Thousands of people and hundreds of sailing clubs, centres and marinas across the country will be taking part in ‘Push the Boat Out’ this weekend.
 
The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) event aims to appeal to all abilities, from people who are completely new to the sport, to those looking to get back on the water and regular sailors.

From 18-19 May, there will be open days, have-a-go sessions and fun events for all the family taking place nationwide.

RYA Sport Development Manager Jon White said: ‘Push the Boat Out provides the opportunity for clubs and centres to hold ‘have a go’ sessions and open days on the same weekend, showcasing the sport and celebrating a national weekend of sailing.

‘With over 100 clubs and centres across the country already signed up for the event from Yorkshire to Cornwall, it’s set to be a weekend to remember.’

Papercourt Sailing Club near Ripley in Surrey will be holding a whole host of activities including taster sessions, tours of the club’s facilities and afternoon tea.
 
In Middlesex, Queen Mary Sailability are inviting people with physical disabilities to come and sail in the Paralympic Skud class boat and discover how accessible the sport is with specifically designed equipment, pontoons and boats.

Events taking place in Scotland include an open day at Loch Venachar Sailing Club in Perthshire from 11am until 8pm on Saturday with ‘have a go’ sailing sessions. Largs Sailing Club is offering windsurfing and dinghy ‘have
go sessions’ and opportunities to meet with their cruising group.

In Lochwinnoch at Castle Semple there is the chance to try sailing, windsurfing and rowing from 10am onwards on Saturday.

Largo Bay Sailing Club is opening its doors to the public on Saturday at noon, while at Forfar Sailing Club there is an open day with sailing tasters on Forfar Loch from 10am on Saturday.

Mr White added: ‘So many people were inspired by the London 2012 Games and Push the Boat Out provides the perfect opportunity for clubs to encourage people to get down to their local sailing venue, have a go and find out how just easy it is to get involved in the sport.’

Paralympic gold medallist Helena Lucas, who officially launched the
event back in March, said: ‘It’s
a fantastic opportunity to get the nation out sailing and having lots
of fun.’

For more information on RYA Push the Boat Out and to locate your nearest event visit www.rya.org.uk/go/ptbo

Picture: Dinghy sailing fun. Credit: Rockley Watersports