The RYA’s Push the Boat Out (PTBO) campaign is set to return next month, with four venues across North Wales offering free or low cost, sailing and windsurfing taster sessions.

RYA Cymru Wales are heavily involved in the national participation campaign which aims to get more people sailing, windsurfing, having fun and getting active outdoors, with PTBO open days providing visitors with an opportunity to get out on-the-water and to find out more about their local club or training centre
Getting active outdoors has been proven to positively impact physical and mental health.  An escape from modern day life, getting out on-the-water is something the whole family can benefit from.
PTBO open days are aimed at complete novices, as well as more experienced sailors, everyone is welcome.  All kit and safety equipment will be provided, visitors just need to bring a pair of old trainers they don’t mind getting wet, and a sense of fun and adventure.
There are 20 clubs and watersports centres around Wales who will be offering free or cheap sailing opportunities through the month of May.

North Wales is well catered for with Pwllheli, Colwyn Bay Watersports, Llandudno and Port Dinorwic all involved.
Port Dinorwic will be offering free taster sessions in a variety of dinghies and small cruisers on May 10 and 28, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, with buoyancy aids, wetsuits and other equipment available for free use. Changing and refreshment facilities in a centrally heated clubhouse (with free WiFi) are also available.
Pwllheli will be offering taster sailing for the opportunity to try yachts or dinghies between midday and 4pm on May 11, open to everyone including children and young people, friends and family of existing members or customers.
Colwyn Bay Watersports will be offering free kayak hire on the May 11, from 10.15am to 6pm, then a sailing and windsurfing taster on May 12 at 9.30am until around midday. It is open to anyone.

Llandudno will hold a club open day with instructor lead dinghy sailing experiences, open to all ages, on May 18, from 10am to 4pm.
RYA Cymru Wales acting chief executive Mike Butterfield welcomed the involvement of the clubs around Wales. “It is great to see so many clubs in Wales opening their doors to give people the opportunity to try sailing through the month of May.
“There will be a wide variety of opportunities from the traditional dinghy sailing, to larger boats, powerboating and other watersports.
“RYA Cymru Wales are committed to trying to expand the opportunities to take part in sailing through schemes such as Push the Boat Out and our charity All Afloat.”

RYA Programmes Manager, Michelle Gent commented: “We are delighted that for the second year running, Push the Boat Out will be returning for the whole of May.  Open days are a fantastic day out for the whole family and a brilliant opportunity to have a go at some on-the-water activity.  Many venues will also be organising tea, cake and barbeques so it’s a real opportunity to appreciate the club hospitality and get stuck in.
“We are encouraging as many people as possible to give it a go and are asking the sailing community to spread the word and invite colleagues, friends and family to come along.  Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned sailor looking for a way back in, there will be something for everyone – find out what’s going on in your local area and get involved.”

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.
Find out more about the Push the Boat Out campaign and events near you atwww.rya.org.uk/ptbo.