The RYA’s Push the Boat Out (PTBO) campaign is set to return next month, with 20 venues across Wales offering free or low cost, sailing and windsurfing taster sessions.
RYA Cymru Wales are heavily involved in the national participation campaign which aims to get more people sailing, windsurfing, having fun and getting active outdoors, with PTBO open days providing visitors with an opportunity to get out on-the-water and to find out more about their local club or training centre
Getting active outdoors has been proven to positively impact physical and mental health. An escape from modern day life, getting out on-the-water is something the whole family can benefit from.
PTBO open days are aimed at complete novices, as well as more experienced sailors, everyone is welcome. All kit and safety equipment will be provided, visitors just need to bring a pair of old trainers they don’t mind getting wet, and a sense of fun and adventure.
RYA Cymru Wales acting chief executive Mike Butterfield welcomed the involvement of the clubs around Wales. “It is great to see so many clubs in Wales opening their doors to give people the opportunity to try sailing through the month of May.
“There will be a wide variety of opportunities from the traditional dinghy sailing, to larger boats, powerboating and other watersports.
“RYA Cymru Wales are committed to trying to expand the opportunities to take part in sailing through schemes such as Push the Boat Out and our charity All Afloat.”
There are 20 clubs and watersports centres around Wales who will be offering free or cheap sailing opportunities through the month of May.
There are plenty of opportunities in and around Cardiff Bay, with Cardiff Bay YC, Cardiff YC and Cardiff Sailing Centre all taking part. Sully SC will also be offering opportunities a mile or two further along the coast.
North Wales is well catered for as well with Pwllheli, Colwyn Bay Watersports, Llandudno and Port Dinorwic all involved.
The West Wales coast will be busy with Fishguard Bay YC, New Quay YC, Neyland YC, Pembrokeshire Performance Sailing Academy, Saundersfoot SC, Tenby SC and Tresaith Mariners SC.
Mumbles YC will be offering opportunities in the Swansea area, both Llandegfedd SC and Llandegfedd Watersports will be active in Gwent, while Llangorse YC will be taking part in the scheme in Mid Wales. Merthyr Tydfil SC will also be catering for newcomers.
RYA Programmes Manager, Michelle Gent commented: “We are delighted that for the second year running, Push the Boat Out will be returning for the whole of May. Open days are a fantastic day out for the whole family and a brilliant opportunity to have a go at some on-the-water activity. Many venues will also be organising tea, cake and barbeques so it’s a real opportunity to appreciate the club hospitality and get stuck in.
“We are encouraging as many people as possible to give it a go and are asking the sailing community to spread the word and invite colleagues, friends and family to come along. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned sailor looking for a way back in, there will be something for everyone – find out what’s going on in your local area and get involved.”
Last year, more than 39,000 people across the UK attended a PTBO open day, inspiring thousands of new sailors to join their local club.
Find out more about the Push the Boat Out campaign and events near you at www.rya.org.uk/ptbo.
Watch the video – https://youtu.be/KOiN2r5vCEc