Sailability Open Series Gets Off to a Roaring Start on Belfast Lough

8th July 2025

Afloat.ie Team

Some of the sailors enjoying the water at Belfast Lough Sailability Centre in Co Antrim for the first Sailability Open of 2025

Over 35 sailors travelled to Belfast Lough Sailability Centre in Co Antrim for the first Sailability Open of 2025.

This event, held on 28 June, was the first of three Sailability Open events in Northern Ireland this summer which will provide racing opportunities for people of all abilities.

The other events will take place at Lough Erne Yacht Club on 26 July and Foyle Sailability on 16 August.

Ultimately, it is hoped that this will help to grow sailability in Northern Ireland, engaging more people and clubs in this aspect of the club.

RYA Northern Ireland sailability officer Oran Young said: “Days like this are a confidence builder. When you’re out there and you get racing and you’re in the competitive side of things, it really does build your confidence as well as your skills.”

One of the founding members of sailability in Northern Ireland, Bob Harper MBE hailed the social element of sailability: “The amount of friendships I’ve gained from it has been incredible. It’s also a feel-good factor from a volunteer’s point of view.”

The RYA website has more HERE.

Published in Sailability, RYA Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Waters

Published in Sailability

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About Sailability

Sailability gives access to sailing for people living with disabilities or disadvantages. This Charity also provides kayaking. The aim is to train, educate and encourage more people with disabilities or disadvantages in getting on the water with a qualified dinghy, powerboat and first aid instructors.