Owners of sailing club 'heartbroken' after fire

The sailing club estimates repairs could cost thousands

The owners of a historical sailing club said they were "heartbroken" after the building was destroyed by an accidental fire.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service was called to the University Community Sailing Club (UCSC) in Waterside Marina, Brightlingsea, at about 11:33 BST on Friday.

Vice commodore Ian Muckle had been in the building minutes before he received a call to say it was on fire.

He recalled: "A lot of the girls had been out rowing as well, they were all standing on the street crying which you can understand. I must admit I was not far off myself."

The fire happened on Friday morning

Mr Muckle said it was "absolutely heartbreaking" to later inspect the "total devastation" done to the building by the fire.

He explained: "Most of the windows are broken, half of the furniture is gone and obviously the smoke and water damage is incredible.

"The front half of the building is gone completely. Some is still standing up, the main structure is charred beyond repair."

He has worked in the building trade for more than 50 years and estimated it would cost thousands to repair.

Discussions are taking place with the insurance company.

Half of the furniture in the club building was destroyed

The building dates back to about 1760 and has been used a church and a sail making loft.

Since the 1960s it has been a sailing club and it was purchased by UCSC from the University of Essex about 11 years ago.

"We've gone from strength to strength with rowing and sailing, this is a big slap in the face," Mr Muckle said.

Rowers can still access the boatyard but the rest of the building cannot be used.

Neighbour Martyn Bignell saw the blaze from his house which is opposite the club.

He said: "I saw the smoke careering down the street - you could see the yacht club firmly ablaze."

He praised fire crews who had the blaze contained by 13:15 BST.

An investigation by the service found the cause of the fire was accidental but it spread quickly due to a failed external gas pipe and the timber frame.

Club users were crying as the building burnt on Friday

Firefighters tried to save artefacts from the fire on Friday, and Mr Muckle was delighted they managed to save old framed photos belonging to the club.

He said: "They did really well, actually. Incredible. It was an old timber framed building with 300 years of lead paint on the outside.

"When it's all put back together they will be nice reminders of what was."