Sailors make waves with historic city anniversary challenge

And on Saturday, centre staff will be challenging adventure hungry locals to help them complete 400 laps of the tarn for the What’s Your 400? campaign, part of city-wide efforts to mark 400 years since Leeds received its first City Charter. The event was sparked by research carried out by outdoor activities coach Toby Cade.

Over the past two decades, the centre has given thousands of visitors the chance to learn exciting water sports like sailing and paddleboarding alongside other exciting outdoor pursuits such as orienteering and off-road biking.

For this Saturday’s (June 6) open day, participants can come along and complete laps of the tarn either on the water, by sailing, kayaking or paddleboarding, or on foot, with a team of qualified instructors on hand for those who want try getting safely out on the water.

Sessions are bookable in advance online at Leeds Sailing and Activity Centre | Active Leeds

Doors will open at 9am and the centre team will be counting every lap made until the end of the open day at 1pm.

Adam-Peter Gair, outdoor activities manager at the centre, said: “We’re so proud that we’ve been open for 20 years and that we’ve given so many people the chance to get active out on the water and try something different in such a beautiful part of Leeds.

“The team thought it was only right that we mark the centre’s anniversary and play our part in celebrating What’s Your 400? in our own way.

“It’s a historic year for us and for Leeds and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to the tarn this weekend.”

Launched earlier this year, the What’s Your 400? campaign calls on everyone in Leeds to showcase the best of the city and its communities by coming up with their own creative ideas for activities, events or challenges, all themed around the number 400.

Examples could include anything from walking, running, cycling, baking, volunteering, dancing or painting, but no idea is too big or too small.

Anyone completing a What’s Your 400? challenge is then asked to share their efforts on social media using #WhatsYour400 and download their own certificate online to celebrate their accomplishment.

The campaign is part of city-wide celebrations for Leeds 400 which commemorate four centuries since the very first Leeds City Charter was bestowed on the city by King Charles I in 1626.

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, said: “It’s inspiring to see so many people across the city getting into the spirit of Leeds 400 and commemorating this landmark year in their own way.

“As a city, Leeds has such a unique story and personality and it’s exciting to see that reflected in the breadth and creativity of ideas coming forward for Leeds 400.”

Anyone in Leeds is invited to be part of What’s Your 400? and participants can find out more about how to get involved and download a certificate by visiting What's Your 400? | Culture Programmes

More information about Leeds 400 and the events programme can also be found at: Welcome to Leeds 400 – A Year of Celebration | Culture Programmes

ENDS