Four sailors have been inducted into RYA Northern Ireland’s Hall of Fame at a special gathering in Belfast.

Sailors, club members, and sports representatives from right across NI joined together in Belfast for its first-ever Hall of Fame and the launch of RYA Northern Ireland’s new five-year strategic plan.

The event, which took place at the Crowne Plaza in Belfast, has numerous speakers, including RYA CEO Sara Sutcliffe MBE, RYA Chair Chris Preston, RYA Northern Ireland’s Chief Operating Officer Greg Yarnall and RYA Northern Ireland’s Chair Susan McKnight.

RYA CEO Sara Sutcliffe MBE at the RYA Northern Ireland gathering in Belfast Photo: Simon McIlwaine

Guests included representatives from affiliated clubs, Sport NI, Disability Sport NI, Mary Peters Trust and the NI Sports Forum.

RYA Northern Ireland’s inaugural Hall of Fame awards Photo: Simon McIlwaine

This included Irish Olympian and Race Officer Bill O’Hara OBE, Fireball sailor and former RYANI chair Maeve Bell OBE, GP14 sailor Curly Morris OBE and sailing historian James Nixon who recently published a history of the 100-Year-Old River Class.

Greg Yarnall said: “I am delighted that we were able to recognise four very special people in our sailing community tonight. We welcomed the first inductees to our newly established Hall of Fame. People are at the heart of our sport, and it is fantastic to be able to celebrate some of those who have made such a hugely positive impact over many years.”

Bill O'Hara (left) with Dame Mary Peters and RYA Chair Chris Preston at the first ever RYA Northern Ireland Hall of Fame awards at the Crowne Plaza in Belfast Photo: Simon McIlwaine

Maeve Bell (left) with Dame Mary Peters and RYA Chair Chris Preston at the first ever RYA Northern Ireland Hall of Fame awards at the Crowne Plaza in Belfast Photo: Simon McIlwaine

James Nixon (left) with Dame Mary Peters and RYA Chair Chris Preston at the first ever RYA Northern Ireland Hall of Fame awards at the Crowne Plaza in Belfast Photo: Simon McIlwaine

Curly Morris (left) with Dame Mary Peters and RYA Chair Chris Preston at the first ever RYA Northern Ireland Hall of Fame awards at the Crowne Plaza in Belfast Photo: Simon McIlwaine

RYA NI is 'Navigating the Future'

MC for the event was Denise Watson who interviewed a panel of sailors about each of the new Strategy’s aims.

At the heart of the strategy, which is entitled ‘Navigating the Future’, is being proud of and celebrating the sport, the people and the places within it.

RYA Northern Ireland’s Chief Operating Officer Greg Yarnall comments: “It is fantastic to see so many people coming together to launch our new strategy and to see the first four people inducted into our Hall of Fame.

“Our new strategy has been months in the making, and we want to thank everyone that has helped shape the direction of travel for the next five years. Many people have helped through completing online surveys, to taking part in in person and online workshops, to checking and challenging our thinking as we have moved through various iterations.

“As a sport there is much to celebrate, and we will ensure that those that play a part in making the sport happen at all levels and those that commit to achieving on the world stage, feel valued and are recognised for the roles they play.

“The strategy has been built from the ground up, starting with what volunteers, participants, coaches, instructors and officials talked about being the key issues holding back the development of the sport, and where the biggest opportunities lie.

We look forward to continuing our work over the next five years to improve our sport.”