Eighty-six people of all ages and abilities jumped at the opportunity to get out on the water and discover a new sport when Guernsey Sailing Trust opened its doors on Sunday 21st May to invite the public to have a go at sailing. Many were having a go for the very first time and experiencing the thrill of being on the water on what was a beautiful day with lots of sun and light winds.
Families brought children between the ages of five and ten to have a go at sailing one of 14 Optimist dinghies on the Model Yacht Pond, who were helped by experienced sailors in waders in the safe and fun environment. The youngsters enjoyed half an hour or more of thrills and learning.
Meanwhile older children and adults had a go sailing in the other boats on the sea. They chose from two Hawk 20s and a number of RS Visions and Laser Picos, giving them a taste of different sized boats. There was also fun to be had at speed on a 5.8m RIB. A safety boat kept a watchful eye over the activities.
Visitors also got to have a go on the windsurfing simulator and have a look around the impressive Sailability facilities for special needs sailors.
Clare Chapple, who organised the event, said “The Guernsey Sailing Trust had some really good feedback from the day and it was fantastic to see so many people giving sailing a go and enjoying themselves! We hope that many of the people who tried sailing will continue to learn to sail through our courses.”
The Guernsey Sailing Trust runs courses for young people throughout the summer holidays. Adult sailing, powerboating, first aid and marine radio courses are also run at various times during the year. For more information about all the courses run and to book, please follow this link: Guernsey Sailing Trust Courses.
To find more about Push the Boat Out Day, which is an annual event, visit www.rya.org.uk/ptbo.
About the RYA
- The RYA is the national body for all forms of recreational, competitive and professional boating. It represents dinghy and yacht racing, motor and sail cruising, RIBs and sportsboats, powerboat racing, windsurfing, inland cruising and personal watercraft.
- The RYA is recognised by all government offices as being the negotiating body for the activities it represents. It continually fights for the rights and freedoms of its 106,000 personal members, the majority of whom choose to go afloat for purely recreational non-competitive pleasure on coastal and inland waters. There are an estimated further 500,000 boat owners nationally who are members of RYA affiliated clubs and class associations.
- The RYA also sets and maintains recognised standards for training for both leisure and commercial boating through a network of more than 2,400 RYA Recognised Training Centres in almost 50 countries. Approximately 220,000 people per year complete RYA training courses.
- The RYA is committed to promoting all forms of boating and making them accessible to everyone. For more information please refer to our web site rya.org.uk
- You can find the RYA at RYA House, Ensign Way, Hamble, Southampton, SO31 4YA
