2025 Sailability Open off to a bang at Belfast Lough Sailability Centre

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

This event, held on 28 June, was the first of three Sailability Open events 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: “Most of the time with Sailability you would be cruising so to see the competitive side to the sport is really good. There’s not really an opportunity out there as a pathway for Parasailing so this is great to see.

“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. 

“RYA Northern Ireland have only recently appointed a Sailability Officer, so Sailability is a very ‘untapped resource’. I’m really looking forward to growing the sport over the next couple of years. I’ve been working hard with clubs and hopefully we’ll see some new clubs on board too.”

Racing was closely contested across the day in strong winds which provided challenges for the competitors, but all demonstrated impressive skills out on the water.

When the racing finished, Team Lough Erne were crowned the overall Belfast Lough Sailability Open winners for their performances in the Hansa class, and ‘Tamaraid’ finished as first Hawk. 

After racing, competitors and volunteers had the chance to socialise together during a BBQ before the prizegiving took place. 

One of the founding members of Sailability in Northern Ireland, Bob Harper MBE, hailed the social element of Sailability. He said: “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. 

“It’s just been amazing to watch the growth of Sailability in Northern Ireland and fantastic to see the number of friends I’ve made across the island of Ireland.”

RYA Northern Ireland would like to congratulate all of the competitors and thank all of the volunteers at Belfast Lough Sailability and further afield for making the event happen. 

If you would like to learn more about Sailability in Northern Ireland contact oran.young@rya.org.uk