BYC Sailors Make a Splash in first NI Sailing Team Selection

While the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) Northern Ireland has long supported performance sailors through development programmes, this marks the first time an official ‘NI Sailing Team’ has been established. The sailors selected for the team are at various stages of development, ranging from those competing in junior classes such as the Topper, to senior athletes with Olympic aspirations in classes such as the ILCA 7 or the 49er FX.

As part of the NI Sailing Team, sailors will benefit from elite coaching, participating in training camps both locally and internationally. RYA Northern Ireland Performance Manager Andrew Baker emphasised the significance of the initiative:

“We want to ensure that sailors with potential and Olympic ambitions have the support they need to achieve their dreams. On a broader level, we aim to grow participation in our classes, revitalise club racing, and celebrate sailing as a sport for life.”

Kate Broderick, Watersports Centre Manager at BYC, expressed her pride in the club’s 20 team members: “Congratulations to all our Ballyholme Yacht Club sailors. Their dedication, hard work, and commitment to improving their skills has truly paid off. We’re incredibly proud of their achievements and we are excited to see them represent BYC in the Topper, Feva, ILCA and 49erFX at National and International level competition in the near future.”  

Kate attributes BYC’s success to its comprehensive training programmes for all ages, year-round club racing, and the inspiration provided by hosting major championships, including this summer’s ILCA 6 Youth European Championships. 

Rob Milligan, BYC’s Commodore added: “The sailors’ success is a testament to the supportive and vibrant sailing community we have here at the club. From the volunteers to the instructors, everyone plays a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of sailors.

“Few clubs offer young sailors as much exposure to high-level competition. Here, they have the chance to race against top talent, which significantly enhances their skills.”

Honour Roll - BYC sailors selected for the inaugural NI Sailing Team

Alex Eadie, Emma West-Hurst, Zoe West-Hurst, Leo West-Hurst, James Eadie, Polly Robinson, Emily Ridout, Annabel Ridout, Jessica Dadley-Young, Sally Nixon, Sophie Cairns, Emily MacAfee, Hugo Boyd, Isabel Nixon (also Donaghadee Sailing Club), Iseult Speirs, Bobby Driscoll, Cormac Byrne, Daniel Palmer, Dan McGaughey, Charlotte Eadie (also Donaghadee Sailing Club)

Children can start learning to sail at Ballyholme as young as eight years old through the parent-led ‘Dolphins’ sailing programme which runs from April through to the end of August on Friday evenings. As the children progress they complete their RYA certifications and graduate to ‘Sharks’ which is for older children where coaching is provided to support their progression. BYC offers an economical annual family membership which can be paid monthly and the Club welcomes new members to join and make the most of Bangor’s stunning coastal environments by getting out on the water. Learn more about Cadet sailing at BYC.