Free sailing and windsurfing opportunities this summer

Laura Hodgetts

Get on the water with the RYA's summer of sailing

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From the glory of the Rio 2016 Games to the adventure of the Swallows and Amazons film remake, there’s never been a better time to feel inspired and to get out on the water.

Following the recent success of Push the Boat Out, the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) are offering a whole summer of sailing with even more opportunities for everyone to get afloat.

RYA director of sport development, Duncan Truswell said: ‘We know sailing is a sport for all and we’re delighted to announce that more than 40 venues across the country will be running free ‘try sailing and windsurfing’ taster sessions this summer.’

Supported by the RYA, the events will provide the chance to discover what it’s like to get out on the water and sample life at a local club or training centre. Whether you’re a newcomer, a family or you’ve sailed before and want to get back into a boat, there’ll be something for everyone.

Duncan added: ‘Sailing often carries this unfair misconception as being inaccessible and expensive. The reality could not be further from the truth and we want to prove that to the public this summer.

‘Many sailing facilities have recently benefitted from substantial investment to improve their facilities and have boats and equipment available so newcomers can get on the water without needing to buy their own kit.’

The free sailing and windsurfing taster sessions kick off on 25 June at Alton Watersports Centre in Ipswich and West Kirby Sailing Club in Wirral.

Events will running across the country until the end of September.

Click here to find your nearest free taster session

There’ll also be free sailing and windsurfing at the RYA Sail for Gold Roadshow events which take place during the Olympic Sailing Medal Race week.

For more information on how you can get afloat this summer visit www.rya.org.uk/startboating