SAILING: THE COUNTDOWN to Push The Boat Out 2017 is on with just days to go until families can try sailing and windsurfing for free and low cost across Birmingham and Solihull.
Between May 13-21, no fewer than seven sailing clubs and centres across the city are opening their doors to host Push The Boat Out ‘have-a-go’ events to give anyone who might never have thought they could give sailing a try the chance to get out on the water.
Every event is different but there is something for everyone across Birmingham and Solihull, from families and children to young professionals, couples and retirees and anyone else who wants to give it a go! As well as sailing and windsurfing you might also get the chance to go for a ride in a powerboat.
With sailing being one of the most inclusive sports around, people across the spectrum of disabilities will be able get afloat at some of the events too.
The clubs and centres hosting events in Birmingham and Solihull are Midland, Bartley, Tamworth, Barnt Green, Olton Mere and Earlswood Lakes sailing clubs plus Edgbaston Watersports.
These are amongst 370 taking place nationwide over the nine Push The Boat Out days, with more than 90,000 people nationally having been introduced to sailing through Push The Boat Out since its launch in 2013.
Saskia Clark, Rio 2016 sailing gold medalist, said: “I got into sailing through my local club as a youngster 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 friends and family to giving sailing and windsurfing a go, make sure you put Push the Boat Out in the diary.”
Alistair Dickson, RYA Director of Sport Development, added: “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. Push the Boat Out is all about making that connection and we are delighted to have so many Birmingham and Solihull venues taking part this year.”
For full details of exactly what is on and when at each participating sailing club and centre, visit www.rya.org.uk/PTBO – to search for an event where disabled people can get on the water tick the ‘Sailability’ activities box.
