Still Time to Push the Boat Out and Try Sailing in the Black Country

There is still time to try sailing and windsurfing for free in the Black Country this week after hundreds of people across the West Midlands got out on the water, many for the first time, as the nine-day national RYA Push the Boat Out ‘have-a-go’ festival kicked off this weekend (13-14 May).

Dudley SC and Sandwell Valley SC are both hosting ‘have a go’ events next weekend (20-21 May) so grab a towel and some old trainers you don’t mind getting wet and try a new activity you never knew you could do right on your doorstep. 

Still not sure it’s for you? Sailing is an awesome outdoor activity that can be done with your whole family and partner or on your own, and you don’t even need a boat to learn the ropes as clubs have ones you can use, while being part of a local club can cost as little as £20 a month for your whole family.

To find your nearest event and for full details of exactly what is going on and when at each participating venue, visit www.rya.org.uk/PTBO - to search for an event where disabled people can get on the water tick the ‘Sailability’ activities box. Don’t worry about kit, packing a lunch or anything else as every event will provide all the equipment you need with refreshments available. 


ENDS

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