Slipping out into Galway Bay before sunrise, several traditional craft from Galway Hooker Sailing Club participated in the Darkness into Light national fundraiser on  Saturday.

“When a community comes together, it’s amazing what can be done,” the club said after the highly successful event took place.

The vessels were on the water even as hundreds of people gathered from 4 am on Saturday in Salthill to walk the promenade and shoreline in aid of the charity Pieta.

The city-based club was one of a number of sailing and boating clubs around the country to support the national event, which raises awareness about suicide and fundraises for the support work conducted by Pieta.

Galway City Sailing Club and Galway Bay Sailing Club also responded to the on-water appeal.

“This morning the Galway community came out to walk, run, sail and motor into the day as the sun rose,” Galway Hooker Sailing Club said.

“It was a beautiful morning and we would like to thank everyone,” it said.

Over 3.7 million euros had been pledged to the charity last night, close to its 4 million euro target. Some 54,000 euros of this was raised across 19 venues in Galway, on and off water.

Founded in Dublin in 2006, Pieta was established to provide free, accessible one-to-one counselling to people suffering from suicidal ideation, engaging in self-harm or to those bereaved by suicide.

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, Howth Yacht Club will be hosting a special ‘sunrise sail’ as part of this weekend’s Darkness Into Light event in aid of Pieta.

They’re just one of many sailing and boating clubs around Ireland that will be welcoming early risers on Saturday 7 May to help raise vital funds to support people affected by suicide and self-harm.

Weather allowing, a mix of dinghies, cruisers and RIBs alike will sail out at the crack of dawn, returning in time for breakfast at the Royal Irish and Royal St George in Dun Laoghaire and Bray Sailing Club in Co Wicklow.

The City of the Tribes will be well represented by Galway Bay Sailing Club, Galway City SC and Galway Hooker SC, while West Cork’s fundraising sail is hosted by Bantry Bay SC.

To find out more, visit the Darkness Into Light website.

Howth Yacht Club’s Cruising Group has planned its first cruise of the year, sailing to Ardglass in Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man from Thursday 19 to Saturday 21 May.

The club advises all interested parties to contact Susan Kavanagh directly, as the Cruising Group is always happy to welcome new members into the fold.

Ahead of that, the group’s first armada of 2022 will be to Lambay Island this coming Saturday 7 May.

Early risers can get a head start by registering for the Darkness Into Light sunrise sail in aid of Pieta House. Boats will leave the harbour for Ireland’s Eye at 5am alongside the pier walk from The Light House, HYC’s new pergola.

If you would like to sail but don't have a boat, get in touch with Susan Kavanagh, who will be happy to find you a seat for this special cause.