RYDAL Penrhos has announced that a new state-of-the art sailing facility for the school will be opening at Porth Eirias in 2023.

Sailing has been an integral part of education at Rydal Penrhos for more than 60 years and a new partnership with Conwy Country Borough Council will see a much-upgraded facility at Porth Eirias.

Having recently secured a top inspection rating as an RYA (Royal Yachting Association) Training Centre, the school has now also agreed a long lease which will see the current changing area converted into a classroom, pupil and staff changing rooms with showers, kit storage and a drying room.

The school will use a combination of the existing slipway and the area towards the pier, allowing launching from two locations depending on sea conditions.

There will also be a sailing compound facility constructed for boat and equipment storage.

Petrina Blomeley, Sailing Principal of Rydal Penrhos, said: "In moving our sailing hub to Porth Eirias, we acquire an excellent base to enable us to develop further our water-sports centre for sailing, windsurfing and paddle sports.

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“A recent RYA inspection praised the strength of the excellent training centre team. We will now have the opportunity to strengthen our community links and RYA involvement enabling us to create an exciting hub for the North Wales coast."

As well as a new home for curriculum sailing, a move to Porth Eirias will enable the school to expand sailing courses for pupils throughout the Easter and Summer holiday periods.

Working with Conwy County Borough Council the long-term aim is to be able to deliver RYA holiday sailing and water-sport provision to children throughout North Wales.

Cllr Aaron Wynne, Conwy’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, added: “I’m looking forward to welcoming Rydal Penrhos as the new tenants for the water-sports facility at Porth Eirias.

“It’s an ideal location to expand and build on their considerable experience in water-sports training, and we will be looking forward to working closely with them to extend provision to young people from across the region.”