17 places you can try out sailing for free - or cheap - in Kent

Don't miss the chance to try sailing in this Olympic year, with free or low-cost sailing on offer across Kent as part of the Royal Yachting Association's Push the Boat Out campaign. The nationwide 'have-a-go' campaign gives all comers the chance to get on the water for free or low cost over nine days from Saturday 14 to Sunday 22 May. Amongst over 320 clubs and centres taking part across the UK are 17 from Kent: Medway Outdoor Education Royal Cinque Ports Yacht Club Varne Boat Club Ltd BEWL Sailing Association Bough Beech Sailing Club Whitstable Yacht Club Medway Yacht Club Royal Temple Yacht Club Tonbridge Town Sailing Club Gravesend Sailing Club Broadstairs Sailing Club Erith Yacht Club Hampton Pier Yacht Club Herne Bay Sailing Club Margate Yacht Club Tankerton Bay Sailing Club Wilsonian Sailing Club You can find your nearest local event here http://www.rya.org.uk/go/ptbo along with the activities, dates, times, locations and what you need to take. All offer watersport taster sessions for those discovering the sport for the first time or for those returning to the sport. Most of the events are free, a few have a minimal charge. Most of the venues will provide refreshments ranging from the club bar through lunches to afternoon teas and barbecues. More than 65,000 people have discovered the sport through Push the Boat Out since its launch in 2012. Nationally, 2015 Push the Boat Out saw almost 28,500 newcomers attend events at almost 350 locations across the UK. With the British Sailing Team sailors amongst the World's best, sailing always enjoys a boost in Olympic years and Push the Boat Out is a great way to discover a new outdoor sport to enjoy this summer. This year, over 300 venues have signed up, so make sure you don't miss this opportunity to get afloat. Duncan Truswell, RYA Sport Development Manager, said: "Over the past four years Push the Boat Out has enabled thousands of people who may never have even considered giving sailing a go the chance to try the sport. Many of these have since become club members and volunteers and are inspiring others to follow their lead and try the sport. "Clubs and centres continue to get better and better at providing a warm welcome, and we are really excited for this year's Push the Boat Out, which I'm sure will prove even more popular. 2016 is gearing up to be the perfect year to get into sailing." Want to know how you can Push the Boat Out in May? Visit www.rya.org.uk/go/ptbo