Olympian Sailing Star Shirley Opens New Sailing Club in Donaghadee

Donaghadee Sailing Club officially opened its new club house today with the help of double Olympic Gold medallist Shirley Robertson OBE.

Donaghadee Sailing Club, has a new purpose built club house thanks to 5 years of planning and, amongst others, a successful grant application to Sport NI.

Speaking at the opening Sport NI Chief Executive Eamonn McCartan congratulated Donaghadee on the development of their new club house.

‘’This is a tremendous achievement for the club and I congratulate all those involved in the project. I am particularly delighted that so many young people have been given the opportunity to try sailing for the first time over the summer months and I look forward to hearing about the continuing growth and success of the club in future years.’  

The Club, which was awarded the esteemed Volvo RYA Champion Club status in 2005 in recognition of its commitment to youth sailing and race coaching, were honoured when Shirley agreed to take time out of her busy schedule to fly in from Brussels, to officiate at the opening.

Shirley, who is a member of Team Volvo for Life, an inspirational team of individuals from Olympic class to Round the World sailors, who are all at the pinnacle of the sport, has a personal interest in the Co. Down club as her husband Jamie Boag, also a notable international sailor, started his sailing career at Donaghadee.

Commenting on the new club Shirley said ‘ Jamie remembers sailing here at Donaghadee in the 1980’s but with basic facilities. The new club house is now a real asset to its members, the town and beyond as it will enable many more to get involved with sailing because of the purpose built amenities’.

The new building has been in use since May to accommodate the sailing season. Over 120 kids and adults have completed sailing courses this summer compared to around 30 last year which proves how much the new facility is introducing people to the sport.

Shirley added  ‘It’s such a friendly club with a real family focus which offers great opportunities for the whole family to be involved. I’m delighted to be here today and witness first hand this wonderful new building with incredible views – to Scotland, of course – and meeting the people who made it all happen. These premises go beyond sailing as many multi–use opportunities for the whole community now exist’.

Commodore James Ogg also added ‘This is a momentous and special day for us. We’re delighted that Shirley was able to attend through our association with Volvo and our dream of a new club house has finally become a reality. Many people have worked hard to get us here. They’ve given their time, talent as well as donations to help us. It’s given everyone a real buzz and sense of  purpose especially among our young sailors who have been proactive in our fundraising campaigns”.

As a recognised RYA Training Centre and Volvo Champion Club the new facilities are attracting more people into sailing. Four local schools from across the community have benefited this summer by taking part in an ‘Outreach’ initiative. Donaghadee is one of the first club’s in NI to run this scheme.

Mr Ogg further added ‘We’ve had at least 50 kids along most Friday nights to try sailing for free. During the summer we’ve hosted 596 youths aged 8 to 16 to get involved in the sailing experience. We pride ourselves in the fact that we are opening up sailing to everyone. This is only made possible by having a willing bunch of member volunteers who work right across the club’.

Ashley Holden from Volvo dealership, SMW Belfast said: “We are delighted to be involved in the opening of Donaghadee Sailing Club’s new club house. As a Volvo Champion Club it shows the great work and commitment that the Club has to young sailors in developing their racing skills, we may well be training future Olympians here in Northern Ireland”.

Commodore James Ogg & Vice Commodore Anthony Skeats

Double Olympian Shirley Robertson O.B.E.