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  BLS Recognition Dinner

  On Saturday, 12th October, Belfast Lough Sailability celebrated the contributions its members have made over the past year. Seventy volunteers and participants attended a dinner and awards ceremony at Carrickfergus Sailing Club, where certificates were awarded for the sailing skills acquired throughout the year. BLS acknowledged the tireless efforts of its volunteers, who dedicate their time twice a week during the summer and on Saturday mornings in winter. These volunteers not only help participants

  Published 12:11 on 21 Oct 2024

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  Group Visits

  Over the past few months, Belfast Lough Sailability has hosted 17 group visits, providing participants with the opportunity to experience Belfast Lough. A total of 122 participants, along with 56 carers, enjoyed trips on Sea Rover, our wheelchair-accessible boat, and Rosy. None of this would have been possible without the dedication of our team of volunteers, who play a crucial role in supporting these visits. Each visit requires a minimum of 8-10 volunteers, and their

  Published 11:51 on 21 Oct 2024

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  Lough Erne Regatta

  A team of 15 members of Belfast Lough Sailability travelled to Lough Erne on Saturday 16 th June for the first of the three Sailability Regattas. BLS sailors helmed 2 Hansa dinghies throughout the day's competitive sailing. Lough Erne came away worthy winners but despite this a good day was had by all.

  Published 12:03 on 16 Aug 2024

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  Belfast Lough Sailability Regatta

  Belfast Lough Sailability hosted the 2 nd round of the RYA Sailability regatta on Saturday 27 th July. 11 Hansa 303s and 2 Hawk 20s competed in the event over 3 races and competitors travelled from Lough Erne Sailability and Foyle Sailability clubs to compete against the sailors from Carrickfergus. With light winds the sailing was close and tactics came in to play. Each race had a different winner with honours

  Published 16:36 on 15 Aug 2024

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  Cross the Lough Swim

  On Saturday 20 th July 7 swimmers set off from Gray's Point to swim across Belfast Lough to Carrickfergus. With on the water support from Belfast Lough Sailability the swimmers managed the crossing in just over 3 hours. Congratulations to all who took part and a big thank you from Belfast Lough Sailability who received a cheque for £4,750 from the sponsorship raised by the swimmers.

  Published 14:14 on 15 Aug 2024

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  Boat Naming Ceremony for New Safety Boat Barnaby

  Belfast Lough Sailability is thrilled to announce the successful naming ceremony of their new safety boat, 'Barnaby'. The event, held on Saturday, 22 nd June 2024 at Belfast Lough Sailability, Carrickfergus Marina, was attended by a diverse gathering of community members, suporters, funders and esteemed guests. The acquisition of the new rigid inflatable boat (RIB), made possible through a generous legacy from the late Elizabeth Black MBE and contributions from various

  Published 15:51 on 17 Jul 2024

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  Discover Sailability

  On Saturday 1 st June Belfast Lough Sailability hosted a Discover Sailability event to raise awareness of the facilities on offer in Carrickfergus. Over 2 sessions we hosted 40 visitors offering them the opportunity to have a go at sailing our Hawk 20s or a trip on the lough in Sea Rover and Rosy. Everyone really enjoyed it and we hope to see some of our visitors back at BLS soon

  Published 15:05 on 17 Jul 2024

• 2024 Season

  We welcome back our Volunteers and Participants to BLS for the 2024 Season. Saturday morning sessions for members training are well under way (First Saturday of each month reserved for maintenance). Our Wednesday evening open sessions will be starting soon, watch this space for an update! Please let either the Volunteer Coordinator or Participant Coordinator know if you plan to attend! Don't be a stranger!

  Published 11:49 on 29 Mar 2024

• Cross the Lough Swim 2024

  This year the Belfast Lough Swim is due to take place on Saturday 20th July. Around 8 swimmers will swim from Grays Point to Carrickfergus. Organiser Gary Davison explains: The straight-line distance of the swim is 3.02 nautical miles, however considering the tide and open water swim the distance will be in the region of 3.75 to 4.3 nautical miles.Keep a look out for the total raised! Watch the video of the 2023

  Published 11:46 on 29 Mar 2024

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  Belfast Maritime Festival 2023

  Belfast Lough Sailability was delighted to be invited by Belfast City Council to participate in the Belfast Maritime Festival on 9th & 10th September at the Abercorn Basin. The weather was spectacular which made the on the water trips and activities even more fun. Our three Hawk 20’s, Alexander, Arica and Tamarind, supported by our safety rib Doug Smyth, provided taster sessions on the River Lagan and Abercorn Basin for

  Published 09:09 on 13 Sep 2023

• RYA NI Sailability Regatta 2023

  Due to the cancellation of the 2023 Presidents Cup, Belfast Lough Sailability hosted the inaugural RYA NI Sailability Regatta. we were very grateful to RYA NI for their support of this event. It is hoped this will be an annual event between the Sailability Clubs in Ulster (Belfast Lough Sailability, Lough Erne Sailability and Lough Foyle Sailability). 2023

  Published 23:14 on 10 Aug 2023

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  First Aid

  Congratulations to the 6 volunteers who passed their RYA First Aid Course on 11 June 2023

  Published 18:59 on 11 Jun 2023