Push The Boat Out at Aldeburgh Yacht Club
by Karoline Newman 19 May 2018 12:34 BST
13 May 2018
Visitors of all ages came to Push The Boat Out at Aldeburgh © Fleur Hayles
A great day at Aldeburgh Yacht Club as visitors enjoyed 'Push The Boat Out'
There was sunshine and a gentle breeze on Sunday 13 May as Aldeburgh Yacht Club welcomed in excess of 100 visitors to its Push The Boat Out open day, part of the RYA nationwide initiative to encourage more people to enjoy sailing. Going afloat aboard the Club's dinghies, yachts and powerboats to explore the delights of the Alde were children, families and adventurous adults.
Launching a training yacht
Aldeburgh Yacht Club capitalised on 'Push The Boat Out' to rededicate and launch 'Zero Proof' a training yacht, recently purchased by the Club. This Sonata keelboat is available to hire for skippered charters such as river picnics and even weekend Club racing as well as lessons. Following a few words of welcome by the Commodore Patrick Hill, in time honoured tradition Zero Proof's bows were splashed with a sparkling libation. Reet Gilday, the wife of the Club's Rear Commodore poured the Prosecco as a cheer went up from the Clubhouse.
Try Sailing Days at AYC
AYC is hosting a number of 'Try Sailing' days in June, when anyone can come and have a go. These sessions are free to non-members.
- Wed 6th June at 3pm, as part of AYC's 'Ladies Who Launch' programme
- Sunday 10th June from 10-12 noon as part of the Club Sailing - for adults and children
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to get involved.
In addition to the Try Sailing sessions, the AYC Schools Programme, supported by Suffolk Secrets and AYC Members, will take place in June. Sailing is recognised as a great sport to learn Creativity, Teamwork, Determination, Communication, Independence and Confidence. AYC is delighted that four schools from the local area have committed to offer this experience to the pupils.
Suffolk Secrets has kindly sponsored both AYC's Push The Boat Out day and the various Try Sailing sessions.
Patrick Hill, Aldeburgh Yacht Club's Commodore commented, "We were delighted to welcome so many people. The Clubhouse was busy all day and the atmosphere was great - lots of happy people with smiling faces enjoying the wonderful facilities the Club has to offer – on and off the water. There were families booking sailing courses for the holidays, and others looking forward to getting back into boats. I think everyone had a great day and summer is beckoning."
As a result of Push The Boat Out on 13 May, some 50 people joined Aldeburgh Yacht Club. Clearly the enthusiasm of the Club's many friendly members who volunteered to welcome guests and get the visitors out on the water made a very positive impression.
www.aldeburghyc.org.uk