The third annual Float for Hope Boat Run from Burtonport Pier to Arranmore and surrounding Islands will take place on Sunday, July 30 in aid of Arranmore Lifeboat and the RNLI.
West Donegal native John Joe McBride, the founder of Gort na Sade Seals and Float For Hope has organised this year’s event based again around Water Safety Awareness and also to raise funds for the Arranmore Lifeboat and RNLI.
Launching of boats will start from 9am all boats taking part in the flotilla are requested to be in the water by 11:30am For safety reasons all boats joining the float for hope are asked to register.
Registration of boats will take place from 11:30 – 12:30 beside the stage in Burtonport harbour.
This year’s President of the Arranmore Lifeboat RNLI, Majella O’Donnell has been working hard behind the scenes. Speaking on behalf of the organisation Majella says, “Our team of volunteers at Arranmore Lifeboat is the lifeblood of all our communities that live along the Coastline in County Donegal especially the West Coast and Islands. Our fundraising efforts are essential to keep our Lifeboat and their team fully active at all times. It is an all weather lifeboat and is available for emergencies all year round. We are so lucky to have this vessel so close to us here, we really are. The RNLI really needs volunteers and welcome any help at any time, we are a very very important aspect of all our lives. We all go swimming, boating on kayaks or whatever and this lifesaving organisation really really needs your help. It’s a huge boat to have to look after and our crew are doing this voluntarily, with only two full time staff.
“We are so delighted to be the recipient of this year’s Float for Hope fundraiser and every single cent will be appreciated.”
Entertainment on the pier will start setting up from 10;00am. DJ Mc (Malachy Mc Laughlin) Float For Hope T – shirts will be on sale from 11:30am. A limited number of Float For Hope small wooden boats will be on sale, and if you have yours from the previous two years please bring them along. These boats will set sail at 9pm in memory of all those who lost their lives at sea.
Before the flotilla sets sail, the Burtonport Ukulele Group will play a few tunes followed by a “Blessing of The Boats” at Burtonport Pier at 1.30pm. The blessing of the Boats is a time honoured tradition that goes back many centuries into the sea of legend and tradition and will be a fitting tribute on the day. A full health & safety protocol will be in place and everyone attending must abide by the Coastguard rules at all times throughout the day.
The Arranmore Blue Ferry will travel with the flotilla to the Arranmore lighthouse, It is advised to contact the ferry to prebook your place.
Special guests Majella O’Donnell and Pat the Cope Gallagher along with Paddy Connaghan will formerly launch the 2023 Float for hope at 12:30pm.
The Flotilla will leave Burtonport Pier at 1:30pm, heading first to Arranmore Lighthouse. Then leaving Arranmore Lighthouse heading to the Stags, continuing from Stag to Inishsirrer, sailing along the mainland inside Inishmeane, heading into Bunbeg Harbour. It will then leave Bunbeg at 3:45pm, continuing along the mainland to Carrickfinn Beach, Mullaghderg Beach, Kincasslagh, Cruit island passing through Owey Sound and heading back to Burtonport Pier for 6pm.
If anyone has a Boat, and would like to join in on the day , they are more than welcome. Is is expected that there will be more than 30 boats joining in on the day. A donation per Boat Entry is appreciated, all funds raised will go to Arranmore Lifeboat.
Smaller craft and Ferries will return from Arranmore Lighthouse and stop off in Arranmore Island.
Island tours, local Restaurants and Bars will be open for business.
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