Gareth Brookes, from the Royal Yachting Association, with Chase Sailing Club's Libby Constance
Gareth Brookes, from the Royal Yachting Association, with Chase Sailing Club's Libby Constance
Gareth Brookes, from the Royal Yachting Association, with Chase Sailing Club’s Libby Constance

Water sports enthusiasts have set sail on a full Chasewater reservoir for the first time in over three years.

Chase Sailing Club and the Chase Water Sports Centre were back on the water after heavy rainfall refilled the site for the first time since 2010 after work had been completed on a £5.5million dam repair project

Both clubs will be holding open days on May 6 to show new members what is on offer.

Libby Constance, from Chase Sailing Club, said: “We certainly didn’t expect the water to be back at this level so soon.

“In 2010 our club members had to find alternative venues to continue to participate in the sport.

“Now we’re back as one cohesive body which is wonderful.

“Our club is run entirely by volunteers seven days a week and we’re not a seasonal sport. We’re keen for anyone interested to get in touch or come along to our free open day.”

Scott Darby, from Chase Water Sports, added: “It’s fantastic to be back on Chasewater and to see the reservoir looking like it does – the transformation in less than 12 months has been remarkable.

“We’ve been here for over 50 years and unfortunately our members had to travel elsewhere while the reservoir was empty.

“We’ve had British and world champion water skiers and wakeboarders come out of this club and we hope to see some more. I hope people come along to find out more on May 6.”

Work to repair the 200-year-old dam, which is 560 metres long, was completed in October 2011.

Staffordshire County Council’s structures manager David Burns said: “It was important to us is to see the sports clubs and the general public enjoying Chasewater again.

“This was a major project for us which needed completing as soon as possible for safety reasons as well as to restore the reservoir. To see it full again so soon is unexpected but an added bonus.”

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.