Sailing Sessions

Sailing sessions take place in either Carrickfergus Harbour or Marina and if it is not too windy or rough we often take our boats out onto Belfast Lough. We always meet in the cabin at the start of a sailing session for a chat and a cuppa. This is also where lifejackets, tallys and waterproofs are issued. Details of our location can be found on the contact page.

Members Sailing (Open Sailing Session)

Between Easter and September/October (depending on weather) we have open sailing sessions for members every Wednesday evening from 7pm to 9pm operating two time slots – 7pm to 8pm and 8pm to 9pm, just let us know what time slot best suits your requirements.

So if you want to try sailing or just want to chat and check us out, come down with a friend or family member and see us. It is brilliant fun and we will never pressure you into doing anything you are not comfortable with. Our aim is to give you the opportunity to have an enjoyable experience you will never forget!

Group Bookings

Since Belfast Lough Sailability was established we have hosted group visits from schools for children with disabilities, various youth groups and groups for adults with disabilities - including those from the local area to further afield. We are able to cater for people with physical disabilities (ambulant, partially ambulant, non ambulant independent and assisted transfer), sensory disabilities (hearing impaired, profoundly deaf, visually impaired, blind) and learning disabilities.

A group visit can be held on any day of the week and at any time during the day or the evening. Due to being staffed entirely by volunteers we do have a limit at times on the number of group bookings in a period we can take and therefore advise that you book well in advance of the date you require to enable us with the best opportunity to provide you with a date that suits your groups requirements.

If you would like to book a group visit to Belfast Lough Sailability please telephone 07599 689280.

Volunteer Sailing/Training

All of our volunteers are paid up members of Belfast Lough Sailability and we provide training to our volunteers throughout the year, either on the water when the weather is good or in the classroom if not.

As an RYA Recognised Training Centre we are able to provide our volunteers with RYA Certificates on successful completion of approved courses. There will be a cost for these courses to cover the cost of instructors, course materials and certificates.

Alongside this we offer a volunteer programme which is free to volunteers and provides opportunities to practice skills and build a good all round knowledge of Belfast Lough Sailability and the way we operate. Although the training can be formal, most of the time it is about having some fun whilst acquiring new skills or improving skills already gained. Some people use the opportunity that these sessions provide for a spot of individual coaching by trained and experienced instructors. Until 31st March 2012 these sessions will be on a Saturday morning starting at 10am prompt.

After this date there will be the opportunity for volunteers to learn the skills to race, take part in club racing and regattas, however this will involve a level of commitment throughout the sailing season - full details will be published closer to the time.

A full calendar of volunteer training and volunteering opportunities can be obtained on being accepted as a volunteer with Belfast Lough Sailability or by checking out our events tab on our facebook page .

New volunteers are always welcome so contact us today to find out how you could help us achieve our goals.

If you are interested in volunteering please use the enquiry form on the contact page, telephone 07599 689280 or email: [email protected].