Black Country Ready to 'Push the Boat Out' in May

It’s less than two weeks until eight Black Country and South Staffordshire sailing clubs and watersports centres open their doors for FREE and low cost sailing and windsurfing as part of national RYA Push The Boat Out 2015!

Between 9-17 May you and your family can 'have a go' at a new sport that is much more accessible than you might think, right on your doorstep.

As Gareth Brookes, RYA Regional Development Officer for the Midlands, explains: "People think sailing is an expensive sport to get into, but the reality in the West Midlands is you don’t even need to own a boat. A family of four can be members of a local club for as little as £10-15 a month, and all clubs have boats you can borrow for a morning, afternoon or evening from as little as £3-5, or sometimes for free, depending on the boat and club or centre."

RYA Push the Boat Out is a nationwide festival of sailing and windsurfing introducing newcomers of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to the sports. 

The Black Country clubs hosting Push The Boat Out events include Aldridge SC with Walsall Sailability, Dudley SC, Himley Hall SC and Sandwell Valley SC with Chasewater Outdoor Education Centre, Greensforge SC, Manor Park SC and South Staffordshire SC also hosting events in South Staffs. Some 27 clubs and centres across the West Midlands have signed up to Push the Boat Out in total.

Meanwhile, Blithfield SC, near Abbots Bromley, will be holding their traditional annual Open Day on Bank Holiday Monday 4 May.

All you need for any of the Open Days or ‘try sailing’ sessions are a warm clothes, soft soled shoes and a waterproof and the clubs/centres will provide the rest. 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.

Gareth continues: "We’ve already enjoyed incredible weather this year, and there’s no better way to enjoy the summer than being on the water. Sailing can be as physical or relaxing as you want it, while watching the sun set over the water with a drink after sailing’s done is one of the sport’s hidden appeals. Tens of thousands of people across Britain will be 'pushing the boat out' in May, we would love you to amongst them!"

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. For full details on RYA Push The Boat Out 2015 and what’s going on near you visit www.rya.org.uk/go/ptbo

- ENDS -
 
For more information:
Karenza Morton
RYA West Midlands Regional Communicator
Tel: 07837 707630
Email: press@tenpointstick.co.uk
Twitter: @RYAMidlands
Website: www.rya.org.uk/regions/westmidlands
 
About the RYA
·         The RYA is the national body for all forms of recreational, competitive and professional boating.  It represents dinghy and yacht racing, motor and sail cruising, RIBs and sports boats, powerboat racing, windsurfing, inland cruising and personal watercraft.
 
·         The RYA is recognised by all government offices as being the negotiating body for the activities it represents. It continually fights for the rights and freedoms of its 102,000 personal members, the majority of whom choose to go afloat for purely recreational non-competitive pleasure on coastal and inland waters. There are an estimated further 500,000 boat owners nationally who are members of RYA affiliated clubs and class associations.
 
·         The RYA also sets and maintains a recognised standard for recreational boat training through a network of 2,340 RYA Recognised Training Centres in over 43 countries. On average 155,000 people per year complete RYA training courses.
 
·         The RYA is committed to promoting all forms of boating and making them accessible to everyone.
 
·         Love Boating?  Then why not join the association that promotes and protects, safe, successful and rewarding British boating.  Join today and support the RYA in protecting your boating rights and freedoms.  Take advantage of free advice and support on all aspects of your boating, as well as enjoying a range of fantastic personal member offers.  Find out more by calling 0844 556 9556, email member.services@rya.org.uk


You can find the RYA at RYA House, Ensign Way, Hamble, Southampton, SO31 4YA or visit www.rya.org.uk