welcome to BYC
A Hub of Sailing Excellence.
Ballyholme Yacht Club (BYC) is a vibrant, volunteer-driven sailing and watersports community located on the sheltered shores of Ballyholme Bay, at the entrance to Belfast Lough in Bangor, Northern Ireland.
For over a century, we’ve been a cornerstone of sailing in Ireland—welcoming everyone from Olympic athletes and world champions to cadets taking their very first tacks. We’re proud to be an RYA-recognised training centre, offering courses and coaching for all ages and abilities in sailing, powerboating, and race management.
Founded in 1900 as Ballyholme Sailing Club and re-established as Ballyholme Yacht Club in 1920, our club has grown alongside the town of Bangor. From modest beginnings in a wooden clubhouse to hosting world-class events and Olympic hopefuls, we’ve stayed true to our mission: to make sailing accessible, competitive, and enjoyable for all.
years of sailing at Ballyholme
With over 110 days of organised racing and training each year, BYC is a hive of activity. We host a full calendar of club racing, open regattas, and international events, including:
The Icebreaker Series (October–April) with over 100 boats competing
Ballyholme Regatta & Sea Bangor
Regional, national, and international championships for classes including Laser, Topper, RS, Multihulls, and more
Major events such as the F18 World Championships, Laser Radial Europeans, and the World Police and Fire Games
Our racing pedigree runs deep—BYC members have represented Ireland at five Olympic Games, with Ryan Seaton, Matt McGovern, and James Espey proudly sailing under the club’s burgee at London 2012. We’re also home to Liam Glynn, Ireland’s first Topper World Champion.
Community-Driven & Volunteer-Led
A Club for Everyone.
We offer a thriving cadet programme and youth pathways with regular training, racing, and fun events like Dolphins & Sharks Fridays, the Corinthian Cup, and our infamous Pirates Raid.
Our members sail everything from Toppers and Lasers to Squibs, multihulls, day boats, and cruisers. We operate a family-friendly handicap system, so everyone can join in, no matter your boat—or your crew size.
Run by members for members, BYC thrives thanks to the dedication of hundreds of volunteers—from race officers and coaches to rescue crews and event organisers. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor, new to the water, or just here for the craic, you’ll find a warm welcome at Ballyholme.
