A CAMPAIGN is being launched to increase interest in sailing -- with free trial sessions at local clubs.

The Big Blue 'Go Boating' Weekend is to be held on June 26 and 27 with a hectic schedule of trial sessions at Warley Moor Reservoir on the moors above Oxenhope.

Trial lessons in canoeing, sailing and windsurfing will be available throughout the weekend.

"We are holding this open day to give local people the chance to see how much fun boating and other watersports can be," said John Pullin, sailing secretary of Halifax Sailing Club.

"Once people get afloat for the first time, it is usually addictive --I've been sailing for 50 years and still can't break the habit."

Experts from Halifax Sailing Club, which is based at Fly Flat in the shaddow of the huge electricity 'wind farm', and two affiliated Scout groups will be on hand to offer help and guidance.

Visitors only need to take a change of clothes and a towel, buoyancy aids and special equipment will be provided by the clubs.

As well as a chance to try your hand at watersports, there will be a display by Robin Hood Watersports of Cleckheaton showing Windsurf boards and wet suits and the local branch of the RNLI, on their 175th anniversary, will be publicising their charity work.

Light refreshments will be available in the club snack bar and the Withens Hotel will be offering discounted meals with special vouchers in advertisements for the event.

The Halifax Sailing Club Open Day and 40th Anniversary is one of more than 120 events being held around the country as part of The Go Boating Weekend, organised by The British Marine Industries Federation with the support of The Royal Yachting Association.

For more information on the event at Warley Moor Reservoir call John Pullin on 01274-583894 an 0802-807703 or Colin Vickerman on 01422 244334. To receive a listings guide for other types of watersports call The Big Blue Go Boating hotline on 01784-472222.

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