Babbacombe Corinthian SC Clubhouse Rebuild

Let’s do it for the sailors of tomorrow

Who are we: 

We are a small community-based sailing club based on Oddicombe Beach. Our clubhouse was originally built in the 1930s as an old fisherman’s hut, the stone walls of which now form the bottom storey of the present Club House. We currently have over 350 members including 40 junior sailors and 50 kayakers all having to use these out of date facilities. 

Volunteer led: 

All of this happens around the club and in the water with volunteers training and supporting both adults and juniors alike. We are looking to improve our clubhouse to provide urgently required basic facilities, hot water, toilets etc in order to meet the growing demand and continue doing the great work that the club does. 

What are we crowdfunding for:

In 2017 we agreed a new 40-year lease with Torbay Council (our Landlords) for our existing Club House which after over 80 years is now in a very poor state and needs completely modernising. And 

• We have no toilets 

• Our male sailors change in the same area that doubles as the “secure” store for our RIBs / safety boats 

• Our female sailors have 2 antiquated showers with modesty curtains 

• Our junior sailors must change in cold and wet conditions 

• We have no heating 

• The roof leaks

Part of the conditions within our new lease are that we must replace or improve the facilities. The picture below shows to the left the men's shower, the blue & white shower curtain is up on the ceiling whilst the boats are being stored.  They change at the far end of this room.

In 2019/2020 we were approaching the position to submit our planning application and start planning the build and then Covid struck which impacted both our finances and our ability to fundraise for this.  Our planning application was approved in Jan 2022.  We have obtained some cost estimates giving estimates of around £230,000. As well as successfully financing our day to day operations we have built up approx. £150,000 in ring-fenced, reserve funds and we are now looking to raise the balance, if not more recognising price increases.  

As well as our own members fund raising efforts, including this Crowdfunder we also plan to apply for grants from major bodies like Sport England, as well as smaller organisations and businesses by way of donations and sponsorship to help us raise a minimum of £80,000.

‘How our project will be United by Birmingham 2022’

This year is the year that Birmingham host the Commonwealth games. We believe that by building this new club house we will join up our Community further along the lines of the mission of the Commonwealth Games 2022 by 

• Bringing people together looking at our younger people of all ages, diversity and pride of the area and the Commonwealth 
• Improving our facilities which will inspire, engage and connect our community and engage with our juniors and adults alike to take up our sport to allow them to realise their full potential, become part of a team and through this be healthier. 
• Allowing us to enhance the blue flagged Oddicombe Beach as a whole. There have been many new business open on the beach and we want to improve our facilities, keeping in touch with all the growth in the area 
• Strengthening the opportunities and facilities in the area by improving our club house for our community as a whole 
• Improving the skills, offering training, providing volunteering resource and opportunities which  will benefit the environment, encourage participation in sport, and deliver youth engagement activities. 

We want to provide a new lasting legacy for our juniors, and our adult and senior members but especially our Community who have been so supportive and involved with us over the years.

Our Community:

Community involvement is a very important part of who we are, and not all of those involved have an active interest in sailing.  You don't have to get wet to enjoy our club. We support many of our local groups and Community sport clubs, some of which are listed below

• Community Art classes
• Tessier Gardens
• St Marychurch & District partnership
• Torbay Community Development Trust
• Cary Park Tennis Club
• Babbacombe Bowling Club

Your next step:

We have a wide selection of offerings for you to choose from, or you can simply make a donation.  Any help will go a long way, and would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time and interest in our appeal.

Supporters of our appeal: