Sailors from across Dún Laoghaire gathered on Dublin Bay before sunrise on Saturday for Sail Darkness Into Light 2026 in support of Pieta House.
Boats launched in challenging early-morning conditions as the annual fundraising initiative marked its fifth year on the water. Participants assembled at the Royal Irish Yacht Club before heading into the bay at first light.
Stephen Breen described the conditions as “a bit lumpy out in The Bay” but said the event was “definitely worth getting up for” in recognition of Pieta’s work.
“A great gang gathered here at RIYC,” he said, adding that participants also remembered loved ones lost during the past year.
The sailing flotilla formed part of the wider national Darkness Into Light campaign supporting Pieta’s suicide and self-harm prevention services.
Organisers said the Dublin Bay event involved sailors, support boats, rowers and RNLI participation from clubs around Dún Laoghaire Harbour.
The event was also maked in Cork Harbour by Royal Cork Yacht Club as Afloat reports here
Organiser Valda Boardman said this year marked the fifth edition of Sail Darkness Into Light, a Dublin Bay initiative launched in 2022 in support of Pieta. Despite difficult weather conditions on Saturday morning, larger boats still made it onto the water, while others took part by walking the harbour piers in Dún Laoghaire.
Boardman said the event has grown steadily with support from Irish Sailing and clubs around the country. In Dublin Bay, participation increased from more than 35 boats in 2022 to over 70 craft by 2025, including sailing boats, ribs, rowers and RNLI crews. Clubs involved include the Royal Irish Yacht Club, Royal St George Yacht Club, National Yacht Club, Irish National Sailing & Powerboat School and Dublin Bay Sailing Club.
“We have leaders from clubs all around the country coming together,” she said. “Pieta call it the most important sunrise because of what it represents for the other 364 sunrises and their efforts every day, every week.”
