Lough Derg Yacht Club Women On Water Adventure 2025

There’s nothing quite like being on the water with other women, the laughter, the learning, and the sense of adventure. That spirit of adventure was alive and well this summer at Lough Derg Yacht Club where its Women on the Water (WOW) programme brought together a remarkable group to sail, train, and support one another.

Since launching in April, weekly sessions have covered everything from the basics of sailing to cruiser and yacht handling. Our crew was a mix of women, mostly over forty years old from complete beginners to those brushing up on rusty skills to sailors ready to push further in a structured coached environment.

For Mary WOW meant learning in a safe environment where questions are welcomed, and encouragement was constant.

Kathy joined because of the opportunity to overcome a fear of helming and because in her words “too often the men take the helm”. WOW gave her the chance to claim it for herself.

Sinead Gilmartin commented: “I never thought I’d master helming our family yacht and I have put the skills I learned into practice since,” while Anne Whitford learned to take account of wind direction and control manoeuvring the cruiser in tight situations and now “feels more confident to get out there to explore the lake more.” Jane Buckley was “thrilled to safely manoeuvre a 34ft yacht in and out of several berths.”

Many have long supported from shore so stepping on board as sailors was both exciting and empowering. The refrain “happy to crew reluctant to helm became a running joke” one we are determined to master as we progress.

Some even took things further, Martina Goggin and Ann teamed up to buy a Squib proudly naming her ‘Gráinne Mhaol’ after the Pirate Queen... watch out for them on the start line!

Lough Derg Yacht Club are grateful to its fellow members who gave of their time so generously guiding manoeuvres, joining races, and cheering them on. These sessions filled with learning and laughter were among the highlights of the programme.

Mixed in with knot tying practice, discussions about approaching the start line, Pilates, lunches and barbecues all helped bond the group, a welcome counterbalance to the busy lives they each juggle off the water.

The memories and skills gained this year will carry us forward into 2026 when the WOW training programme returns the week after Easter. We can’t wait to welcome more women and more adventures to come.