Holywood Yacht Club, Co. Down

Founded in 1862, Holywood Yacht Club is one of the oldest sailing clubs in Ireland.  Small, friendly and actively catering for all levels and abilities, they claim that “Whether you are an expert navigator or a complete beginner who has never set foot on a boat, at Holywood Yacht Club you will find what you need to learn and progress”.  The Club works closely with the Sea Cadets to target families from disadvantaged backgrounds, and encourages all local residents to utilise the beautiful sea on their doorstep and try a great sport they might not usually have access to.  They have also worked hard over the years to develop their Junior Section, with safeguarding and child protection in mind.  In an effort to make sailing more accessible to everyone, the Club provides a range of resources such as boats, wetsuits, buoyancy aids, etc. but needed to refresh and update some of their ageing equipment so that they can continue to offer safe and fun facilities for all to enjoy.  The Committee agreed a grant of £500 from The Clothworkers’ NI Fund towards some of the vital items on their shopping list.