Our People & History
A club built by generations of sailors, families and volunteers.
More than just a sailing club
Since 1958, Newburgh Sailing Club has brought people together on the banks of the River Tay.
From the volunteers who keep the club running today to those who helped establish it, people have always been at the heart of our story.
Our history is one of friendship, commitment, shared adventures and a lasting love of sailing.
Meet our committee
THE NEWBURGH BEAR
Meet our committee
Our volunteer committee helps keep Newburgh Sailing Club running, welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.
Committee portraits will be added when verified club photographs are available.
Samantha Innes
CommodoreA long-standing member dedicated to the club's development and welcoming atmosphere.
Read Samantha's story
Samantha has been a member of Newburgh Sailing Club for 36 years and has supported the club in a variety of roles. She currently sails an Enterprise with her daughter.
As Commodore, Samantha is committed to listening to members, supporting volunteers and helping the club develop while maintaining its friendly, inclusive atmosphere.
She particularly values the dedication of the committee and the many members who give their time to make the club such a welcoming place.
Katie Innes
Vice CommodorePassionate about inclusion, equal opportunities and supporting fellow members.
Read Katie's story
Katie has been involved with the club's committee for six years and currently serves as Vice Commodore.
She is passionate about creating equal opportunities and ensuring everyone feels welcome and supported, both on and off the water.
Katie enjoys contributing to the club's development and hopes one day to become its youngest Commodore.
Nick Davies
Rear Commodore & Club SecretaryAn experienced volunteer supporting sailing, administration and the day-to-day running of the club.
Read Nick's story
Nick has been a member of Newburgh Sailing Club for around 15 years.
Alongside sailing, he regularly contributes to Safety Boat and Officer of the Day duties, maintenance and many other practical aspects of club life.
Nick especially values the club's friendly, family-focused atmosphere and the willingness of members to support one another.
Having served as Secretary for several years, he has also taken on the role of Rear Commodore, helping the club continue to develop.
John Cameron
TreasurerSupporting the club through financial management and administration.
Read John's story
John serves as the club's Treasurer, helping manage its finances and support ongoing club activities.
A fuller personal introduction will be added soon.
Gill Mearns
Club Welfare OfficerHelping provide a safe, supportive and welcoming environment for all members.
Read Gill's story
Gill has been involved with Newburgh Sailing Club for around seven years, initially through her son's participation.
She values the club's friendly atmosphere and the opportunities it provides for people of all ages to enjoy sailing.
As Club Welfare Officer, Gill supports safeguarding, oversees PVG checks for volunteers and provides a point of contact for welfare concerns.
Her priority is helping everyone feel safe, respected and able to enjoy their time at the club.
Fiona McAllion
Committee MemberContributing to club activities and supporting the wider volunteer committee.
Read Fiona's story
Fiona serves as a committee member, contributing to the running of Newburgh Sailing Club and supporting its activities.
A fuller personal introduction will be added soon.
Eoin Wilson
Committee MemberA family-focused member and Enterprise sailor who enjoys helping wherever needed.
Read Eoin's story
Eoin has been a member of Newburgh Sailing Club for around 10 years, originally becoming involved when he and his family brought their children along.
He currently sails an Enterprise with Alison. Together, they regularly help with Safety Boat and Officer of the Day duties, maintenance, fundraising and a wide variety of other club activities.
Eoin particularly values the club's strong family focus and the willingness of members to help wherever they are needed. He enjoys being part of such a friendly and active community.
Having completed several RYA courses through Newburgh Sailing Club, Eoin joined the committee during the last year. He has enjoyed becoming more involved and contributing positively to the club's future.
Get involved
Join our volunteersHelp with sailing, events, maintenance or club activities.
Contact the club →Our story through the years
From a handful of sailing enthusiasts to generations of families enjoying the River Tay, our club has a story worth celebrating.
Where it all began
Newburgh Sailing Club was founded in 1958 by a small group of local sailing enthusiasts who wanted to enjoy dinghy sailing on the River Tay.
What began with a handful of boats and volunteers grew into a long-established community club, still run by its members today.
From the beginning, our riverside location provided wide open water, changing winds and tides, creating a wonderful place to sail and learn.
Building a home beside the river
When the club was formed, W. D. Farquharson made land available so members could establish a permanent base on the waterfront.
The clubhouse was built through fundraising, volunteer work and the practical efforts of members.
A gift for future generations
William D. Farquharson gifted the land to the club in trust, helping secure its home for future generations of sailors.
A club for families and friends
Over the decades, generations of local families have learned to sail at Newburgh.
Many members first visited as children and later returned with families of their own, keeping club traditions alive.
Part of our local community
Overlooking Mugdrum Island, the club has maintained strong links with Newburgh and the surrounding area.
Races, training sessions, open days and social events all depend on members giving their time to help others.
Our story continues
Newburgh Sailing Club remains volunteer-run, welcoming beginners, experienced sailors and future generations.
The Farquharson legacy
W. D. Farquharson Esq. J.P. played a central role in the early development of Newburgh Sailing Club.
His support helped establish a permanent riverside home. He served several periods as Commodore and was later recognised as Honorary Life Commodore.
In 1982, his gift of the club land in trust helped protect the club's future for generations to come.
The Newburgh Bear
One of Newburgh's distinctive landmarks has a story reaching back through medieval history, heraldry and legend.
A remarkable local story
The Newburgh Bear is associated with the historic bear and ragged staff emblem of the Earls of Warwick.
The story connects the Bear Stone, Lindores Abbey, medieval families and local legends.
The hillside figure on Park Hill was created in 1980 as a community project. Its outline became a distinctive part of the landscape near Newburgh.
Discover the Bear's history
Explore the stories and traditions behind this unusual landmark.
The Bear Stone and Lindores Abbey
The Bear Stone is traditionally associated with the former Abbot's residence at Lindores Abbey.
Its carving features the bear and ragged staff emblem, associated with the Earls of Warwick.
Historical interpretations connect the carving with Guy, the first Abbot of Lindores Abbey.
The bear and ragged staff legends
The emblem is associated with legends reaching back to the time of King Arthur.
One story tells of Arthgal, whose name was associated with the bear.
Another tells of Morvidus, who supposedly defeated a giant using a young tree pulled up by its roots.
The stories also include Guy of Warwick and his legendary battle with the giant Colebrand.
These are traditional legends, not verified historical events.
Newburgh, Warwick and the Abbey
The historical account traces links between the Newburgh family, the Earls of Warwick and Lindores Abbey.
Henry de Newburgh became Earl of Warwick in 1076.
The story also follows the Huntingdon earldom, including David, Earl of Huntingdon, who founded Lindores Abbey.
The hillside Bear created in 1980
The Bear on Park Hill was created in 1980 as a local festival and community project.
Its outline was ploughed by a worker from Parkhill Farm, with permission from Mr Tom Howieson.
The figure was formed from a shallow trench. Vegetation was periodically removed to maintain its outline.
Our past Commodores
Recognising members who have guided Newburgh Sailing Club through its history.
Samantha Innes
2025 – Present
View the Commodores archive
Honours & achievements
Celebrating our champions and the traditions behind our club trophies.
Club Champion
Simon Richards
Jean Lauder Trophy
Fiona Spain
Cadet Trophy
Scott Ferguson
Recognising younger sailors
Club Champions archive
Jean Lauder Trophy archive
Cadet Trophy archive
Be part of our story
Every member adds something to Newburgh Sailing Club. Whether you're new to sailing or have years of experience, we'd love to welcome you.
Discover membership