Wales set try sailing in May

Sailing & Windsurfing this May with Push The Boat Out © Royal Yachting Association

Families and individuals can get out on the water for free and try sailing and windsurfing throughout the month of May in Wales.

There are 11 sailing venues around Wales who will be opening their doors and running free or low cost Push the Boat Out 'have a go' taster sessions through the month of May.

With sailing being one of the most inclusive sports around, there are plenty of venues able to cater for people across the spectrum of disabilities and activities for people of all ages.

Find your nearest Push the Boat Out event at www.rya.org.uk/ptbo

In North Wales there are events at Colwyn Bay Watersports, and Llandudno Sailing Club. Colwyn Bay Watersports will be offering sailing and tasters most weekends through May, call or email to book a session.

Llandudno will be offering the chance to try dinghy sailing on Saturday, May 12, between 10am and 4pm.

In West Wales there are events at Fishguard Bay, New Quay yacht club, Pembrokeshire Performance Sailing Academy and Tresaith Mariners sailing club.

Fishguard will be offering the chance to try sailing or rowing on Sunday, May 20, all ages and abilities are welcome. New Quay will be offering the chance to sail a dinghy keelboat on Sunday, May 20, from 10.30am to 2.30pm.

Tresaith Mariners will be offering dinghy sailing on Wednesday May 2nd, 9th, and 16th from 6pm.

Mumbles Yacht Club are offering sessions in the Swansea area, a chance to try sailing, windsurfing, powerboating and yachting on Monday, May 7.

Cardiff Sailing Centre in the capital's bay area will be running dinghy sailing and disability scheme Sailability during May half term from Sunday, May 27 to Thursday May 31.

Merthyr Sailing Club will be offering dinghy sailing on Saturdays 12th and 19th of May for people who pre-book through the club's website.

Llandegfedd Sailing Club and Watersports Centre are both offering opportunities in Gwent. The sailing club will be offering free taster sessions for dinghy sailing on May 12 and 19, while the Watersports Centre will be offering a range of taster sessions over the weekend of May 12 and 13.

If you're looking for something completely different, whether it's a new way to get fit outdoors, an adrenalin rush, an escape from everyday life, or simply a sociable fun activity you can enjoy with your friends and family, pop down to your nearest Push the Boat Out event and give it a go.

"Every event is different but there is something for everyone" explains RYA Club Support Advisor Jackie Bennetts who manages the event.

"So many people still don't realise that you can go sailing or windsurfing on your doorstep and that you don't need to own a boat or a board as clubs and centres often have ones you can borrow or hire.

"Once you've learned the ropes, you can sail on your own or with your partner, friends or children in dinghies or bigger boats, at inland locations or at the coast. Nothing beats catching up with friends by the water on warm summer evenings" she concludes.

Don't worry about kit, packing a lunch or anything else for Push the Boat Out; every event will provide all the equipment you need and many events will have refreshments available. You may want to take a change of clothes and spare shoes - just in case you get splashed.

Research commissioned by the RYA, shows that a quarter of people have never tried an outdoor pursuit, yet two in four want to be more active and nearly a third want to get more fresh air.

For full details of exactly what is on and when at each participating sailing club and centre, visit www.rya.org.uk/PTBO

Watch a video of the event here.

For further details about Welsh sailing and watersports, please go to www.rya.org.uk/rya-regions/rya-cymru-wales or Facebook page or follow on Twitter @RYACymruWales. You can also keep up to date by following RYA Cymru Wales on Instagram