The sailors of Galway and from further afield will be gathering at the Harbour Hotel in Galway City this Wednesday (December 2nd) at 8.0pm to inaugurate a Trust Fund in memory of Steven Ackland (1973-2015), whose sudden death in Galway Docks on Thursday July 30th shocked and saddened his many friends.

These numerous friends were to be found both on the West Coast – where he ran the chandlery Galway Maritime in the heart of the city – and in Dun Laoghaire, where he was a popular participant in Dublin Bay SC events.

On both coasts, he was known to everyone as “Acky”, and his expertise in everything to do with boats and their equipment was highly regarded. Leading Galway sailor John Killeen of Volvo Ocean Race fame - a friend of Acky’s since he settled in Ireland from his original base on the River Hamble in the south of England – has been persuaded to delve into his many international sailing memories and his huge collection of nautical images to put together a night of fast-moving reminiscences to provide entertainment to match the many fond memories left behind by Steven Ackland.

Admission will be €10, and additional contributions towards the Stephen Ackland Memorial Trust Fund will of course be very welcome.