Are you looking for a new way to get outdoors and active or find something you can enjoy together with the family?

If the answer is yes, Bough Beech Sailing Club (BBSC) is inviting you and your family to come and try sailing or windsurfing as part of the RYA Push the Boat Out initiative between May 13th and 21st.

Whether you’re completely new to the sport or looking to get back on the water, Push the Boat Out is the perfect time to give it a go. The nine-day nationwide event will see thousands of people taking part in the sport with open days or taster sessions at sailing clubs and centres across the country.

Clubs and centres are inviting their local community to come down to have a go at sailing or windsurfing, see what the venue has to offer and get involved. Who knows, you might just get hooked. Sailing can be as physical or as relaxing as you want to make it, you can sail with others or on your own, do it competitively or potter about and just enjoy the gentle escape of being outside in the elements.

BBSC will be having an Open Day between 11am and 4pm on Saturday 13 May for those who want to see what the club does, learn a little more about sailing and try their hand on the water!

Club members will be on hand to show off different sailing dinghies and explain what adult and junior training facilities the club offers.  There will be an opportunity to go out for a sail in one of our Wayfarer or 2000 training dinghies accompanied by one of the club’s qualified instructors or to try windsurfing.

For those who have some sailing experience and would like to get back into the sport a Laser or Solo single-handed dinghy will be available.

Tea coffee and food will be available from the galley throughout the day.

Bough Beech is lucky to have one of the best inland sailing waters in the south east, and it is a safe place to learn and develop skills. It is popular with those who just want to sail and there is a regular racing programme for the more experienced. The club is particularly proud of its very active youth section which has have dedicated training each weekend.

Vice Commodore Richard Meakin says “Sailing is a fantastic sport for people of all ages and abilities.  We are always open to welcoming new members to the club no matter what previous experience they have had. Come and give us a go!”

“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”.

For more information contact Richard Meakin at [email protected] or Nick Marden at [email protected] and visit http://www.boughbeechsc.org.uk/