Royal Southampton YC

Gins became the victim of flooding during the high tide on Monday, March 10, 2008 with much of the grounds underwater and the car park and dinghy park flooded as the Beaulieu River flooded over the sea wall.

Gins chairman Robin Funnell said: "This was caused by the exceptional high spring tide coupled with extraordinarily low pressure and high winds. The river level rose to such an extent that it exceeded the height of the bank in front of the Clubhouse and flowed over the paved area towards the rear into the dinghy park.

"Most of the damage has been surface material washed away leaving gaping holes and exposed drainage pipes etc. Inside the Clubhouse there has not been much in the way of identifiable damage but water managed to flow in via the windows of the Steward’s and Boatswain’s offices. This was possible because the sunken area immediately outside these offices was under about one metre of water.

"The damage is mainly a good soaking with about two inches of water reported in the downstairs areas. How much damage this has caused remains to be seen and an insurance assessor will visit to make an inspection in due course.

"The pathway leading to the bridge down to the pontoon has had most of its surface dressing removed and large swathes of gravel have been washed away from the raised area at the head of the car park. Much of this has been deposited further into the car park.

"From the pictures I have seen, and the reports I have heard, most of the fields surrounding Gins were under water with the brook at the side naturally unable to flow the water away.