Belfast Lough Readies for Commencement of RYA Northern Ireland Sailability Open
On a stormy Saturday, June 28th, Belfast Lough Sailability will kick off their 2025 season with the Sailability Open. This event marks the first of three Sailability events planned, with subsequent events at Lough Erne Yacht Club on the 26th of June and Foyle Sailability on the 16th of August.
These events aim to offer racing opportunities to the Sailability community, fostering the growth of the sport. RYA Northern Ireland Sailability Officer, Oran Young, expressed, "These events are pivotal for the expansion of Sailability. They ramp up awareness for inclusive sailing, attract newbies who may have never considered sailing an option, and play a significant role in developing volunteers and coaches. The Open is a remarkable platform, highlighting the abilities of disabled sailors, promoting competitiveness, and boosting confidence."
Sailing should be for everyone, and RYA Northern Ireland is dedicated to making it happen. The Sailability Open aligns with their five-year strategy, "Navigating the Future," by promoting diversity within the Northern Irish sailing community and provisioning opportunities for people to transition from cruising to racing, thereby reinventing pathways.
If you're interested in expanding Sailability at your club or center, Oran Young suggests the following key steps:
- Partner with RYA Northern Ireland for access to resources, training courses, and promotional opportunities.
- Organize inclusive sailing events, such as themed festivals, to engage new participants and raise awareness.
- Seek out funding and resources to acquire adapted boats, safety equipment, and coaching for disabled sailors.
- Develop customized training and coaching programs tailored to people with disabilities.
- Collaborate with local clubs to leverage resources and membership networks.
- Foster a community atmosphere by organizing regular accessible sailing days, social gatherings, and racing opportunities for disabled sailors.
Contact Oran Young at oran.young@our website.org.uk to learn more about the Sailability Open or how to engage your club with the RYA Sailability Programme.
The Sailability Open, an inclusive sailing event, serves as a platform to showcase the abilities of disabled sailors and promote competitiveness, thereby boosting their confidence. To expand Sailability in your club or center, consider partnering with RYA Northern Ireland, organizing inclusive sailing events, seeking out funding for adapted boats and coaching, developing customized training for people with disabilities, and fostering a community atmosphere.
