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River Foyle Prepares for Major Disabled Sailing Event

1st September 2024
Over 60 boaters of all abilities will gather at The River Foyle for a day of fun-filled Sailability racing
Over 60 boaters of all abilities will gather at The River Foyle for a day of fun-filled Sailability racing

Foyle Sailability Centre is set to become the location for one of Northern Ireland's largest disabled sailing competitions.

On 7 September, over 60 boaters of all abilities will gather at the River Foyle for a day of fun-filled racing.

This is the last competition in a series of events called the tri-racing series, following similar events in Lough Erne and Belfast Lough.

Sailability is an initiative from the Royal Yachting Association which allows people of all abilities to get out on the water and experience the sensation of sailing.

The competitors at this regatta will have a wide range of physical or mental disabilities but with the help of specially adapted boats, they manage to take part in the sport they love.

While the racing will be competitive, the primary focus of the day will be enjoyment While the racing will be competitive, the primary focus of the day will be enjoyment

While the racing will be competitive, the primary focus of the day will be enjoyment and there is an undeniable sense of community between competitors.
Sailability competitor, Matthew Daly said: "The best way to describe sailing is freedom- I don't really know any other way to put it. "It's just so easy to get along with people. Everyone knows everyone- it's like a big family."

The Chair of Foyle Sailability, Garry Crothers, shares this deep passion. A motorcycle accident left him without a left arm, yet he persisted in life and has now completed two sailing crossings of the Atlantic Ocean on a small boat.

Garry said: "Sailability has been a lifesaver for me. Whenever I became disabled the physical aspect was hard enough, but the mental aspect was ten times harder.

"It's not just about the sailing, there's a huge social element to it as well. We've got people involved that have no interest in sailing at all but they enjoy fixing engines or helping with trailers.

"Whenever you're disabled, it can be a very isolated place, so the social aspect is very important."

Sign up to the event is free, so the Royal Yachting Association are encouraging anyone to give it a go. You can sign up to event here 

Betty Armstrong

About The Author

Betty Armstrong

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Betty Armstrong is Afloat and Yachting Life's Northern Ireland Correspondent. Betty grew up racing dinghies but now sails a more sedate Dehler 36 around County Down

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About Foyle Port

Foyle Port, located in the North West region of Northern Ireland, is estimated to handle around 2 million tonnes of cargo per year, with a trade value of approximately £1 billion. The port plays a crucial role in facilitating the import of essential agri-products, supporting around 20,000 farms in the region, as well as various local business sectors such as fuel/oil and construction industries. The organisation supports an estimated 1000 direct and indirect jobs.

Originally located in the bustling heart of Derry City, the Commissioners relocated the port to its current deep-water location at Lisahally in 1993. The terminal boasts an impressive 440 metres of quay and can accommodate large vessels of up to 62,000 DWT. Foyle Port is primarily a bulk port and a significant importer of essential commodities such as oil, coal, animal feed, fertiliser, and plywood, all of which are vital for the North West rural region.

Since 2003, the organisation has experienced significant growth, doubling both turnover and profit and attracting approximately £100 million of inward investment to the region. This investment has supported projects, including a fertiliser plant, an oil tank farm, and a biomass power station.

Established by Act of Parliament in 1854, the Londonderry Port & Harbour Commissioners is an independent statutory authority with a duty to develop, maintain and operate to the highest standards of efficiency, financial prudence, environmental awareness, safety, and security. The Port is independent of the Government and is self-financing. All financial surpluses are reinvested in the business for the benefit of future generations of stakeholders.