Local sailor urges Rutland to Push the Boat Out!

A Rutland sailor insists, "Sailing really makes me feel better" as a month of Push The Boat Out 'try sailing and windsurfing' events launches across Rutland and Leicestershire next week.

Tina Owen had always fancied giving sailing a go but it wasn't until she and her family went along to Rutland Sailing Club's Open Day in 2014 it became a real possibility. Now, four years on, she and daughter Heather are bona fide converts.

Five venues are hosting Push The Boat Out events around Rutland and Leicestershire in May, with Rutland SC opening their doors on Tuesday 1 May, Leicestershire and Rutland Youth Sailing Association at Watermead Country Park welcoming anyone to 'have a go' on Saturday 5 May plus Saturday 12 May, and Rutland Watersports at Whitwell offering tasters on both Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 May,

Then Syston SC (Roundhill Sailing Association) on Fosse Way and Leicester Windsurfing and Stand Up Paddle at Watermead Country Park both Push The Boat Out on Sunday 20 May. Find details for your nearest Push The Boat Out event at www.rya.org.uk/ptbo

All kit and safety equipment is provided so bring a pair of old trainers you don't mind getting wet and your sense of adventure and fun. Tina believes you won't regret it.

She said: "Every time I go sailing I come back happier, everything feels balanced and it stabilizes something in me. The challenge of learning a new skill has taken me out of my comfort zone, and you're in a position where you have to make choices. When it's windy you have to make those decisions quicker than if it's calm so it's a mental workout as much as it is physical.

"When you achieve something there is a huge amount of euphoria that comes from that; sailing provides the whole package. Sailing is not the sport I had the impression it was. Every time I go on the water I feel very lucky to be doing something I love so much."

After doing her RYA Start Sailing certificates through Rutland Sailing School, Tina joined the club's Ladies Who Launch group, sailing and enjoying the social side every Tuesday as well as getting into racing. Meanwhile, 12-year-old Heather, the middle of Tina's three daughters, is thriving as part of the club's Cygnets junior sailing. It's her love of the water which has arguably pleased Tina the most.

Tina added: "Straight away at the open day the club felt very inviting. But the most surprising thing when we went out on the water was Heather was sat at the helm with the skipper looking like she had always been there! I can categorical say Heather's confidence has improved through sailing. She is more assured of herself and aware of things around her.

"In these days of screens, sailing is a brilliant way to move children away from modern technology and into the open. It's a great activity that encourages them to make choices and widens their horizons at the same time."

Refreshments will be available at all the Push The Boat Out events, with a host of shoreside activities and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy too. Find all the details for your nearest Push The Boat Out venue at www.rya.org.uk/ptbo

Source + Image: (RYA Midlands, 2018)