Aimed at getting people to have a go, the Royal Yachting Association’s Push the Boat Out sailing festival returns this weekend.

Last year 20 Kent sailing clubs and centres ran events for the nine-day festival between Saturday, May 14 and Sunday, May 22.

From dinghy sailing to windsurfing and powerboat rides, there’s plenty on offer. Most events are free, although some are available at a low cost.

An extra venue in the county this year is the newly-formed Conningbrook Lakes Sailing Club in Ashford, which will be running dinghy taster sessions and the Royal Cinque Ports Yacht Club is to run yacht tasters in Dover.

RYA’s Duncan Truswell said: “Over the past four years Push the Boat Out has enabled thousands of people who may never have even considered giving sailing a go the chance to try the sport.

"Clubs and centres continue to get better and better at providing a warm welcome, and we’re really excited for this year’s Push the Boat Out.”

More than 65,000 people have discovered the sport of sailing through Push the Boat Out since its launch in 2012. Nationally, 2015 Push the Boat Out saw almost 28,500 newcomers attend events at almost 350 locations across the UK.

The Kent venues taking place in this year's event

• Bewl Sailing Association
• Bough Beech Sailing Club
• Broadstairs Sailing Club
• Conningbrook Lakes Sailing Club, Ashford
• Erith Yacht Club
• Gravesend Sailing Club
• Hampton Pier Yacht Club, Herne Bay
• Herne Bay Sailing Club
• Margate Yacht Club
• Medway Outdoor Education
• Medway Yacht Club
• Royal Cinque Ports Yacht Club, Dover
• Royal Temple Yacht Club, Ramsgate
• Tankerton Bay Sailing Club
• Tonbridge Town Sailing Club
• Varne Boat Club, Greatstone
• Whitstable Yacht Club
• Wilsonian Sailing Club, Hoo

For details visit rya.org.uk/go/pushtheboatout