The Royal Yachting Association’s Push the Boat Out (PTBO) campaign returns next month. More than 350 venues across the UK – 44 in Scotland – will offer free or low cost sailing and windsurfing taster sessions.
Scottish events will take place across the country, from the Pentland Firth to the Solway Firth and from Peterhead to Skye.
Sailing is a great way to get active – and being more active is proven to positively impact physical and mental health.
Watersports are also a good way for families to enjoy an activity together.
Sandy Vito attended a session at Castle Semple Sailing Club, Lochwinnoch, last year. Now he enjoys sailing at the club regularly and has started to race.
He said: “I definitely recommend giving sailing a try at one of the Push The Boat Out Events. If you haven’t been out in a dinghy before, you can experience it and decide for yourself.”
RYA Scotland’s Development Manager Liza Linton said: “Whether you’re a complete novice or a seasoned sailor looking to find out what is available in your local area, the PYBO events are great for all.”
Kit and safety equipment are provided at the events and participants only need to bring a pair of old trainers.
What is Push the Boat Out?
Push the Boat Out was first created as part of the RYA Sail for Gold Programme, which was launched in 2011.
Last year, more than 39,000 people across the UK attended a PTBO open day, inspiring thousands of new sailors to join their local club.
The aim is to give people a taster of various sailing activities, or to encourage people who have sailed before to enjoy the sport again.
PTBO events in 2019
May 3 – Royal Northern & Clyde Yacht Club
May 4 – Cove Sailing Club; Ellie & Earlsferry SC; Newburgh Sailing Club; Rosehearty Community Boat Club; St Andrews Sailing Club; Toward Sailing Club; Montrose Sailing Club
May 5 – Castle Semple Sailing Club; Clyde Windsurfing Club; Montrose Sailing Club Solway Yacht Club
May 10 – Royal Northern & Clyde Yacht Club; Lochcarron Sailing Club
May 11 – Aberdeen & Stonehaven Yacht Club; Carnoustie Sailing Club; Dundee Sailing Club; Ellie & Earlsferry SC; Gairloch Boat Club; Largo Bay Sailing Club; Longcraig Scout Centre; Port Edgar Watersports
May 12 – Annandale Sailing Club; Pentland Firth Yacht Club; CCC Dinghy Section Bardowie; Peterhead Sailing Club
May 17 – Royal Northern & Clyde Yacht Club
May 18 – Banff Sailing Club; Chanonary Sailing Club; Cove Sailing Club; Elie & Earlsferry Sailing Club; East Lothian Yacht Club; Fisherrow Yacht Club; Forfar Sailing Club; Glencoe Boat Club; Helensburgh Sailing Club; Nairn Sailing Club; Oban Sailing Club; Royal Gourock Yacht Club; Sea Cadets Peterhead; Skye Sailing Club
May 19 – Forfar Sailing Club; Loch Ard Sailing Club; Royal Forth Yacht Club; Royal Tay Yacht Club
May 25 – Carnoustie Sailing Club; Loch Venachar Sailing Club; St Andrews Sailing Club; St Mary’s Loch Sailing Club; Tarbert Loch Fyne Yacht Club
May 26 – Portobello Sailing & Kayaking Club
May 29 – Galloway Activity Centre.
Find out about the events near you at www.rya.org.uk/ptbo.