Have you ever wanted to try your hand at boating? Well now you can, for free! An exciting “On the Water” event called Try A Boat Free is taking place in Dartmouth to encourage non-boaters to find out what they are missing.

The event is taking place on 2nd and 3rd June 2012 from 10 – 4pm at the South Embankment in Dartmouth and is a great introduction to any type of boating. The event is organised by The British Marine Federation’s South West Region, and in conjunction with South Devon Marine, with South Devon College sponsoring the event.

Secretary and Treasurer of The British Marine Federation’s South West Region, Paul Singer, says, “This is an exciting opportunity to introduce everyone to the joy of getting on the water and to try boating for free. ‘Try A Boat Free!’ is an ideal event for having a go at boating for the first time under expert guidance and, trying the boat of your dreams or talking to South West based marine companies. Visitors can also win a once in a lifetime ride in a race boat, or a Power Boat course, courtesy of South Devon College. This is an event definitely not to be missed!”

There will be lots of different boats available to have a go on over the two days including powerboats, yachts and sailing boats. RIBS (rigid inflatable boats) will be available to try out under expert guidance, which are perfect for those seeking speed and want to get their adrenaline pumping. For those wanting the chance to try boating under sail power, yachts will also be an option.

Heart Radio is holding an exciting competition at the event for winners to experience the thrill of having a ride in a Marathon class racing boat and a digital camera to capture the event. The “Banana Shark” Stirling Race boat is capable of speeds up to 70mph and is fully equipped for powerboat racing. This is a once in a life time opportunity but entrants are warned that the boat is fully enclosed and very noisy, so it’s not for the faint hearted! To have the chance to win, entrants will need to correctly answer a marine focused question to win the place in Banana Shark or a Level 2 Power Boat course, provided by South Devon College.

‘Try A Boat Free!’ has been organised by The British Marine Federation’s South West Region as part of the BMF ‘On the Water’ campaign. The BMF SW accounts for over 30% of the UK’s £2.9 billion marine industry turnover. It is also the largest employer in the marine sector, providing nearly 10,000 jobs across the south west region.

ENDS

For further information on the BMF please contact, BMF SW Secretary & Treasurer, Paul Singer, Boatshed Dartmouth

Tel 01803 867578 or 07710 426754 or email Paulsinger@bmfsw.co.uk

For further press information, please contact ADPR Ltd, Alice Driscoll: Alice@adpr.co.uk or Tel 01460 241641 or 07971 019377.