Foyle Sailability launches 2016 programme

An initiative to allow people with disabilities experience sailing has been launched again this year, with the 2016 Foyle Sailability launched last evening at the Foyle Port Marina.
It’s the third year of the iniative, which is sponsored by Foyle Port, which has made a vesselc available to the committee for training purposes.
The organisers says Foyle Sailability is open to people with disabilities from both Derry and Donegal, wit events getting underway on May 14th and culminating in a special event as part of the Greencastle Regetta in August.
 
Foyle Sailability Programme of Events 2016
 
Saturday 14^th May – Go with the Flow
Foyle Sailability is taking part in this Sports NI initiative, with a special event at Foyle Port Marina. Please note that Foyle Port Marina has a hoist, and we have a range of accessible dinghies for everyone to enjoy out on Lough Foyle. The event runs from 10.30am to 3pm and is divided into short sessions, so early booking from foylesailability@gmail.com is advised, although it’s free.  Foyle Port Marina is located at Baronet Street: https://goo.gl/maps/dqPnsLbWX1L2
7^th June – St Kilda send-off:
Foyle Sailability is sending 2 yachts to participate in the St Kilda Challenge race in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides on 10^th June, which is organised by Comann na Mara (Society of the Sea). St Kilda (see pic left) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and protected by the National Trust, which makes this a singular and unique event.  Foyle Sailability’s participation in this event is funded by Malin Waters and  is aimed at raising awareness about water sports and activities for people with disabilities and FS in particular.
June to September – Fortnightly Sailing Programme:
We begin our first regular series of fortnightly sail training sessions for those of all abilities and experience in June – start date to be confirmed. These sessions are aimed both at introducing people with disabilities to sailing and also with building up their level of proficiency into the future. The sessions will take place every second Thursday from the pontoon in Greencastle initially, and we also hope to hold some in Derry. Further information on request from foylesailability@gmail.com
Wed 6^th – Thurs 7^th July – Foyle Sailability at Foyle Maritime Festival:
Supported by the Loughs Agency, we are staging our own 2-day regatta as part of Foyle Maritime Festival’s Pre-Clipper Programme.  Each day’s activities runs from 11am to 3pm and further details will be available closer to the time fromwww.foylesailability.org or the Foyle Sailability Facebook Page . Alternatively, you can email us at foylesailability@gmail.com .
Friday 12^th August – Foyle Sailability Regatta at Greencastle Regatta:
Under the banner of one of the longest running maritime festivals in Ireland, Foyle Sailability is staging our own 1-day regatta for people with disabilities. Please note that sessions have to be pre-booked and activities run from 11am to 3pm.  Details will be available closer to the time from www.foylesailability.org, the Foyle Sailability Facebook Page or via email atfoylesailability@gmail.com