Push the Boat Out Day 

In the run up to the first sailing events of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, sailing clubs, training centres and marinas throughout the UK turned out in force last weekend to celebrate the RYA’s Push the Boat Out day.

Push the Boat Out Day was officially launched by round the world yachtswomen Dee Caffari, at the Feva World Championships at Hayling Island Yacht Club near Portsmouth.

Clubs in our region celebrated and supported our Olympic sailors by holding open days, regattas, sailing marathons and family barbeques.

At Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club 75 people took to the water to support club member Dave Vasey during his gruelling 12 hour sailing marathon. Anyone who has sailed constantly for two or three hours will know how tired Dave was after 12 hours! Dave was accompanied for the last 4hours and 10 minutes by club Commodore Ann Penny. At midnight the horn went off signalling the end of the 12 hours with the Dave and his Flying Fifteen being cheered home by club members on the balcony.

80 boats took part in the RYA North East flotilla off the coast of Sunderland and had a grandstand view of action from the Sunderland Airshow. Star of the flotilla was “James Cook”, the 70ft ketch owned by Ocean Youth Trust North and skippered by Grace Metcalfe. All the youngsters on board had a great time and were thrilled to take part in this unique spectacle.

“I have been blown away with all the amazing things people have been up to for Push the Boat Out day” commented Celia Edgington, RYA Sail for Gold co-ordinator.

“We’ve had mini Olympics events, fancy dress parades, racing event, bbq’s, treasure hunts and much much more and it looks like everyone has had a totally wonderful day cheering on the Olympic and Paralympic sailors and just having fun out on the water.”

You can check out all the photos from all the day’s activities on the Sail for Gold Facebook page:www.facebook.com/sailforgold

Thanks to everyone that took part in Push the Boat Out day and our supporting organisations:  Clipper events, Dee Caffari racing, Neilson Holidays, Tall Ship Adventures, the BMF’s On the Water programme, Endeavour sailing, RYA Sailability, Ocean Youth Trust North and Premier Marinas.

The Olympic sailing events begin at Weymouth at noon on Sunday 29th July when Ben Ainsley takes to the water to defend his Olympic Gold Medal in the Finn class. The Laser class with Paul Goodison from Ulley Sailing Club, Rotherham begins at noon on Monday 30th July with the final medal race being scheduled for Monday 6th August.