Page 33 - Jan-March 2025

OUTDOOR FEATURE

Disorder and development
It has not been all plain sailing for the VNSC. The
Second World war, local insurgencies, fluctuating
membership, the water hyacinth invasion in the
90’s, a massive theft of masts in 2017 and the COVID
pandemic were serious threats to its existence. But
there were always dedicated members who pulled
the VNSC through these crises, and the spirit of
Sail training and competitions volunteerism has kept the club developing into
what it is today.
Since the early 1990’s, the VNSC has organised up
to four adult and teenager training courses per Ninety years since its humble beginnings, the
year (the next course is in mid-February 2025). To VNSC is very much alive. It organises weekly sailing
date, over five hundred adults and teenagers have events, quarterly sailing courses and the three-day
learnt to sail on these courses. For children’s sailing, annual Uganda Laser Open. Currently, the Club
the club has ten Optimists. These are smaller boats stores 50 boats, has over 3000 alumni and 70+
suitable for kids from 8 to 15 years. For them, the individuals as members, who volunteer with the
VNSC organises monthly playful lessons, and experienced staff to run the catering, organise the
school sailing camps. races, courses and social events, carry out boat
repairs, do marketing and all else it takes to enjoy
The VNSC has always been a true sailing club, water sports at Kaazi, Kampala.
with an emphasis on continuously enhancing the
sailing skills of its members and trainees. Since the VNSC 1935-2025 book
early days it runs a busy sailing calendar, a mixture To commemorate the 90 years, the VNSC published
of racing on Sunday afternoons and regular fun an eye-catching book. It is full of historical
sailing events. However, competitive sailing has pictures, comical (or not) personal chronicles,
been the VNSC’s trademark. Over the years, the serious newspaper clippings, and amusing
club has built up an impressive collection of correspondence between members, suppliers
trophies to be competed for, often named after and authorities. A must read for Ugandan history
members, boats or sponsors. lovers! The book shows that a lot has changed
In 1939, the first Kaazi-to-Entebbe race was held; since twenty men in 1935 decided to start a
this a gruelling marathon event still being sailed sailing club at Kaazi. But two things have remained
every year. It can take anything between 5-10 hours constant: the joy of a Sunday afternoon, sailing on
to complete, depending on the wind conditions. Lake Victoria, and the lasting friendships that the
VNSC forges between its members and with sailors
Also quite surprisingly, the first ‘’lady’s race” was all over the world. Experience this yourself and
already held in 1936! To this day, the Ladies’ Helm pay a visit to this grand old sailing club next to the
race is on the sailing calendar. Scouts grounds at Kaazi, Kampala.
The most popular event these days is the Monthly Victoria Nyanza Sailing Club – Sail Uganda!
Mug, the most coveted prize amongst beginner Manager: Emmanuel Kiwanda
sailors, which they have a good chance to win Tel: +256 755 159 732
because of the VNSC’s smart personal handicap
system. Since 1985, the Uganda Laser Open (ULO)
became an annual landmark sailing event in East
Africa.

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