A VOLUNTARY club which teaches children, adults and the elderly how to sail has been dealt a bitter blow after cruel thieves stole all of the outboard motor engines from its emergency rescue boats.

Four of the Yamaha devices worth an estimated £20,000 were wrenched and cut from the crafts belonging to charity The Enfield Scout Sailing Association during a night-time raid on its lakeside base by Meadgate Road, Nazeing.

Trustee and principal Marion Caslake said the many children who have sessions at the club, including scouts, girl guides, school pupils and youngsters with special needs, had been left deeply upset by the “despicable” burglary.

She said: “We'd only just spent lots of money and got all our safety boats sorted with brand new engines just before Christmas, so this is devastating.

“We use the emergency crafts in case anyone gets into difficulties like if a boat capsizes. We simply can't sail without them.

“We've managed to cobble together some smaller engines but there is an increased risk now because they're not as powerful so it takes longer to get to someone in a safety situation.

“We've never had anyone drown, but in those types of situations every second counts when you're trying to rescue someone.”

Police believe a gang of men broke into the base by travelling by boat across the club's lagoon.

The rescue boats were locked, clamped and hidden away from the shoreline on several trailers, leading staff to suspect the raid had been carefully planned out in advance.

Ms Caslake added: “It's going to cost us thousands to get new engines. We'll also need to get new CCTV cameras and other security. Some of it will be covered by our insurance but of course we'd much rather be spending the money on the boats and the children.”

Anyone with any information about the burglary, which happened sometime between 9.30pm on Wednesday May 5 and 10am on Friday May 7, is urged to contact Epping Police Station on 0300 333 4444.

If you would like to help the club, or for more information about its courses, visit essa.org.uk or call 07773 449205.