SAILORS were encouraged to Push the Boat Out during a series of open days in the area this month.

The first took place at the Spinnaker Club near Ringwood on Saturday, May 14.

Visitors of all ages were invited to enjoy the day, which included a treasure hunt and knot-tying exercises for children.

There were 155 dinghy and kayak trips around the lake, with many first-time mariners taking to the water.

Landlubbers could practice their skills on a 'land trainer' - a boat on dry land that allows sailors to try out tacking and gybing.

Club manager Tim Murdoch said children "played and sailed in true Swallows and Amazons style".

The event was supported by New Forest Sailability and the Wildlife Trust.

Commodore Ros Rogers said: "We’re delighted with how the day went and the feedback from our visitors has been wonderful.

"Although we might have been one of the New Forest’s best kept secrets, people are discovering we are a very welcoming sailing club and are able to offer year round sailing, training courses, racing and social events."

Mudeford Sailing Club hosted a series of activities as part of the Royal Yachting Association event on Saturday, May 21.

Visitors participated in 'try sailing' taster sails with the club, which is based on a converted Dutch barge in Christchurch Harbour.

Rowena Hope from the club said members were on hand to welcome visitors and show off the unique clubhouse.

Those who wanted to take to the high sees were also given the opportunity to enjoy a sail in the harbour with experienced sailors.

The club's brand new Hartley sailing dinghies were also on show during the day.

Members of Highcliffe Sailing Club also threw open their doors to visitors on Saturday.

Around 40 people enjoyed trips out on the water during the event with experienced sailors, and Sarah Desjonqueres from the club said members were "overjoyed to see a constant flow" of visitors.

"All those coming off the water did so with grins from ear to ear, which considering the unfriendly, wet and windy weather, speaks volumes for just how much fun the sport is," she said.

"Lucky visitors were treated to a whizz round the harbour in either an RS Quest, kindly on loan from RS, the club Vision or in a club Pico.

"They were accompanied on the water by many club members."

The clubhouse served as a refuge for visitors keen to stay dry.