Push the boat out in May

Three venues are hosting Push The Boat Out events around the country throughout the month, Chelmarsh Sailing Club based at Chelmarsh Reservoir, near Bridgnorth, Shropshire Sailing Club at White Mere, near Ellesmere and Telford Sailing Club on Priorslee Lake, Telford.

Gareth Brookes, Royal Yatching Assocation Midlands Regional Development Officer, said: “There has never been a better time to get active afloat. With so much focus on physical and mental wellbeing, being on the water gives everyone a chance to get away from modern life, spend time with the family, have fun with friends and just enjoy the feeling of being in the fresh air and closer to nature. Push The Boat Out lets you discover that all for free."

"It aims to make the water accessible to everyone of any age, background and ability. All kit and safety equipment is provided so just bring a pair of old trainers you don’t mind getting wet and your sense of fun. Refreshments will be available with a host of shoreside activities and entertainment to enjoy too.

"Getting active outdoors is proven to positively impact physical and mental health and getting on the water is something all the family can benefit from. Enjoy the freedom of being afloat, the challenge and achievement of learning a new skill and the many new friends you will meet. Meanwhile, youngsters can develop heaps of positive life skills, like confidence, independence and teamwork, which they will take into all other areas of their lives."

Almost 22,000 people regularly go along to their local sailing club every month across the Midlands, getting on the water in small sailboats or windsurfing on the region’s reservoirs, lakes and rivers. Last year 39,000 people ‘pushed the boat out’ at over 500 sailing and windsurfing ‘have a go' sessions throughout the UK. For full details visit www.rya.org.uk/ptbo.