Etherow sailors push the boat out to celebrate the Games 

Stockport’s only sailing club was determined to Push the Boat Out on Saturday as they took part in a nationwide celebration of the 2012 Games.

It was part of the Sail for Gold initiative run by the Royal Yachting Association in support of the British Sailing Team. Members of Etherow Country Park Sailing Club, based in Compstall, took part in fun races aboard single-handed Topper boats, bedecked with flags.

Then they had a BBQ followed by a quiz night that proved very popular. Many of those who took part had just completed the club’s Introduction to Sailing course and took the opportunity to get to know more of the other members.

The club is proud that one of its members, Paul Brotherton, is a coach to the Team GB 49er Class, of course he was away in Weymouth helping in preparation. Push the Boat Out is one of the big events on the RYA’s Sail for Gold programme calendar providing the perfect opportunity to showcase sailing to the nation and show support for our Olympic and Paralympic sailors prior to the London 2012 Games.

For more information about the Sail for Gold initiative visit www.rya.org.uk/sailforgold For more details about Etherow Country Part Sailing Club visit their website at www.ecpsc.org.uk