Sidmouth Sailing Club enjoy successful Push the Boat Out event

Sidmouth Sailing Club pushed the boat out at the weekend by offering taster sessions to the public.

The club held an open day in conjunction with the Royal Yachting Association for people to give sailing a go on Saturday.

Some 35 young people and adults headed out onto the water as part of the free sessions, watched on by spectators from the Esplanade. Alastair Watson Vice Commodore of the club, said an ‘army’ of 40 volunteers gave up their time to operate boats, provide safety cover and undertake beach duties to help the day run smoothly.

He said: “Across the country, the RYA is hoping to introduce around 30,000 people to sailing.

“The key aim for the day was to give visitors an opportunity to experience dinghy sailing, and in that respect, it was a great success.

“We’ve had a brilliant day and many of our guests have shown an interest in joining the club. I hope we’ve shown we have a vibrant and active family orientated club that contributes to Sidmouth’s strong nautical culture.”

Commodore, John Keast, added: “I’m thrilled at how well the day has gone and want to highlight the amount of work that went in to organising the day and to say a big thank you to all the club members who took part.”

The club is encouraging people to sign up for vacancies on the RYA course running over the weekends of June 3/4 and June 17/18,

For more information visit Sidmouth Sailing Club website at www.sidmouthsailing.org.uk.