RATHMULLAN Sailing and Watersports School collected the prestigious Training Centre of the Year accolade at the annual Irish Sailing awards ceremony held recently.
Singled out from over 110 training centres around the country, this award puts a spotlight on Rathmullan, watersports and a small, yet busy community enterprise.
In 2009, some enterprising residents of Rathmullan recognised the lack of sailing and watersports in the area and set about changing this.
Through the support of Leader grants initially, the school opened for its first sailing courses in 2009 with a rescue boat and five dinghies. From there, thousands of locals and tourists have participated in sailing on Lough Swilly in the school’s expanding fleet of dinghies, kayaks and rescue boats.
Dan Little, club member and sailing instructor with Aengus Kennedy and James Gallagher, Rathmullan Sailing School
The school was created as a community owned, non-profit enterprise run by volunteers and remains so to this day.
As the school grew, an instructor pathway programme was created. This gives opportunity for local participants to gain experience as sailing instructors before acquiring an international qualification in sailing instruction.
To date, over 20 young sailors have come through the programme, working as instructors in Rathmullan before heading abroad for professional sailing work. The school is a not-for-profit community-based initiative of the Rathmullan and District Resource Centre and an Irish Sailing accredited Training Centre.
Shortly after the school formation, Rathmullan Sailing Club was formed. The club complements the training centre by providing an opportunity for course participants to practice their skills. Rathmullan Sailing Club hosts a number of community events such as the annual blessing of the boats and regatta events.
Thanks to support from the local community, a small but dedicated team of volunteers and a lease from Donegal County Council, the school has grown to acquire a fleet of dinghies and rescue boats at a well located site by the pier.
This award will help the school and the area to grow together, enjoying and exploring the beautiful amenities Rathmullan has to offer.
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