SAILING: Have a go with Draycote Water Sailing Club

Don’t miss the chance to try sailing in this Olympic year when RYA Push The Boat Out returns to Draycote Water alongside their club open day on Saturday, May 21.

The nationwide ‘have-a-go’ at sailing festival, organised by sailing’s national governing body, gives all comers the chance to get on the water free or at low cost.

Last year no fewer than five sailing clubs and centres across Warwickshire and Solihull ran Push The Boat Out events, with more set to welcome people to have a go this year.

Events can include dinghy sailing, windsurfing, big boats and yachts and even powerboat rides. Although each event is different, all are geared to appeal to as many people as possible, regardless of age, ability or experience.

Sailing is something all the family can enjoy together and Push The Boat Out aims to showcase what sailing is really all about, from the freedom of being afloat to the social buzz of club life, while dispelling popular myths around the sport’s accessibility and inclusivity too.

More than 65,000 people have discovered the sport through Push The Boat Out since its launch in 2012. Nationally 2015 Push The Boat Out saw almost 28,500 newcomers attend events at almost 350 locations across the UK.

With the British Sailing Team sailors amongst the World’s best, sailing always enjoys a boost in Olympic years and Push the Boat Out is a great way to discover a new outdoor sport to enjoy this summer.

Duncan Truswell, RYA Sport Development Manager, said: “Over the past four years Push the Boat Out has enabled thousands of people who may never have even considered giving sailing a go the chance to try the sport. Many of these have since become club members and volunteers and are inspiring others to follow their lead and try the sport.

“Clubs and centres continue to get better and better at providing a warm welcome, and we are really excited for this year’s Push the Boat Out, which I’m sure will prove even more popular. 2016 is gearing up to be the perfect year to get into sailing.”

Want to know more about Push The Boat Out in May and other clubs in the area taking part? Visit www.rya.org.uk/go/pushtheboatout