Judi celebrates decade at docklands sailing and watersport centre

“I love the water and this is the best job I could ever have,” said Judi, who lives in Wapping. “I have 25 acres of water out there, not that I get much time to use it.”

The organisation is self-funded, rather than receiving hand-outs from the council, and Judi and her team of instructors regularly host hundreds of children and adults at the popular sailing club, leaving little spare time.

It is her work with children and disabled club members which gives her most satisfaction. The youngest sailors are aged from eight to 16.

“They are just ordinary kids who could probably be wayward but when they are here they obey the rules,” she says. “We’ve not had to ban a child, but if they misbehave we tell them they can’t go into the water again that day, and they usually come back the next day with their tail between their legs.”

The learning pays off, with many youngsters going on to become instructors at the club. Two have also become officers with leading cruise companies.

With 250 adult members the centre is just as popular with older sailors. From financial high fliers at Canary Wharf to young mothers on the Isle of Dogs, the club attracts a variety of sailing fans.

Judi’s biggest challenge over the last 10 years has been making the money to keep membership costs down to £110 a year for adults and £20 for children.

Cash comes from specific grants from sailing bodies, as well donations and regular fundraising events, such as dragonboat races.

With a bar, the centre has also become a popular venue for functions such as weddings, but she is also hoping businesses can help out financially.

“The youth programme is £60 a child but we charge £25 to cover staff costs,” she said. “We are trying to get companies to sponsor 10 children. If I get 20 companies to do that it would relieve the pressure in taking on all the kids.”

Go to www.dswc.org for information.