RYA Pushing The Boat Out So More People Than Ever Try Sailing In Wales In 2017

More than 370 sailing venues across the UK will be giving people of all ages and abilities the opportunity to get out on the water and discover a new sport this May with RYA Push the Boat Out, including eight in West Wales.

The nationwide event returns for nine days this year from 13-21 May and will see thousands of people having a go at sailing and windsurfing at free and low cost taster sessions across the UK.

There will be events all round West Wales with opportunities to try dinghy sailing in Dovey yacht club on May 13th and Tresaith Mariners on the 14th, 17th and 21st, dinghy sailing and yachting at Teifi on May 13th, Tenby on May 21st and New Quay on May 21st.

There will be dinghy and windsurfing at West Wales Windsurf and Sail on the 14th, dinghy sailing and keelboating at Pembrokeshire Performance Sailing Academy on May 20th and 21st, as well as dinghy, windsurfing and yachting at Swansea Watersports on May 14th, 17th and 20th.

In South Wales there are opportunities to try dinghy sailing in Llandegfedd May 13th, Llangorse and Sully on May 20th and Merthyr Tydfil on the 13th and 20th, with dinghy sailing, keelboating and yachting at Cardiff yacht club on May 21st.

And there will be events all round North Wales.

There will be opportunties to try dinghy sailing in Rhyl on May 13th, Pwllheli, Llandudno and Porthmadog on the 20th, dinghy and windsuring at Plas Menai on the 13th, 14th, 20th and 21st, as well as both at Port Dinorwic on the 19th, Colwyn Bay on the 21st and Bala on the 15th, 16th and 21st.

There will be the chance to try dinghy sailing or keelboating at Royal Anglesey on the 14th.

“During the two weekends and five weekdays, more sailing clubs and centres than ever before will be showcasing what the sport has to offer, from the freedom of being on the water to the social buzz, the thrill of racing and the fact that there really is something for everyone” explains Alistair Dickson, RYA Director of Sport Development.

“Sailing is such an accessible sport and many people aren’t aware of the opportunities available close to them or how affordable the sport can be, even for the whole family. Push the Boat Out is all about making that connection and we’re delighted to have so many venues taking part this year”.

Over 90,000 people have experienced sailing at Push the Boat Out events since 2013 with hundreds becoming members of sailing clubs and signing up for courses.

Saskia Clark, Rio 2016 Gold medallist said: “I got into sailing through my local sailing club so it’s fantastic to see so many people given the opportunity to discover what the sport’s all about right on their doorstep. If you want to inspire your non-sailing friends and family to giving sailing and windsurfing a go, make sure you put Push the Boat Out in the diary”.