Free Sessions Open up Sailing for all in the Black Country in May

If you thought sailing was something you could never do, five Black Country clubs will show you it is with free RYA Push The Boat Out ‘have-a-go’ sessions in May!

Aldridge, Sandwell Valley, Dudley, Himley Hall and Greensforge sailing clubs are all giving you and your family the chance to discover something completely different outdoors at free sailing and windsurfing events from Saturday 13 – Sunday 21 May.

Over 20,000 people of all ages and abilities regularly go down to their local sailing club every month across the Midlands, sailing small sailboats or windsurfing on the region’s reservoirs, lakes and rivers and just loving the freedom and buzz of being on the water. 

You don’t even need a boat to learn to sail locally as clubs have ones you can use, while if your whole family found you enjoyed messing about in boats so much you wanted to join a local club it could cost just £20 a month, or even less, for all of you. 

Still think sailing isn’t for you? Gareth Brookes, RYA Regional Development Officer for the Midlands, believes Push The Boat Out will change your mind.

He said: "If you want to find a new activity that gets you outdoors, gets the air in your lungs, helps you clear your mind, gives your body a bit of a work out and that you can do with your whole family if you wish, sailing could be your answer.

"Through Push The Boat Out, you will be able to get out on the water with experienced sailors who you will find to be exactly like you in a boat suitable for you. That is why sailing really is one of the most inclusive sports around.

"Whether you want a leisurely sail with your family, to experience something a bit more high octane or just potter about with your partner, our Black Country clubs can offer all of this as well as a brilliant social network in what, for so many people, becomes a genuinely lifelong pastime.”

Don’t worry about kit, packing a lunch or anything else for Push The Boat Out; every event will provide all the equipment you need with refreshments available. So grab a towel and some old trainers you don’t mind getting wet and sail into summer with Push The Boat Out. For the full details of your nearest event visit www.rya.org.uk/PTBO2017

ENDS

For more information:

Karenza Morton

RYA Midlands Regional Communicator

Tel: 07837 707630

Email: press@tenpointstick.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/RYAMidlands

Twitter: @RYAMidlands

Website: www.rya.org.uk/rya-regions/midlands

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 sportsboats, 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 106,000 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 recognised standards for training for both leisure and commercial boating through a network of more than 2,400 RYA Recognised Training Centres in 50 countries. More than 220,000 people per year complete RYA training courses.

• The RYA is committed to promoting all forms of boating and making them accessible to everyone.  For more information please refer to our website www.rya.org.uk

• You can find the RYA at RYA House, Ensign Way, Hamble, Southampton, SO31 4YA 

• Love Boating? Why not join the association that promotes and protects, safe, successful and rewarding 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 or visit www.rya.org.uk