Three Foyle Sailability sailors earned podium finishes at the annual Foyle Sailability Regatta on Lough Foyle, a day of inclusive racing that brought together disabled sailors from across Northern Ireland despite challenging conditions that threatened to scuttle proceedings before they even began.
Crews from Belfast Lough Sailability, Lough Erne Sailability and Foyle Sailability all made it out on the water, though there was early debate among organisers about whether the wind would allow racing at all. Oran Young, the RYA Northern Ireland Sailability officer, attended in support of the event alongside Ken Curry, the RYANI Sailability Coordinator.
Foyle’s sailors started cautiously with sails reefed against the stiff breeze and initially found themselves working hard to match the pace set by the more experienced Belfast Lough and Lough Erne crews. Once the reefs came out, however, the home sailors grew into the racing and came close to snatching a couple of wins across the day.
Three Foyle competitors made it onto the podium. RoseAnn McGinley claimed second place, while Maria McGrory and Cara Curran both picked up bronze medals in their respective races.
The course, sheltered slightly by the sea wall, held up well even as strong winds forced the cancellation of most other events at the neighbouring Greencastle Regatta Festival that same day. That made it a particularly solid result for every sailor who managed to get out on the water.
The regatta ran alongside the Greencastle Regatta Festival, and organisers expressed their thanks to Greencastle Harbour for the use of its pontoons and to the festival team for the invitation to take part.
Behind the scenes, the event relied on a dedicated team of volunteers who handled everything from towing and safety boats to race officiating and equipment management. Their efforts ensured the day ran smoothly despite the testing weather.
A special mention went to Claire McCarron, who was absent from the water this time due to a hospital stay. The Foyle Sailability team wished her a speedy recovery and a swift return to sailing.
