ROYAL Mersey Yacht Club is inviting readers to try sailing for free as part of RYA's Push the Boat Out 2016.

It is a nine-day nationwide event that will see hundreds of sailing clubs and centres across the country opening their gates for local people to come and have a go at sailing and windsurfing.

Starting at 9am, on Saturday, May 21, there will be opportunities to have a go at sailing on one of three fleets of keelboat. There's the sleek and exciting Etchells, the classic 1930s Mersey Mylne or the nippy Squib.

All are fitted with heavy keels so they cannot capsize.

Sailing taster sessions on the Mersey will be available for age range 18-plus and subject to the weather.

Waterproofs and lifejackets will be available to lend to visitors.

Mersey Yacht Club vice commodore John Collingwood said: "We are delighted to be taking part in the RYA’s Push the Boat Out.

"We are inviting the local community to come down to the club, have a go at keelboat sailing, see what we have to offer and get involved.

"Who knows, if you visit you might just get hooked."

RYA sport development manager Duncan Truswell said: "Push the Boat Out provides the perfect opportunity for you to discover your local sailing venue, like-minded people, have a go at the sport and find out how much fun it is."

For more details about Royal Mersey Yacht Club, visit royalmersey-yc.co.uk