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Greater Belfast Branch Private Taster Sailing Event By Alice Armstrong , Greater Belfast Branch Committee On Thursday 19th June, 20 excited IPA members, friends and families arrived at Ballyholme Yacht Club for the Greater Belfast Branch Sailing Event. T his was a sailing taster event run by the capable, experienced team of Royal Yachting Association Instructors at these boats could still be handled by two people. They have a main sail and a jib. They also have a gennaker sail, but this wasn’t used on this session.

Landing was done under a beautiful sun-down. Participants got changed and a hot shower before some scones, a cuppa and a debrief. A number of the participants enjoyed the evening so much that they vowed to get out again, and even perhaps take on a course of tuition. With the event being fully booked out and more people on a wait list the sailing experience was a tremendous hit and one that we hope to do again.

Ballyholme Yacht Club. No previous experience was assumed by participants although a handful of people had some experience afloat. The event started with gearing up. Every participant was given a wetsuit, spray jacket and buoyancy aid. Despite it being a warm clear evening there was always the chance of getting wet while boarding the boats and also experiencing cooler air and a wind chill over the water. As it was, there was no wind chill as there was next to no wind! However, despite this the boats still moved on the light air. After a briefing and rigging ashore, the participants were split into boats with instructors and launched into the bay. The boats used were sailing dinghies called Laser Bahias. They held an instructor and up to five participants (in the light winds). If racing,

There were many laughs heard and thankfully no screams. The boats moved so slowly on the water there was plenty of time to try the helm and practice some tacking drills. Despite the tricky eight steps involved in the RYA tacking drill, people managed to get the boats turned. Jennifer, the Senior Instructor, kept the boats within range by her leadership from the safety boat. A support RIB would lift and lay marks for the crews to try to sail around. A gentle breeze came through later in the evening and as people’s skills improved, the speed of the sailing and manoeuvres did too.

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POLICE WORLD Vol 70 No.3, 2025