THREE years after they were formed, members of Wisbech Yacht Club celebrated the official opening of their new headquarters within the �4 million Boathouse complex by the Nene. Councillor Mac Cotterell, an honorary vice commodore of the club and the coun

THREE years after they were formed, members of Wisbech Yacht Club celebrated the official opening of their new headquarters within the �4 million Boathouse complex by the Nene.

Councillor Mac Cotterell, an honorary vice commodore of the club and the council's portfolio holder for the Nene, told guests: "Wisbech Yacht Club is here to stay and grow.

"We have the pontoons and according to Yachting Monthly, the finest moorings between the Humber and Lowestoft."

He added: "We also have our boatyard with the largest lift between London and Hull and now our slipway too which is attracting business from such as the Dutch barge fraternity."

Cllr Cotterell said that although the Wisbech club was fairly new, the Fens had a history of such clubs when 54 years ago a clubroom and headquarters was established at Lattersey Pit, Whittlesey.

"The ceremony then was carried out by Mrs Easingwood and its commodore on the day was J E Dagless, who played such a great part in transporting the large beach hut that was to become its headquarters from Snettisham to the pit," he said.

"Mr Dagless was of course not only commodore of the then Wisbech club but also responsible for creating the Fleurs De Lys line which sold all over the world between the 1960s and 1980s.

"How days and things have changed. Now we have accommodation within a �4 million Boathouse, complete with laundry, showers and toilets with their own entrance for visiting yachts, such as the recent one owned by a Hungarian boat builder of Holland."

Cllr Cotterell said the Boathouse will eventually house many businesses and conferences and in the not too distant future have its own caf�.

"In the years to come this whole area will be transformed costing millions of pounds in developers' monies and yes, grants.