Mayor welcomes the construction of a new slipway at Carrickfergus Sailing Club

Mayor, Cllr Peter Johnston, visited Carrickfergus Sailing club to view the new widened slipway which was completed in partnership between the club and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

The project to widen the slipway was progressed in partnership between Council and the club whereby the club were enabled through 50% funding from Council to progress the necessary works to meet their needs. The overall project cost was £130,000 with the club contributing 50% of their own funds.

Mayor, Cllr Peter Johnston said: “As a Council we are delighted to have worked in partnership with Carrickfergus Sailing Club and I wish to pay tribute to the vision, energy and enthusiasm of the Carrickfergus Sailing Club members who have helped deliver this project, not only for the benefit of their members but for the wider benefit of Carrickfergus and indeed Mid and East Antrim Council area.”

Trevor McCaig, Carrickfergus Sailing Club Commodore, highlighted that as a result of the new widened slipway there are now four major events planned for this summer, the RS 200/400,14-15 August, Topper Finale, 21-22 August, RYANI Youth Championships, 11-12 September and J24 Northern Championships, 18-19 September. He said: “These events will bring in 500 competitors and along with their families will spend at least two nights staying in the Carrickfergus area.

“We appreciate the role of the Council in ensuring this project was delivered and the Club thank Council for the funding and for the partnership, which has been developed in delivering this project.”

The widening of the slipway took place last February to June 2020 and the work was carried out by a Civil Engineering firm, Civco.