RYA Push the Boat Out – A successful event at LTSC

by Alastair Beeton on 14 May 2015 Lymington Town Sailing Club (LTSC) hosted its second successful RYA Push the Boat Out event over the weekend of 9-10 May. Over 50 adults and children took the opportunity to sail down the river and out to the Solent as part of this RYA sponsored event at the local sailing club.

The event, which was advertised in local press, posters and social media sites attracted a great response from adults and children. Most of the people who booked had never sailed before. They all wanted to take the opportunity to get on the water with this local, friendly club and see why sailing is such a popular sport in Lymington.

Experienced sailors from the sailing club were in the dinghies throughout the event. They sailed with adults and children, allowing them to experience the thrill of being on the water. Senior Instructor Jenny Bennett said, 'I love sailing, and it was a privilege to have the chance to show how wonderful sailing is to other people.' Sunday saw the best conditions for the novice sailors, with warm sunshine and a Force three breeze in the river. Most of them managed to have a try at helming under supervision. Instructor Rob Martin sailed with Cathy Butler from Hordle in a Wayfarer. She said, 'I have never sailed before today, but I have had an amazing time. It was exciting to be on the water, but I felt safe with Rob at the helm.'

Over the weekend, three yachts were used, skippered and crewed by club members. These groups sailed on trips further afield. Adults of all ages, as well as children as young as three, were able to enjoy sailing in the waters of the Solent on board a keelboat. The Morgan family from Brockenhurst sailed on Tableview, a Grenada Atlantica 375. After they returned to shore they said, 'We had great fun, and enjoyed the speed of the boat across the water.'

Skipper Charles Chambers said, 'It was a great day to introduce people to sailing, and I enjoyed sharing the experience.'

Many club members were involved behind the scenes and on the water to make this event such a success for the Lymington Town Sailing Club. Commodore Nick Ingram was crewing on Waratar for Sunday, and Vice Commodore Rick Underhill was onshore for both days. Member George Watts sailed on Sunday morning with father and son Andy and Jake Perrin in one of the club RS Vision dinghies. When he had finished George said, 'I really enjoyed sailing with Jake and Andy, and showing them how fun sailing on tidal waters can be. They were so keen they came back for a second session in the RS Vision.'

RYA Push the Boat Out is an annual event for the RYA, and after this wonderful weekend it looks like it will be an annual event at The Lymington Town Sailing Club calendar as well.