Why Should You Become a member at byc
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.
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.
Vibrant
Social Scene
At BYC, the social side of club life is just as vibrant as the sailing itself. At the heart of it all is our members’ lounge bar, where you can unwind with a drink while taking in stunning views out to sea — there’s no better way to end a day on the water.
Throughout the year, the club comes alive with a packed calendar of social events for members of all ages. Our popular Cruise & Craic nights bring the community together to hear fellow members share their sailing adventures and voyages, offering an evening of inspiration, laughter, and great conversation. Whether you’re a seasoned offshore sailor or just starting out, there’s always a story worth hearing.
Coffee mornings provide a relaxed and welcoming space to catch up with fellow members, and from time to time volunteers roll up their sleeves to serve food in the bar, making for a warm, community-driven atmosphere that you won’t find anywhere else.
For our younger members, cadet movie nights are a firm fixture in the social calendar — a chance for the next generation of sailors to bond, have fun, and feel at home in the club.
From lively evenings at the bar to quiet morning catch-ups, BYC’s social scene is built around one thing: bringing people together. Whatever draws you through the door, you’ll always find a friendly face and a welcoming atmosphere waiting for you.
Active
Club Racing
Whether you’re a seasoned racer or looking to dip your toes into competitive sailing for the first time, BYC offers exciting racing throughout the year to keep you on the water whatever the season.
During the warmer months, our Summer Points Series provides the perfect platform for friendly but competitive racing on the bay. With a series of races spread across the summer, skippers and crews can build their points tally week by week, honing their skills and tactics with every outing. It’s a fantastic way to improve your sailing while enjoying the best of the summer season on the water.
As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, the racing doesn’t stop. Our Winter Icebreaker Series is a favourite among the club’s more hardy sailors, offering a thrilling and challenging alternative to packing the boat away for the off-season. Racing in winter conditions builds confidence, sharpens boat handling skills, and there’s a special kind of satisfaction that comes with getting out on the water when others stay ashore.
Both series welcome sailors of all abilities and a range of boat classes, making club racing at BYC as inclusive as it is competitive. With a strong fleet, a fair racing programme, and plenty of banter on and off the water, there’s never been a better reason to get involved.
Expanding
Watersports
The world of watersports is evolving fast, and at BYC we’re evolving right along with it. Alongside our proud sailing heritage, the club has embraced the exciting growth of new and emerging water disciplines, ensuring there’s something for everyone who wants to make the most of what our beautiful stretch of coastline has to offer.
Paddleboarding has exploded in popularity in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re after a peaceful morning paddle taking in the scenery or a more intense workout on the water, paddleboarding is a fantastic way to enjoy the bay at your own pace. BYC has welcomed the paddleboard community with open arms, and you’ll regularly spot boards launching from the club.
Windsurfing has long been a staple of the watersports world, and its energy and excitement remain as strong as ever at BYC. With our location offering great conditions, windsurfers of all levels can make the most of what the sea has to offer right on our doorstep.
One of the most exciting developments in recent times has been the rise of wingsurfing, and BYC is right at the cutting edge. This thrilling combination of foiling and wing-powered speed has captured the imagination of water enthusiasts everywhere, and our members have been quick to embrace it.
And of course, no watersports community would be complete without its sea swimmers. Rain or shine, our sea swimming community take the plunge and embody everything that makes coastal life so special.
At BYC, we believe the water is for everyone. As these sports continue to grow, so does our commitment to supporting the people who love them.
World Class
Training Programmes
Whether you’re picking up a paddle for the first time or looking to sharpen skills you’ve been building for years, BYC is committed to helping every member progress and grow in the sport they love.
We offer a range of recognised training courses that cater to all ages and abilities. From complete beginners taking their first steps on the water to more experienced sailors looking to take their sailing to the next level, there is a pathway at BYC for you. Our courses are delivered by qualified instructors who are passionate about the water and dedicated to bringing the best out of every student.
For our youngest members, our cadet programme provides a fun, safe, and structured introduction to sailing, planting the seeds of a lifelong love of the sea. Watching our cadets grow from nervous beginners into confident, capable sailors is one of the most rewarding parts of life at BYC.
Adult learners are equally well catered for, with courses designed to fit around busy lives while delivering real, practical skills on the water. Whether you’re a complete newcomer or returning to sailing after a break, our instructors will meet you where you are and help you get where you want to go.
Beyond the basics, BYC also offers more advanced training opportunities for those looking to push further, race competitively, or even pursue their own instructor qualifications.
At BYC, we don’t just teach people to sail we help build confident, capable, and passionate people who go on to be the lifeblood of our club for years to come.
Join The BYC Family
Contact the office for more information
admin@ballyholme.com
02891271467