Who We Are

RYA Sailability was set up by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) to give adults and children with any form of disability the opportunity to take up the sport and learn the skill of sailing.

Belfast Lough Sailability is a non-profit organisation run entirely by a team of dedicated volunteers who assist in the co-ordination of activities as well as enabling prospective disabled sailors to get afloat. It was established in September 2001 and received charitable status in May 2002 and continues to provide inclusive recreational opportunities for families and individuals. We rely on the support of the community and contributions from organisations to raise the necessary funds to purchase essential equipment and boats along with day to day running costs.

Since Belfast Lough Sailability was established, its fleet has has grown and currently includes 6 Hansa Access 303 wide dinghies, a displacement boat "Rosy", Sea Rover, a wheelchair accessible motor boat, 3 Hawk 20 sailing boats and 2XS RIB safety boats,

Our aim is to train, educate and encourage more people living with disabilities onto the water. We are an RYA Recognised Training Centre, and have our own RYA qualified instructors as well as a team of RYA qualified disability awareness trainers who regularly host awareness events to educate those helping or working with people living with disabilities.

Belfast Lough Sailability has grown rapidly in recent years and is exceptional in that it provides an activity not only for the disabled or disadvantaged individual but also for the whole family unit. People who think they can't even get on a boat, let alone sail it, have the chance to have a go. We offer Access to the Water, in particular the waters of beautiful Belfast Lough.

(Header photo: Ronnie Moore)