EXCLUSIVE Prestigious sailing club wages bitter legal battle with wealthy landlord: Members of historic Sussex yacht club claim they are being forced out by tycoon who wants to 'seize' control for his own rival outfit By Megan Howe Published: 12:44 BST, 27 May 2024 | Updated: 13:27 BST, 27 May 2024 e-mail View comments A prestigious sailing club which has navigated the same lake for more than 50 years claims it is being forced out amid a bitter legal battle with a wealthy landlord. Weir Wood Sailing Club, which is located near the forest which inspired Winnie the Pooh's 'Hundred Acre Wood', has offered yachting and windsurfing since 1966. But it has been hit by a number of charges from their new landlord who claims the historic club is in breach of its lease.
The club has been accused of placing yachts and two memorial benches to members on land not covered by their agreed terms. And members were also alleged to have neglected the correct social distancing measures during the Covid-19 pandemic. But organisers say the new landlord has 'cooked up' the breaches in an attempt to force them out to make way for his own rival sailing club.
The club says it is being dragged into court over the claims and forced to pay for costly legal advice. Weir Wood reservoir in Forest Row, East Sussex, where a sailing club based there faces a legal battle with their landlord The club has offered yachting and windsurfing on the same stretch of water since 1966 Weir Wood Sailing Club (pictured) has.
