Scotland gets ready to 'Push the Boat Out'
by Claire Caffrey, RYA Scotland 16 Apr 2015 08:09 BST
9-17 May 2015
Accessible sailing at Castle Semple © RYA Scotland
Sailing clubs and watersports centres across Scotland will be offering FREE and low cost opportunities to get out on the water and try a new sport in May as part of national RYA Push the Boat Out 2015 (9-17 May).
RYA Push the Boat Out offers nationwide sailing and windsurfing taster sessions introducing newcomers of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to the sports. And for the first time ever this year Push the Boat Out will run over nine days - two weekends and five weekdays - to give people even more chance to have a go!
Last year 260 clubs and centres in Britain hosted Push the Boat Out events with 17,000 people trying sailing or windsurfing for the first time over one weekend.
"Push The Boat Out is a great way for us to promote the sport nationally and to encourage as many people as possible to get out on the water. Whether you have never sat in a boat in your life or you are looking to return to the sport after a break, get yourself, your friends and your family down to your local club or centre for a great day on the water and to meet lots of new people" said Liza Linton from RYA Scotland.
Each open day and taster session will be different depending on the activities each club or centre offers, but all Push the Boat Out events are geared up to showcase what the sports are all about from the freedom of being on the water to the social buzz of club life and will highlight just how accessible sailing actually is to everyone.
The Scottish clubs and centres already signed up to Push the Boat Out in May include Castle Semple Sailing Club who has teamed up Clyde Muirshiel Regional Centre to deliver a fun filled day on the water. Others include Port Edgar Watersports in Edinburgh, Dalgety Bay Sailing Club in Fife and Nairn Sailing Club in the north. Some 10 clubs and centres across Scotland have signed up in total.
All you need for any of the Open Days or 'have a go' sessions are a change of clothes, soft soled shoes and a towel and the clubs/centres will provide everything else. Booking is essential for some of the activities. Refreshments will be available and a friendly smile guaranteed as BBQs and other social activities also take place to give newcomers a warm welcome.
In 2014, the nation's sailing clubs gained more than 1,000 personal memberships through Push the Boat Out with more than 500 families also becoming members of the clubs they visited. For full details on Push the Boat Out 2015 and what's going on in your area visit www.rya.org.uk/go/ptbo