Push the Boat Out this weekend with RYA Scotland

Try sailing with Push The Boat Out © RYA Scotland

Looking to try sailing or windsurfing in Scotland? Keen to get out on the water? This weekend (18-19 May) is RYA Push The Boat Out which means clubs and training centres across Scotland and all over the UK will be opening their doors to the public to give them a chance to 'have a go' at sailing and windsurfing. It offers a great opportunity to get the whole family out on the water and enjoying a sport that can benefit everyone and also Scotland's fantastic outdoors.

Loch Venachar Sailing Club in Perthshire are running their open day from 11am until 8pm on Saturday (18th May) and allows everyone the chance to come along and check out their facilities as well as joining in with their 'have a go' sailing sessions. All you need to bring with you is suitable clothing for getting on the water – old trainers and waterproof or showerproof top.

Largs Sailing Club are joining forces with the Largs Sailing Training Association and sportscotland's National Centre Cumbrae to offer dinghy, windsurfing and kayaking taster sessions from Largs Yacht Haven. Their cruising group will also be there to chat to people about all the different cruising opportunities on the Clyde including cruises in company. There will be club membership offers on the day so why not go along and find out what they have to offer. Join them on Sunday (19th May) from 10.30am onwards.

If Lochwinnoch is not far from your door step then why not join Clyde Muirshiel Park -Castle Semple for a fun filled day of water activity? You will have sailing, windsurfing and rowing to choose from and you all you need to do is register on the day at the centre reception from 10am onwards on Saturday.

For those potential newbies to sailing on the east coast should go along to Largo Bay Sailing Club on Saturday at noon. The small, friendly dinghy sailing club are happy to welcome along newcomers as well as people looking to return to sailing. Forfar Sailing Club is also running their open day on Saturday so if you are looking for a taste of sailing on Forfar Loch then head along with your old clothes from 10am.

"2012 saw thousands of people take to the water to celebrate the London 2012 Games and a huge part of that can be attributed to those who supported our Sail for Gold programme. It's critical now that we continue to embrace the interest and enthusiasm for the sport and ensure that we do everything we can to get more people to go sailing. We are hoping to see as many clubs as possible registering and taking part in RYA Push the Boat Out" commented RYA Sport Development Manager Jon White.

For more information on RYA Push the Boat Out and to locate your nearest event visit www.rya.org.uk/go/ptbo

Not around this weekend? Clubs around Scotland are running open days throughout the summer to give everyone an opportunity to try getting out on the water and find out more about what a sailing club can offer them. Have a look at the RYA Scotland 'Your chance to get on the water' Facebook page for details of what is happening this summer around the country. Visit www.ryascotland.org.uk and use the 'where's your nearest' tool at the top of the page to find your local club or training centre.