Get afloat and ‘Push the Boat Out’ in Angus

The Royal Yachting Association’s Push the Boat Out initiative is a great way to discover a new outdoor sport to enjoy this summer. Dinghy sailing, windsurfing, keelboat sailing and kayaking are among the activities on offer to all ages and abilities. Over two weekends this May there are events across Tayside. On May 15 Dundee Sailing Club and Forfar Sailing Club are getting people afloat as part of the campaign, while May 21 sees Montrose Sailing Club hosting an event. Michael Caine, club secretary for Dundee Sailing Club on the River Tay, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to hold our Open Day as part of a national event; past events have been great fun, and we expect this year’s to be equally good.” Forfar Sailing Club is based on Forfar Loch and offers support and encouragement to people of all levels, whilst offering a competitive element as a racing club. The club’s Tony Walker enthused: “We are looking forward to a great day of sailing for our local community and potentially welcome new members.” Nearer the coast, Craig Robinson, of Montrose Sailing Club, added: “Come and visit Montrose Basin as you’ve never seen it before, with free have-a-go taster sessions. “Have a sail with an experienced club member. Don’t forget, you may need to bring warm (windproof) clothes and footwear to get wet in.” Liza Linton, Development Manager for Royal Yacht Association (RYA) Scotland said: “I’m delighted that we’ve doubled the numbers of clubs and centres involved in this initiative for 2016. “It is a great opportunity for them to harness national and local publicity for their facilities and for them to be able to give others the chance to try our sports. “Hopefully, we shall be able to turn some of the first timers, who will gain a great experience, into lifelong participants of our sport”. 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 across the UK. Find out more by calling 02380 604 159, or visit www.rya.org.uk