Month to go as Black Country ‘try sailing’ venues confirmed

RYA Push The Boat Out is the nationwide ‘have-a-go’ at sailing festival, organised by sailing’s national governing body, giving all comers the chance to get on the water and experience a sport you might never have thought was possible right on your doorsteps from Saturday 14 to Sunday 22 May.

 The eight clubs and centres ready to help you Push The Boat Out are Aldridge SC, near Walsall, Walsall Outdoor Pursuits at Sneyd Lake, Dudley SC on Lodge Farm Reservoir, Himley Hall SC in Himley Park, Sandwell Valley SC near West Bromwich, South Staffs SC near Penkridge, Greensforge SC at Calf Heath Reservoir and Manor Park SC, near Lichfield.

 Events can include dinghy sailing, windsurfing, bigger boats, sailing for the disabled and even powerboat rides, and although each event is different, all are geared to appeal to as many people as possible, regardless of age, ability or experience. Check out the RYA Push The Boat Out website at www.rya.org.uk/go/PTBO to find out exactly who’s doing what and when. 

 Meanwhile The Chase Sailing Club, near Burntwood, is running its annual Open Day on Bank Holiday Monday 2 May.

 As Gareth Brookes, RYA Midlands Regional Development Officer, explains: "One of the things I love about Push The Boat Out is hearing the number of people who say they didn’t know they could sail so close to home and that it wasn’t like they expected at all. There is still this image that sailing is an expensive, elitist sport to get in to but you only have to visit one of our local clubs and centres to quickly realise that just isn’t the case.

 "You don’t even need to own a boat to go sailing as most local clubs and centres have boats members can borrow for low cost, often less than £5 for an afternoon, and for a whole family to be sailing club members in the West Midlands can cost as little as £10-15 a month, less than most gyms.   

 "Sailing is a real family friendly sport and a great mix of people in the Midlands are sailors. Once you get into the sport, you can sail on your own, in pairs or altogether as a family depending on what boats you most enjoy sailing and it’s one of the most inclusive sports around too, as once on the water it’s a level playing field for all. You can also start to race and racing is a popular part of club life.”

 No fewer than 25 clubs and centres across the West Midlands are hosting 2016 RYA Push The Boat Out events, amongst 400 nationally. Last year almost 28,500 newcomers nationwide discovered sailing through RYA Push The Boat Out.

 All you will need to enjoy the RYA Push The Boat Out events is some comfortable clothes and old trainers you don’t mind getting wet and, weather depending, a waterproof and/or sunscreen. Buoyancy aids, equipment and safety brief will be provided by the venues and refreshments will be available.

 To get inspired and for full event details visit www.rya.org.uk/go/PTBO