BBC’s Cecilia helps bring a ‘Sunny’ spell to Carrick Marina

The weather presenter visited Carrick Marina on Saturday to launch Belfast Lough Sailability’s new Hansa 303 vessel ‘Sunny’.

Sailability provides opportunities to people with disabilities who are interested in sailing or other on-the-water activities,

The yellow and orange two-seater will be the sixth boat in their 303 fleet, and is specifically developed to suit all abilities.

Christine Harper from Sailability said: “It’s a very accessible, very colourful boat and is designed to be sailed single-handed, even by someone who may be profoundly disabled.”

Next summer the charity, along with Carrickfergus Marina and Carrickfergus Sailing Club, will host the Hansa 303 Irish Championship for sailors with disabilities.

Sunny is due to be one of a large fleet of Hansas taking part in the event.

“We’re very fortunate that we’re beside the sheltered waters of the lough, and we’ve always had great support from both the council and the marina,” Christine added.

The sail boat was purchased with the help of both Sainsbury’s and the Lloyds Foundation for Northern Ireland, with the latter providing a grant of £5,000.

“Lloyds Bank Foundation for Northern Ireland awards between £1.5 and £2 million annually in support of the Northern Ireland community to enable people, who are disadvantaged or with special needs, to participate actively in their communities,” said Sandara Kelso-Robb, LLoyds Foundation Executive Director.

“The Lloyds Bank Foundation for Northern Ireland is delighted to be able to support the work of Belfast Lough Sailability.

“The money will be used towards safety equipment and running costs. We wish the organisation continuing success with their excellent work, supporting those in need within the community.”

Meanwhile, members and volunteers from Sailability travelled to Belfast on September 20 to take part in Disability Pride.

The annual event aims to inform the wider community about the many different groups and activities that are available for people of all abilities to join.

Michael Holden, one of the organisers behind the event, is a wheelchair user and a member of Belfast Lough Sailability.

Over 1,000 people participated, with Lord Mayor of Belfast Nichola Mallon welcoming everyone to the grounds of City Hall .

Belfast Lough Sailability’s winter training programme is now underway and the organisation is searching for volunteers of all abilities with sailing and power boat experience.

The charity can be contacted by email at [email protected].