SAILING clubs in East Lancashire are offering free tuition as part of a new initiative to try to get more people out on the water.

East Lancashire Sailing Club in Rishton and Jumbles Sailing Club at Turton are taking part in national RYA Push the Boat Out 2015.

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The scheme, which is taking place at 14 clubs across Lancashire, sees the clubs offer sailing and windsurfing taster sessions which are either free or low cost.

The sessions are being offered to introduce newcomers of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to water sports.

National RYA Push the Boat Out will be taking place across the UK over nine days, two weekends and five weekdays to give even more people a chance to have a go.

East Lancashire Sailing Club is offering free dinghy taster sessions on May 10 where participants will have the chance to go out with experienced sailors and take a turn steering.

Club Secretary Robin Tomlinson said: “We joined up to the scheme to try and get more people into sailing. People often have the misconception that it is an elitist sport when really it costs less than golf.

“Participants coming to the club will have the chance to go out on the water with a seasoned member for about half an hour and have a go at taking charge themselves.

“Sailing is great for fitness and participants will get to experience the thrill and anticipation of going out on the water.”

Jumbles Sailing Club is offering free dinghy taster sessions on May 9.

And the Anderton Activity Centre at Chorley will be offering two hours of instructed sailing on May 9 for a reduced rate of £8 for pre-booked slots.

Richard Hemingway, RYA regional communicator, said: “Events are geared to showcase the freedom of being on the water and the social buzz of the sports.”

Participants attending the sessions should take along a spare change of clothes, soft shoes and a towel.

The rest of the equipment is provided by the clubs.

Anyone wanting to attend the sessions held at East Lancashire Sailing Club must be aged 10 and above and must call Robin to book a slot on 01254 249324.

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