We caught up with the crew down in Inniscealtra Sailing Club in Lough Derg to chat about their Women on the Water event over the August Bank Holiday weekend this year. Iniscealtra Sailing Club was among the worthy recipients of this year’s Women on the Water grant, and the club wasted no time putting the support to excellent use. The funding helped create new opportunities for female members to get out on the water, build confidence, and enjoy new sailing experiences. From skill-building sessions to social sails, the initiative strengthened the club’s commitment to inclusivity and encouraged even more women to discover the joy of sailing.
This event was a huge success and introduced several new women to sailing in Squibs. The day was lively and full of enthusiasm, and a few special prizes made especially for the event added extra excitement.
In the following weeks, Inniscealtra ran 2 powerboat and boat-handling sessions held on the 14th and 21st of September, with four, five, and six participants on different outings, including a cruising-boat manoeuvring session. After one session, we held a club barbecue, giving everyone a chance to relax and connect.
In total, 18 people have taken part or expressed interest, most of whom don’t normally sail or powerboat. The events were very well received, with feedback from men and women alike highlighting the new energy and enthusiasm they brought to the club. Overall, the sessions were a hugely positive experience, showing that there is great potential to involve more people in sailing and boating activities across the club.