Families looking for something new to do over the bank holiday weekend are being invited to try out sailing, free of charge. 

Ripon Sailing Club is giving novices their first taste of life on the water – and providing old hands with an opportunity to get back on board – as part of the Royal Yachting Association’s Discover Sailing programme.

All newcomers will go afloat with an experienced helm who will be able to answer any questions.

Richard Pryke, Ripon Sailing Club commodore, said:

“We’re inviting the local community to come down to have a go at sailing, see what the club has to offer and get involved. Who knows, you might just love it!” 

The open day, from 10am to 4pm tomorrow (Saturday, April 29), will be held at Ripon Sailing Club’s base near Farnham, Knaresborough. The event will include trial sails, radio-controlled yacht demonstrations, Royal Yachting Association training courses for club members, York University team racing, and lots of information about membership benefits.

Would-be sailors are asked to bring soft-soled shoes, a change of clothes including a fleece and showerproof jacket, and a towel. 

The Discover Sailing open day is meant both for newcomers and for people coming back to sailing after a break.

Discover Sailing is a Royal Yachting Association initiative first held in March 2011. The 2023 event will see clubs and centres across the UK holding open days and inviting people to come and have a go at sailing and windsurfing.

For full details about Ripon Sailing Club, visit www.ripon-sc.org.uk or follow the club on Facebook.

For more information and to book a visit, contact Helen Voisey at membership@ripon-sc.org.uk.

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Two men have been arrested following a suspected knifepoint robbery near Knaresborough.

North Yorkshire Police were called at 1.40pm yesterday to reports that a couple had been robbed when they turned up at a house in Farnham to buy a vehicle that had been advertised for sale.

According to police, the pair were threatened by a group of suspects who stole their car and a large amount of cash inside it.

The suspects then fled in the vehicle and a van.

Police tracked down the stolen car to the A61 near Harewood after using automatic number plate recognition.

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The suspects ran from the vehicle and a police firearms support unit, dog and police drone tracked them down to a wooded area.

A 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of robbery and possession of a Class B drug and an 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of robbery, possession of a Class B drug, driving with no insurance, driving whilst disqualified and possession of an offensive weapon.

The suspects currently remain in police custody and both vehicles were recovered.

Knaresborough firefighters were called out last night after a collection of carpet cut-offs self-combusted in Farnham.

Three pallets containing the cut-offs caught fire outside industrial premises at about midnight.

It is believed hot glue within the pieces of carpet caused the fire.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service‘s incident log said:

“The pallets, which were holding carpet cut-offs were extinguished using one hose reel jet, two breathing apparatus and a thermal imaging camera.

“The cause is believed to have been self-combustion from glue within the carpet cut-offs.”

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