Sailing: Get out on the water at Helensburgh club's open day

If you’ve ever walked along the promenade or visited Kidston Café, you may have spotted small sailing boats off Kidston Park – almost certainly, some of them will have been from Helensburgh Sailing Club, and you’ll get your chance to try one out at the club on Saturday, May 18.

This is a free event available for children aged six and above, and adults of all ages to take part in sailing activities, and Helensburgh is one of 45 clubs taking part in the ‘Push The Boat Out’ initiative.

Howard Marsden from Helensburgh Sailing Club said: “You and your friends and family are cordially invited to join our members for a fun day out trying not only dinghy sailing, but also yachting and powerboating.

“You do not need any previous experience. We are well equipped, including for those with a disability who are welcome to try our accessible Challenger dinghies.

“We have the hoists, clothing and skills necessary to get anyone afloat. Enjoy our family barbecue, meet our members and learn more about what Helensburgh Sailing Club has to offer and how you can participate.”

There’s no need to book in advance – just turn up any time between 10am and 4pm, though 3pm is the last time to get out on the water.

Howard continued: “It is always colder on the water than on land and so please wear warm layers of clothing and bring a waterproof/windproof jacket and waterproof trousers if you have them.

“Wear trainers (which may get wet) and bring a complete change of clothing/shoes and a towel, as you may get wet too!

“Please note that wellington boots are not suitable footwear for these activities. If you have your own watersports kit – e.g. wetsuit – by all means bring it to wear. We will supply you with a buoyancy aid or lifejacket as appropriate.

“We have changing rooms and showers available, including excellent disabled facilities, for you to change before and/or after the activities. It’s a good idea to bring a spare dry set of clothes.

“Ashore there will be a demonstration of our dinghies available. We will be hosting a family BBQ on the lawn outside the club and light refreshments will be available from our kitchen – with all food modestly priced.”

For more information check out

or email ptbo@helensburghsailingclub.co.uk.