Women enthusiastically praise extraordinary experiences at RYA Northern Ireland Women's Water Festival
Catchin' Waves with the Gals at Women on Water Festival!
Ladies, grab your sunscreen & life jackets, 'cause you're in for a wild ride!
The recent Women on Water Festival was an absolute blast, taking place at the bustling Ballyholme Yacht Club. With 42 gals in attendance, the day was filled with water-based activities catering to both beginners and enthusiasts alike.
May 31st marked an exciting day, offering sailing and boating experiences perfect for those new to the sports, while also giving the chance to mingle with other like-minded ladies.
One attendee, Ruth Farr, couldn't have been more thrilled, stating, "Today has been fantastic! It's been amazing to get out on the water and try new things. You feel more confident in a group and it's great to take it at your own pace." She added, "It's been incredibly social, and as I'm approaching retirement, I can honestly say that this is something I'd love to delve deeper into."
Another participant, Elena Samuel, also couldn't contain her excitement, saying, "This has been an amazing day! It's been a fantastic mix of activities, making it an excellent introduction to the sport. Everyone has been so friendly, and it's a really laid-back atmosphere—which is perfect for meeting folks you wouldn't normally meet."
The fun-filled day gave women the chance to try activities like yachting, dinghy sailing, powerboating, stand-up-paddleboarding, and windsurfing. Turns out, there's something for everyone when it comes to aquatic adventures!
Ruth and Elena aren't alone in their praise for the event, as the Women on Water program has been a staple of RYA Northern Ireland for almost a decade. Subject to a successful five-year strategy named "Navigating the Future," the program continues to promote diversity and inclusion in sailing and boating in Northern Ireland.
Jess Penney, RYA Northern Ireland's Development Officer, added, "The Women on Water program has been incredible for introducing women and girls to sailing and boating for the first time. We've seen a significant boost in female participation, but there's still room for improvement." She emphasized, "This event is perfect for beginners—they just need to show up; everything else is taken care of by our dedicated instructors and volunteers."
Thanks to RBCA, a Belfast-based accountancy firm, the Women on Water program has a new sponsor for the upcoming three years. This sponsorship opens the door for even more gals to explore sailing and boating opportunities, ensuring the Shine On for female sailing in Northern Ireland! Let's keep those sails hoisted high and the "yeehaw!" spirit alive, ladies!
Get ready to set sail on more aquatic adventures—the future for female sailing in Northern Ireland is brighter than ever!
Sources:
- Boosting female participation in sailing and boating: https://www.northernireland.gov.uk/news/women-on-water-boosting-female-participation-in-sailing-and-boating
- Women on Water program brings new opportunities to the water: https://www.ryaireland.net/news/women-on-water-programme-brings-new-opportunities-to-the-water
- Women on Water Festival creates a bustling community on the water: https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/women-water-festival-bring-new-22726553
- A look at the RYA Northern Ireland's five-year strategy: https://www.ryaireland.net/strategy/
- Encouraging inclusivity in sailing and boating: https://www.sailing.org/women-and-girls/gender-equality/encouraging-inclusivity-in-sailing-and-boating/
With the success of Women on Water Festival at Ballyholme Yacht Club, the outdoor-living and home-and-garden lifestyle continued into sports like sailing and boating.
The day was a mix of beginner and enthusiast water-based activities, including dinghy sailing, powerboating, and even windsurfing, catering to the sports lovers in attendance.
Ruth Farr and Elena Samuel, two attendees, praised the event, appreciating the social and laid-back atmosphere it offered, perfect for meeting new people and trying novel activities.
The Women on Water program, a staple of RYA Northern Ireland for almost a decade, aims to promote diversity and inclusivity in sailing and boating, and the recent sponsorship from RBCA paves the way for even more gals to dive into these sports, ensuring a bright future for female sailing in Northern Ireland.
