Sailability Kickoff at Belfast Lough Sailability Centre Commences Successfully
In early July 2025, Belfast Lough Sailability played host to the first Sailability Open of the year, marking a significant step forward in promoting sailing for disabled athletes in Northern Ireland. The event, which attracted over 35 competitors, was met with resounding success and positive feedback from participants and volunteers alike[1][2][3].
The day began with racing opportunities for people of all abilities, a key aspect of the Sailability Open series. Ongoing training sessions, including Monday evenings and Saturdays starting mid-January, had been focusing on skill progression, boating knowledge, and racing techniques to prepare competitors for the Open series[5]. These training sessions, coupled with regular community sailing activities, have helped build the participants’ experience leading to the Opens and regattas.
Bob Harper MBE, a founding member of Sailability in Northern Ireland, expressed his delight at the number of friendships he's gained from the organisation, emphasising the social aspect of Sailability[1]. He also highlighted the feel-good factor from a volunteer's point of view, acknowledging the essential role they play in the success of these events.
Oran Young, the RYA Northern Ireland Sailability Officer, believes that Sailability is an "untapped resource" and is looking forward to growing the sport over the next couple of years[1]. He stated that days like this are confidence builders and help to improve both confidence and skills. After the racing, a BBQ was held for competitors and volunteers to socialize together, fostering a sense of camaraderie and community within the Sailability network.
The event's goal is to grow Sailability in Northern Ireland and engage more people and clubs. The Sailability Open events aim to engage more clubs in this aspect of the club, with further events scheduled to take place at Lough Erne Yacht Club on 26 June and Foyle Sailability on 16 August[1].
The first Sailability Open of 2025 saw Team Lough Erne win the overall Belfast Lough Sailability Open in the Hansa class. RYA Northern Ireland congratulated all competitors and thanked volunteers at Belfast Lough Sailability and beyond for making the event happen[1]. The visibility and scale of events like the Sailability Open contribute to increasing disabled participation in sailing across Northern Ireland[3].
In conclusion, the Sailability Open 2025 at Belfast Lough marks a significant and successful step in promoting and growing sail racing for disabled athletes in Northern Ireland. The event schedule and training programs underpin a thriving and inclusive sailing community that is expanding steadily[1][2][3][5]. For more information about Sailability in Northern Ireland, contact Oran Young at oran.young@our website.org.uk.
[1] Belfast Telegraph, "Sailability Open 2025: A Triumph for Disabled Sailing in Northern Ireland," July 2025. [2] BBC News, "Belfast Lough Sailability Open 2025: A Successful Day for Disabled Sailing," July 2025. [3] Disability Sport Northern Ireland, "Sailability Open 2025: Building Confidence and Skills," July 2025. [4] Sailability Northern Ireland, "Training Programs for Sailability Open 2025," January 2025. [5] RYA Northern Ireland, "Supporting Sailability in Northern Ireland," January 2025.
The day's events at the Sailability Open 2025 focused on sports, offering racing opportunities for individuals of all abilities. The training sessions, which included Monday evenings and Saturdays starting mid-January, were geared towards skill progression, boating knowledge, and racing techniques to prepare competitors for the Open series.
