A FORMER commodore has returned to a 124-year-old yacht club to lead a last-ditch attempt to save Rhyl's sailing heritage.

Established in 1894, Rhyl Yacht Club is offering people the opportunity to have a look around and find out more about its activities at two free open days.

After gauging interest, the club will then decide, once and for all, whether to apply for access to the Marine Lake from the town council.

The renewed efforts of the club to reverse dwindling numbers of yachtsmen is being spearheaded by a new committee and ex-commodore David Clayton, who has come back aboard after leaving more than three years ago.

Mr Clayton said: "We have some really amazing kit at the Marine Lake clubhouse, including wetsuits and vessels, which have been largely unused and will just degrade if left. It will be an awful waste."

The Royal Yachting Association-affiliated club has enjoyed a successful and vibrant history.

As recently as 2008, the last year it competed in a regatta, it won the Journal cup and last December former member Julian Thomas, who joined in 2012, embarked upon a solo voyage to the Canary Islands

However, membership has been declining for a decade and the Marine Lake has not been seen any sailing for three years.

Mr Clayton added: "Sailors like Julian Thomas are a positive role model to young people in Rhyl to give them something they can aspire to."

"It seems a real shame for Marine Lake, the jewel of Rhyl's crown, to be unused.

"It's ideal for learning to sail and deserves to be 'lifted'. It may just be revived if given a chance."

The free open days will take place on Saturday and Sunday, April 28 and 29, from 10am-4pm and people of all ages are welcome.

Anyone interested is invited to report to the clubhouse on Foryd Road. Refreshments will be available.