Four of the leading boating and watersports organisations have joined
forces to encourage the entire nation to get on the
water for a month of fun.

The British Canoe Union (BCU), British Marine Federation (BMF),
British Rowing and the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) have teamed up to announce that in 2014 the month of May is to be National
Watersports Month.

The event aims to kick start a summer of
sport and to provide a month-long schedule of activities across the country.

Canoeing, sailing, rowing, windsurfing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding and
cruising will all be on offer from clubs, centres and marinas
across England, Scotland and Wales.

The BCU, BMF, British Rowing and RYA each work to encourage boating
and watersports participation at every level and next year will work
together to bring further awareness to the country showcasing the routes
into water-based sports.

Following on from the sailing, rowing and canoeing successes of the
London 2012 Olympic Games there has been an increase in interest in
boating and watersports and this event is designed to inspire those looking to take up a new
pastime or re-establish a hobby.

Events will include open days, taster events and have-a-go
sessions.

London Boat Show launch

National Watersports Month will be officially launched at the 2014
London Boat Show on Wednesday 8 January at the
Watersports pool.

Another London Boat Show diary date is the Cruising Association (CA) open evening on Saturday 11 January.
 
Doors open at 18.00 and the event will include short presentations on ‘Going Foreign’ as well as sailing in the Baltic, Biscay and Mediterranean.

There will also be tours of CA House which is home to a library of charts, pilot books and almanacs from around the world as well as every PBO from issue one in 1967!

Visitors will also be able to see the cabins which are available for all members to use as a great B & B in central London.
 
The bar and restaurant on the ground floor will also be open and members will be on hand to explain everything the CA does to help people enjoy being on the water.
 
CA House is based in Limehouse Basin – E14 8BT – from the boat show take the DLR from Custom House direct to Limehouse towards Tower Gateway.

Find out more at www.londonboatshow.com