ADVENTURERS are again being urged to push the boat out and get on the water.

The Royal Yachting Association's Push The Boat Out event gives everyone across Dorset the chance to give sailing and windsurfing a go for free or at low cost throughout the whole of May.

It comes after new research commissioned by boating’s national governing body, the RYA, shows a quarter of people have never tried an outdoor pursuit, yet two in four want to be more active and nearly a third want to get more fresh air.

Seven venues are hosting Push The Boat Out events in Dorset including the Osprey Training Centre (windsurfing) and the Andrew Simpson Watersports Centre (dinghy and keelboating), both at the sailing academy, Portland. In Weymouth Castle Cove Sailing Club and Weymouth Sailing Club are also hosting events.

Tony Wood, RYA Regional Development Officer for the south west, said: “So many people still don’t realise they can go sailing or windsurfing on their doorstep, and that you don’t even need to own a boat or board as clubs and centres have ones you can borrow or hire.

“Once you’ve learned the ropes, you can sail on your own or with your partner, friends or kids in dinghies or big boats, inland or on the coast. Add the great social side of sailing, and you can make the most of what the south west has to offer, both on and off the water.”

All kit and safety equipment is provided at Push The Boat Out events, so just bring a pair of shoes you don’t mind getting wet and your sense of fun and adventure. Refreshments will be available with a host of shoreside activities and entertainment to enjoy too.

Push the Boat Out is an RYA initiative which was first created as part of the RYA Sail for Gold Programme which was launched in March 2011.

Last year 32,000 people ‘pushed the boat out’ at more than 500 sailing and windsurfing taster sessions throughout the UK.

Find out more at rya.org.uk/ptbo