RYA Northern Ireland Sailability Open set to start in Belfast Lough

On Saturday 28 June, Belfast Lough Sailability will host the first of three Sailability events in the 2025 season known as the Sailability Open.

This event will be followed by similar events at Lough Erne Yacht Club on 26 June and Foyle Sailability on 16 August. These events will provide racing opportunities to those involved within Sailability and help the overall grown of the sport.

RYA Northern Ireland Sailability Officer, Oran Young, said: “The importance of these events for the growth of Sailability is massive. The events raise awareness of inclusive sailing and attract new participants who may not have considered sailing to be accessible. The events are also so important for volunteer and coach development. This Open builds a skilled, committed volunteer base essential to growing the programme long-term.

“I feel the Open showcase’s ability, not disability. The Open puts the spotlight on what disabled sailors can achieve. It’s a platform for demonstrating skills and competitiveness, building confidence and self-esteem and a great chance to celebrate success.”

Promoting the growth of Sailability in Northern Ireland is something which RYA Northern Ireland is committed to achieving as sailing should be a sport which anyone can enjoy, and this event removes any perceived or real barriers people may feel lie between them and participation in sailing.

The Sailability Open also aligns with RYA Northern Ireland’s five-year strategy, Navigating the Future as it encourages diversity in the Northern Irish sailing community and supports ‘Re-Imagined Pathways’ by providing the opportunity for people to transition from cruising to racing.

How to grow Sailability at your club or centre

Providing Sailability opportunities at your club or centre is a fantastic way to increase and diversify your membership, provide a wider range of activities for your members, as well as supporting individuals with aspirations to engage in sailing or boating.

Contrary to popular belief, you do not need specialist equipment at your club or centre to run a Sailability event. Smaller scale projects can be set up as an early way to engage with RYA Northern Ireland’s Sailability programme.

Setting up a Sailability programme is now easier than ever because for the first time ever, RYA Northern Ireland recently appointed a staff member specifically dedicated to the growth of Sailability in Northern Ireland in Oran Young.

Oran said: “The past few months have been an experience of a lifetime. Being in and around the clubs, schools and community groups provides a real sense of belonging and is incredibly rewarding to be a part of.

“The most exciting part for me is being able to connect with schools, community groups, councils that may not have been directly involved in Sailability before. The potential to grow all over Northern Ireland is massive, and I cannot wait to see where the world of Sailability goes over the next number of years.”

If you would like to learn more about the Sailability Open or how to engage your club with the RYA Sailability Programme, contact oran.young@rya.org.uk