Push the Boat Out Day celebrated across the country

Go for Gold Team GB was the chant of the day...

Hundreds of sailing clubs, centres and marinas up and down the country yesterday (Saturday 21 July) celebrated the RYA’s Push the Boat Out day and not only cheered on the sailors of Team GB ahead of the Olympic and Paralympic Games but also showcased the sport to the nation.  

Push the Boat Out Day was officially launched by round the world yachtswomen Dee Caffari at Hayling Island Yacht Club.  Dee was joined by club youngsters and parents as well as competitors from the Feva World Championship out on the water, with Dee acting as pied piper on one of the club member’s yachts, flanked by a fleet of small and fast dinghies.  

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

Even the Clipper Round the World Yacht crews got in the on the action as they raced the final leg of their global adventure from Den Helder in the Netherlands.

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.  

Push the Boat Out day is part of the RYA’s Sail for Gold programme.  To find out more visit www.rya.org.uk/sailforgold