would be converted to nine residential units, while a further six blocks comprising 12 terraced and 25 flatted units are earmarked for construction in the grounds.
RNCYC commodore David Whitham said: "Our club in Rhu has been housed in an expensive to run Victorian building since the 1930s, and it's time to move on.
"The club house is no longer fit for today's sailors who want easier and quicker access to the water. It makes sense for us to relocate to the marina where we will offer many water based sports and interests from paddle boarding through skiff coastal rowing to dinghy and yacht racing.
"Our cadets are already sailing out of Rhu Marina, learning the skills for competitive racing.
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"That, as indicated by Argyll and Bute’s website, is about to start. Exciting times indeed.”
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