The Early Years

To meet the growing demand for water from the iron and steel works and heavy chemical industries on Teeside, Grassholme Reservoir was constructed before the First World War. Selset Reservoir followed in the late 1950s, and began filling in July 1960, creating a 265-acre expanse of water in an exposed upland setting.

It did not take long for sailors to recognise Selset's potential. A letter published in the Teesdale Mercury on 15 January 1969 questioned why, when a sailing club could flourish at Derwent Reservoir, there was none in Teesdale. Momentum gathered, and in April 1972 a public meeting was held in Barnard Castle. Around 200 people attended, including representatives of the Council and the Tees Valley and Cleveland Water Board. The possibility of forming a sailing club was discussed, and a Steering Committee was established.

Although the exact date of the formal decision is unclear, by June 1972 the Teesdale & District Water Board had estimated that proper sailing facilities would cost £70,000. Meanwhile, the Steering Committee calculated that £1,160 would be enough to get started: £700 for a rescue boat, £250 for buoys, £60 for toilets, and funds for a gateman's wages. Eighty-eight people applied for membership, accepting the annual fee of £8. Sailing at Selset began later that year.

The sailing section of the Glaxo Social Club and the Army Sailing Section from Catterick both played vital roles in establishing the Club. The Army provided early rescue boats, metal landing craft, and members who had previously sailed at Hartlepool but were keen to enjoy Selset's 'clean' water.

While groundwork was completed to improve access at Selset, the Club sailed at Balderhead during 1973. A report from 22 August 1973 records a race featuring two Fireballs, five GP14s, seven Mirrors, an Enterprise and a Kestrel.

That same year saw the formation of the Selset Oarsmen as a rowing section of the Club, adopting chocolate and cream as their colours. They quickly gained ten members and acquired three clinker sculls, a tub four, a shell pair and a scull. In favourable conditions, a four-lane, 2,000-metre course was possible. The Oarsmen moved to Hury Reservoir in 1976 and became Hury Rowing Club in 1979.

The 1974 season marked a return to Selset for both sailing and rowing, although the new road, dinghy park and clubhouse were still incomplete. Seventy-one dinghies were hauled around the hillside by Army vehicles and staked down in a temporary boat park in the "second bay" while construction continued.

The first clubhouse was basic: a wooden structure carpeted by members, with a curtained area serving as a changing room. A simple sign indicated whether it was in use by men or women. Early sailors wore whatever clothing they could find; wetsuits were homemade from DIY materials, cut from patterns and stitched, taped and sealed by hand.

Despite the modest facilities, the Club offered a full programme: racing on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and Wednesday evenings. Fleets included Mirrors, GP14s, Fireballs, Toppers, Lasers and a Handicap class. A monthly newsletter was published, and each December a formal Dinner Dance and Prize Giving was held.

In 1974 the Water Authority appointed a bailiff and a water safety officer to supervise activities. The safety officer operated from a small hut resembling a sentry box and would launch a rescue boat between June and September whenever a member or visitor wished to sail.

Selset was also an early adopter of windsurfing, which boosted membership. Windsurfers travelled long distances to enjoy the strong westerlies and the open 240-acre water. The Club hosted windsurfing open events, including a memorable midsummer midnight sail where participants carried flares and torches.

Facilities remained basic: two wooden buildings, a curtained changing area, a large Portaloo cabin, a small shed serving as the Race Office, and no running water or electricity. Heating, cooking and lighting were provided by gas.Members volunteered on rotas as Officer of the Day and Rescue Boat crews.

Water levels were generally high in the early years, leaving little shoreline when full. Heavy outboard engines were removed and stored after each session, often requiring two people to lift. Maintenance was entirely member-led, including the legendary tale of Keith Martin's two 35hp Evinrudes, one of which famously "fell off the back of the rescue boat."

The Club was ambitious from the outset. In 1976 and again in 1982 it hosted the UK Signet National Championships, attracting 25 boats. Open meetings were also held for Fireball, GP14, Mirror and Topper classes. The first windsurfing competition in 1979 drew competitors from across Britain, including Guernsey.

The community spirit was practical and hands-on. Members used company cars, chains, tank tracks and ingenuity to improve access and facilities, once even rolling hardcore with a brand-new BMW to create a road into the Quarry campsite. On another occasion, a company car ended up in the reservoir.