Free sailing as Wales gets set to Push the Boat Out

RYA Push the Boat Out © RYA

People all around Wales, young, old, male, female and even MP's, will get the chance to try sailing in this Olympic year when RYA Push the Out returns from 14-22 May!

The nationwide 'have-a-go' campaign gives all comers the chance to get on the water for free or low cost over nine days from Saturday 14 to Sunday 22 May, so get the dates in your diary now!

MP's Liz Saville Roberts, Ian Lucas and Guto Bebb will be among those going along to Welsh sailing clubs to give the sport a go for free.

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.

Several clubs around Wales will be taking part, with Plas Menai National Outdoor Centre offering free two hour taster sessions on the 14th, 15th, 21st and 22nd, while Gresford near Wrexham will also offer four days for taster dinghy sessions, the 17th, 18th, 20th and 21st.

On May 14th, Staylittle outdoor centre in Clywedog will be offering dinghy sailing, keelboat sailing, and canoeing and kayaking, Merthyr Tydfil try sailing slots, as will Llandudno, Mumbles will have sailing and windsurfing, Llandegfedd in Gwent taster sessions, and dinghy sailing at Sully near Cardiff.

On the 15th Tenby will host double handed dinghies, small yachts and Ribs with guidance from a club member, Pwllheli will have morning racing on the 15th, Cardiff will offer the chance to sail dinghies and yachts in Cardiff Bay.

On the 20th, Saundersfoot will offer free half hour sessions on the water, while Y Felinheli/Port Dinorwic will offer sailing on the Menai Straits.

Tresaith Mariners in Cardigan will be offering catamaran and dinghy sailing on the 15th and 22nd.

On May 21st, Dovey yacht club will have a range of boats available, Bala will also be offering a chance to go on the water. On the 22nd, Royal Anglesey will also offer taster sessions.

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. This year, over 300 venues have signed up, so make sure you don't miss this opportunity to get afloat.

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 how you can Push the Boat Out in May? Visit www.rya.org.uk/go/ptbo 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 02380 604 159, email member.services@rya.org.uk or visit www.rya.org.uk