If you’re visiting this year’s PSP Southampton Boat Show, don’t forget to book your place on the free RYA Active Marina Experience.

From berthing and boat handling to engine maintenance and VHF, the free on-the-water and shore based workshops aim to provide visitors with the opportunity to refresh their boating skills and gain some real hands-on experience.

Sessions will be running throughout the show from 13-22 September.

A limited number of on-water workshops are now available to book in advance at www.rya.org.uk/go/activemarina

You can also book by visiting the ‘Try-a-Boat’ booking point on stand A140, when you arrive at the show. Participants must be aged 16 or over.

Shore based workshops will be held on the Which Marina Stand (F004) and can be booked in advance by emailing Bookings@which-marina.com

RYA yachting development officer Guy Malpas said: ‘The RYA Active Marina Experience has proved to be extremely popular at previous shows with workshops becoming fully booked every day so we are strongly advising people to book in advance.

‘This year’s offer provides even more opportunity to refresh your skills with two F40 yachts, Sealine 390 Flybridge, Pilothouse Cruiser (Quiksilver 580) and a RIB.’

The event, in association with On-The-Water and Which Marina, is part of the RYA Active Marina programme which encourages boaters to get out on the water more often by gaining more confidence and skills.

Last year 500 people took part in the RYA’s Active Marina Experience; the aim for 2013 is to involve 800 to 1,000 visitors.

Find the PBO stand

Don’t forget to visit PBO on the IPC Marine Media stand E001, meet the team and take advantage of our special show subscription offers to save money on Britain’s biggest-selling yachting magazine.

Find a free pull-out Standfinder map of the show in the September issue of PBO.