Killyleagh rowing club celebrates arrival of safety boat

Killyleagh rowing club celebrates arrival of safety boat

12 November 2025

KILLYLEAGH Coastal Rowing Club are celebrating the arrival of a new safety boat thanks to funding from The National Lottery.

The club officially launched their new Whaly 435 on Saturday, made possible through £20,000 worth of funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.

The fund will support the club’s Safe Rowing Shared Lough project, which aims to keep club members safe on the water, while opening up Strangford Lough to even more people from right across the community.

The vital addition to the club’s fleet enhances on-the-water safety for all participants – from beginners to seasoned rowers – and supports the club’s community initiatives across Strangford Lough including environmental activities such as clean-up days around the Lough and its islands.

Club members, supporters and the local community came along to join in the celebrations on Saturday with refreshments on the slipway followed by pizza in the Smuggler’s bar.

Club chairperson Raymond Dean described the new boat as a “game-changer” for the club.

“A safety boat is vital for keeping rowers safe, and now we can grow our club, run more events and make sure the lough is looked after too,” he said.

“We’re so grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund for making this possible.”