Irish Whale and Dolphin Group are running a 1 day cetacean identification, recording and survey skills course at Whitehead, Co. Antrim on Saturday 14th August.

Recent sightings of Humpback Whale and White-sided Dolphin both in the Rathlin area this month together with some 10 sightings of Bottlenose Dolphin around the Antrim and Down coasts this year alone show that Northern Irelands waters hold important whale and dolphin populations.

Dinghy sailing provides an exciting way of getting afloat to experience the thrills of sailing. It is also the quickest and easiest way to learn to sail as dinghies are easy to rig, anyone can handle them and they are very responsive, providing limitless entertainment for everyone.

Many working adults are reluctant to give up a valuable weekend to have fun on a sailing course, so this year BYC has organised an Adult Monday night RYA course over 8 evening sessions in May and June: This course is similar to those we would normally run in the summer and will be running from 7-9.30pm. Please register your interest with Alice at alice@ballyholme.com.

May Day Monday (3rd May) at BYC is always a great way to spend your Bank Holiday with plenty happening down at the Club. Anyone who fancies having a short sail in a dinghy are welcome, both members and guests. The BBQ will be lit and there will be plenty of fun both on and in the water, plus a bit of craic for the dry land members who prefer not to get too wet.

Whether a BBQ summer or not, this year Ballyholme Yacht Club is offering a comprehensive programme of dinghy sailing courses. The variety of courses caters for adults and children from beginners to more advanced sailors.

The Share Holiday Village at Smiths Strand in Lisnaskea provides a range of interesting courses and activities. Read the rest of the story for details of there forthcoming events such as

• Creative Bronze Boat Fittings
• Making a Donegal Curach with sustainable materials
• Mothers Day Cruise
• RYA Courses and Summer Schemes

This course is designed to provide a working knowledge of first aid for all those who go afloat, on inland waters or up to 60 miles offshore. The syllabus is based on the recommendations of the Health and Safety Executive and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. The certificate fulfils the requirements of the MCA Code of Practice for the skippers of small commercial vessels up to category 2 and for all RYA practical instructors.

This is an excellent course that gives a real insight into safety at sea and the use of safety equipment which could one day make all of the difference. This course will arm you with the practical and theoretical skills to cope in an emergency situation. Practical time is spent in a pool with a life raft.

Basic Navigation and Sea Safety Course Jan 23rd & 30th Coleraine

For information on all courses contact Patricia Storey at 07850435592

The RYA NI will be running a Senior Instructor course at Cushendall over two weekends – 7/8 and 14/15 November. The cost for the course is £350. Anyone interested should contact Mary Farrell on mary.farrell@rya.org.uk to book a place.

Sailing for kids starts on Wednesday 6 May. The Dolphins run from 5-7pm and are for ages 6-9. The Sharks run from 7-9 for 10-15 year olds.

There is also race coaching available from 7pm for any experienced sailors. There will be a parent’s meeting this Wednesday 29 April at 8pm in the upstairs bar. Please come along to get information and register your child.

Dolphins and Sharks are free to members. Non members are welcome however there will be a charge. There will also be a charge for the Race coaching. - Elaine Taylor BYC

There is still plenty of training going on at BYC under the auspices of NDSA. Saturdays will be a supervised session from 1.30 until 3.30 with beginners and improvers welcome

On the 2nd and 3rd of September Strangford Lough Yacht Club is the venue for the biggest youth sailing competition of the RYANI year.

Based at Ballyholme Yacht Club, the North Down Sailing Academy is a limited company run on a ‘not for profit’ basis with the aim of introducing more people to the sport of sailing.

Realising that many prospective sailors just don’t have the opportunity to try the sport, some BYC and RUYC members have taken the bull by the horns and gone out on a limb with the Academy.