Push the Boat Out 2015 proves a huge success

Last month, sailing clubs and centres welcomed some 22,000 visitors as part of RYA Push the Boat Out 2015 with a record number of open days and taster sessions taking place across the country.

Almost 350 venues participated in the nationwide scheme, running more than 500 events for people of all ages and abilities to take to the water to experience sailing and windsurfing.

It's estimated 1,388 people who visited PTBO have already become members of their local clubs with many more registering for further sailing sessions and taster days to be held throughout the coming year.

In Essex, Marconi Sailing Club made over 80 trips throughout the day on a variety of boats, with the youngest visitor aged just four years old.

"We were really well prepared to receive guests for Push the Boat Out. We had a huge range of boats rigged and ready on the seashore, as well as a bouncy castle, free BBQ, and children's' art activities all laid on. Individuals and families savoured the day and many have decided to join MSC to learn and experience the joys of sailing - they've caught the bug now!"

Pembrokeshire's Saundersfoot Sailing Club, participating in push the Boat Out for the first time, welcomed 45 visitors to the club during their open day. The club were delighted with the response from the local community.

"Push The Boat Out really helps to promote the club and the benefits of becoming a member of your local club. It gives people the opportunity to come and try sailing, people that may not necessarily think about learning to sail, basically it breaks the ice! It is a great way for clubs to promote the club and membership of the club to the wider community. The event helps the club interact and become a more integrated part of the community."

RYA Sport Development Manager Duncan Truswell said: "We'd like to thank everyone who made Push the Boat Out possible this year. Even though the weather was less than ideal at times, we saw great turnout at sailing venues across the country and we are delighted that we had almost 100 more clubs and centres involved this year compared to 2014."

Duncan continues: "We're still gathering all of the feedback from this year's event to understand how we can support clubs and centres to make Push the Boat Out an even bigger and better event in 2016. We hope to see even more people take to the water and experience our fantastic sport."

The dates for RYA Push the Boat Out 2016 will be announced next month.

For more information visit www.rya.org.uk/go/PTBO