The enormous Barnett  Room , with its curved ceilings, stained glass windows, and artwork, was the grand venue in the Belfast Harbour Commissioners office for the Royal Yachting Association Northern Ireland's 50th Anniversary celebrations.

As explained in the event programme, the turbulent political situation in Northern Ireland resulted in the breakup of the Stormont government in 1972. The following year, when devolution was restored, the Sport and Recreation Order meant that to receive Sports Council funding, the sport of Sailing needed a National Governing body.

Lindsay, Olympian Micky Beckett and Erin McIlwaine at the Royal Yachting Association Northern Ireland's 50th Anniversary celebrations

The Ulster Dinghy Racing Association and the Irish Yachting Association, which had organised aspects of sailing in Northern Ireland, were unable to claim these benefits, so it was essential that the RYA become that Governing body. The first Chair was Sir John Andrews from 1973 – 1976, and the current chair is Susan McKnight.

So, the RYANI has enjoyed 50 years of development and growth from grassroots level to world-class performance sailing, with almost 200 members, including Sir Michael Arthur, RYA Chair, attending the celebration last Friday evening (18th October).

Rachel Nixon who is passionate about the Women on Water initiative with her husband Keith at the Royal Yachting Association Northern Ireland's 50th Anniversary celebrations

RYANI CEO Greg Yarnall commented, "It was a great evening and fantastic to see so many amazing people involved in sailing in Northern Ireland. It just reminds you of how great the community is. It also reminds you how many people are so instrumental in making the sport happen - the volunteers, the clubs and the sailors giving their time to reach those high levels"

In a series of panel discussions Susan Mcknight and Maeve Bell OBE, who was Chair from 2004 till 2006, reflected on the past 50 years and the birth of RYANI.

Olympian Bill O'Hara OBE, International Judge Chris Lindsay, Micky Beckett, a member of the British Sailing Team and Erin McIlwaine from Newcastle YC in South Co Down and a member of Ireland's Olympic Development Team discussed Olympic sailing. At the same time, RYANI CEO Greg Yarnall, RYANI Vice-Chair Gavin Watson, Garry Crothers and Rachel Nixon looked to the future of sailing in Northern Ireland and the impact of programmes such as Sailability and Women On Water.

Paris 2024 Olympian Micky Beckett (whose fundraising raffled Olympic ILCA 7 was won by Ballyholme Yacht Club's Mark Mckee, commented: "I've met lots of lovely people- volunteers from a range of types of club sailing, Sailability and people that were involved with the RYA at its inception 50 years ago. I've always believed that sailing is a very 'Broadchurch'. It's fantastic what it can offer because it's not a sport that requires you to be a certain height, shape, or disposition in the way other sports do".

On the night, there was a raffle all proceeds raised went towards funding RYA Northern Ireland's recently launched Individual Grant Scheme.

RYA NI Hall of Fame inductee Peter Kennedy (right) with RYA Chair Sir Michael Arthur Centre and RYANI Chair Susan McKnight 

The RYANI Sailing Hall of Fame was put in place to recognise those who have had exceptional achievements in the world of sailing as a sailor, coach, official, volunteer or instructor. Those inducted at the Dinner were Ron Hutchieson for his contribution to the ILCA class in Ireland, Bob Harper MBE, who was involved with the Ocean Youth Trust and Sailability; Peter Kennedy for his many achievements in competitive racing and posthumously Brian Black, a TV journalist and filmmaker who specialised in High Latitudes environmental issues, and Mick Hendra, a key driving force in the foundation and development of Sailability in Northern Ireland.

Ron Hutchieson (second from left) was inducted into the RYANI Hall of Fame and is pictured with Sir Michael Arthur RYA Chair and RYANI Chair Susan McKnight