With the support of CAPITEN project partners Donegal County Council and funding from the Atlantic Area Programme, the community at Rathmullan hosted an exciting afternoon of “Watersports for All” on the 3rd August 2019. There was a reception for Boat Owners, Irish Navy and RNLI who had participated in the Regatta events on the 5th August 2019. In the “Watersports for All” event the organisers succeeded in putting 150 people on the water to sample Dinghy Sailing, Kayaking and/or Standup Paddle Boarding, guided by professional instructors. This was a community effort successfully organised by Rathmullan Sailing and Watersports Club, which also provided an after activity BBQ for all participants on a rainy, blustery afternoon.
This event benefitted from extensive press coverage including promotion of the CAPITEN brand and logo on marketing material. The Irish Navy vessel, LE Ciara, under the Command of Lieutenant Commander Nessa Maloney, was alongside Rathmullan pier for the duration of the Festival and Regatta, and was open to the public for tours. The Officers and Crew participated in the Regatta Day events, and a plaque was presented to Rathmullan Sailing and Watersports Club by the Commander Maloney in appreciation of the welcome and hospitality extended to the ship’s company. Overall, the weekend was a great success, with an unprecedented number of visitors to our village, and organisers received very positive feedback on their experiences. Organisers were very grateful for the support received via the CAPITEN project and the Atlantic Area Programme.
