East Lancashire Sailing Club Blackburn

The Club is situated in attractive surroundings alongside Rishton Reservoir which lies between the village of Rishton and Blackburn. It has a enthusiastic and diverse membership of all ages and abilities. The atmosphere is very friendly and the Club welcomes all sailors, from those who are new to the sport and want to learn to sail, those who just want to potter about or those who enjoy the cut and thrust of racing..


The reservoir was built in 1828 to solve water shortages in the adjacent Leeds-Liverpool Canal and covers 37 acres. There is a well equipped clubhouse with a comfortable lounge with commanding paroramic views of the reservoir, full changing facilities with hot showers along with a wet area for sailors to relax between races. Outside on the dinghy park there is room for 120 or more boats with access to the water via three concrete slipways.


Safety is a priority at all times, we operate two high speed ribs as safety boats on sailing / training / race days. The Club is a RYA Training Centre and offers RYA certified training courses at various levels including powerboat. We are easy to find alongside the A678 and within just half a mile of the M65, central for residents of the local Boroughs of Hyndburn, The Ribble Valley and Blackburn with Darwen..