RYA Push The Boat Out 2015 at Leigh & Lowton Sailing Club
by Paul Heath 19 May 2015 06:28 AEST
16 May 2015
Leigh & Lowton Push the Boat Out © Tim Yeates
On Saturday 16th May Leigh & Lowton Sailing Club took part in the RYA's 'Push The Boat Out' scheme with the aim of introducing previously non-sailing members of the public to the joys of our sport by offering 'have a go' taster sessions at the club.
Thankfully the sun shone and the forecast for plenty of wind did not deter people from turning up and taking to the water. It was busy throughout the day as individuals, families young and old and youth groups turned up to try their hand. So popular was it, and the queue to go sailing so long, that the event was extended for an extra hour.
The whole day, brilliantly organised by Vice-Commodore Mike Barnes (with a lot of help from daughter Laura) was a resounding success. With so much going on the club members turned out in force to assist with our team of senior instructors taking adults out while the junior members took the youngsters out for a blast. Some shore based members set up a display on the foreshore of all different class dinghies we have and provided information on them while the reception/information/booking desk manned by the membership team. A display of club racing was put on while other water sport activity such as kayaking and windsurfing was provided by the 'You Can Community Club' who are group members of the club.
When spoken to the next day a very tired (and relieved) Mike said, "What a fantastic day. It went better than I imagined all due to the help from the membership and the real enthusiasm for sailing, once out there, shown by those who turned up to sail for the first time. I would like to thank all those who turned out to make it a fantastic and memorable day for the visitors of which I know that two have already taken up family memberships and will be enrolling on the training courses we offer to adult and junior members."
For further information on Leigh & Lowton Sailing Club and what we can offer you, visit www.llsc.org.uk/1
For information on sailing at a national level see the RYA's website at www.rya.org.uk