This year’s Women on Water Festival will be held at the Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club at Cultra on the south side of Belfast Lough near Holywood. The date is 12th May.
This event, hosted by the RYANI is planned to give women the opportunity to get involved in sailing and boating for the first time and is open to any women above the age of 18.
The WOW festival is an opportunity for women to try a variety of different activities on the water within a supportive environment and a chance to meet new friends whilst developing skills. This is an open entry festival which welcomes all women who may be new to the sport or may have tried it before but would like to build some more confidence on the water. It is aimed at women interested in learning more about boats, but you don’t have to have completed a WOW programme previously.
Women taking part will get the opportunity to try their hand on a huge range of boats, from small dinghies and powerboats to larger yachts. It’s also a great opportunity for those involved to meet like-minded women who often become their friends for life.
Last year, the Festival was hosted by the Donaghdee Sailing Club on the North Down coast, and Lara Sunday, who took part, said, “There were women from all over Ireland there – some who had been sailing their entire life and then newbies like myself- there was just a really nice mix. Sometimes you think you can’t start things, especially when you’re later in life. It made me think that this is something I can do.” Donaghadee Sailing Club gained several new members after the Festival.
Activities scheduled include Dinghy and Keelboat sailing as well as Powerboating. No experience is needed as it is a day for learning and socialising. Buoyancy Aids will be provided if you don't have your own and the price includes activities, goodies, lunch and most importantly a chance to catch up with others and have lots of fun.
Vice Commodore Lindsay Nolan said “We are delighted to be hosting the 2024 RYA WOW festival. We followed all the work and research done by the RYA on female participation in sailing and hope that we can offer a fabulous day on the water to showcase sailing. Sailing can be a competitive sport if you want it to be but also sailing can be a lot of fun, a way to make new friends and a special way to get outdoors”. Sarah Dalzell is event director.
Tickets will be on sale until Sunday 5th of May and If you would like to know more info please contact [email protected] or sign up here
