Have a go at Sailing as the Black Country prepares to Push the Boat Out

People of all ages and abilities across the Black Country and South Staffs will be invited to ‘have a go’ at sailing and windsurfing when the county’s sailing clubs and watersports centres open their doors for national RYA Push the Boat Out weekend next month.

Whether you’re completely new to the sport or looking to get back on the water after a break away, clubs including Dudley SC, Himley Hall SC and Greensforge SC, will be amongst hundreds of sailing clubs and centres nationwide welcoming all-comers as part of RYA Push the Boat Out on 17-18 May.

Open days, have-a-go sessions and family fun events are all taking place as part of the Push the Boat Out, with many of the events absolutely FREE!

Gareth Brookes, RYA Regional Development Officer for the Midlands, said: "We are delighted clubs in the Black Country and South Staffs are taking part in RYA Push the Boat Out. We want the local community to get down to a club, have a go at sailing and windsurfing, see what the club has to offer and get involved. Who knows you might just get hooked!”

Duncan Truswell, RYA Sport Development Manager, said "This is the perfect chance for people to discover their local sailing club, meet like-minded people, have a go at the sport, find out how much fun it is, and how easy it is to get involved.”

RYA Push the Boat Out coincides with National Watersports Month. To find your nearest RYA Push the Boat Out event, and what activities they are running for Push the Boat Out, visit www.rya.org.uk/go/ptbo

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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

Notes to Editors:

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

RYA Sailability is the national programme enabling people with disabilities to learn to sail and sail regularly. Over 40,000 young people and adults with disabilities are introduced to sailing per year.

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