No fewer than 320 sailing venues across the UK will be opening up their doors this May as part of the Royal Yachting Association’s (RYA) Push the Boat Out 2015.

This nationwide event will see clubs and centres offering free or low cost sailing and windsurfing ‘have a go’ taster sessions.

The goal is to give people of all ages and abilities the opportunity to get on the water and discover a new sport.This year Push the Boat Out (PTBO) is expanding to run over nine days instead of the usual weekend.

RYA club support advisor Jackie Bennetts said: ‘We’re delighted to have so many clubs and centres signed up for this year’s PTBO which we hope will inspire even more people to get afloat.

‘With two weekends and five weekdays there will be even more events showcasing what our sport has to offer from the freedom of being on the water to the fact that sailing really is inclusive and accessible.

‘RYA Push the Boat Out is all about people connecting with their local sailing club or provider and discovering just how easy it is to get involved so why not tell all your non -sailing friends and family to give it go!

‘You can find all events, venues and dates using the brand new Push the Boat Out event finder with map on the PTBO website.’

Each open day or taster session will be different depending on the venue but all you need to bring is suitable clothing, soft soled shoes and maybe a waterproof depending on the weather.

The clubs and centres will provide everything else you need. Booking is essential for some of the events.

For full details on RYA Push the Boat Out 2015 and what’s going on in your area visit www.rya.org.uk/go/ptbo

In 2014, the nation’s sailing clubs gained more than 1,000 personal memberships through Push the Boat Out with more than 500 families also becoming members of the clubs they visited.