A HISTORIC clubhouse has been demolished to make way for essential flood defences.

The clubhouse, home to the Sussex Yacht Club, opened in 1950 but closed for good last November to make way for defences to protect residents in Shoreham.

Demolition of the building was completed last week in preparation for their installation, alongside a new cycle route.

Kevin Headon, commodore of the Sussex Yacht Club, said: “Many memories were made in the old clubhouse, over many years, so there was certainly a feeling of nostalgia when we said our last goodbyes this week.

“But we have retained some important historical features from the building that celebrate this history that we are so proud of.”

Construction of a new clubhouse started in 2019 and opened in the summer after delays due to the pandemic.

As the home to the charity Sussex Sailability, which helps people with disabilities to sail, the new development is among one of the most accessible centres in the UK.

Kevin said: “The new development is an asset to the club and to the town of Shoreham.

“It was not without its challenges, but thanks to an army of support from our members who helped with the final touches to our clubhouse, we were delighted to fully reopen in the summer, welcoming back our existing members, together with the many new visitors wanting to make the most of the new facilities on offer.”

The yacht club is one of the oldest sailing clubs in the UK, established in 1892 by a group of yachting enthusiasts in order to further the sport.

The club established Sussex Sailability in 2001, which is one of the largest disabled sailing clubs along the South Coast and provides opportunities for people with a wide range of physical, sensory and learning disabilities to take to the water.

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