Ballyholme Yacht Club

BYSea Swim Fest- New Course Record — Terms and Conditions Apply

By Diane Nelson

Under grey-bright skies, with the bay glassy and the water unexpectedly warm, forty-two swimmers took to Ballyholme Bay for another memorable edition of BYSea Swim Fest- and the sea, for once, delivered everything asked of it.

Proudly sponsored by Dunluce Healthcare Group, the 2026 BYSea Swim Fest offered two courses to suit every swimmer: a 1,500 metre distance for those seeking a serious test, and a 750 metre route that brought a strong field of its own. The conditions were close to ideal — flat calm, warm water, not a single jellyfish in sight. Intermittent drizzle was met with the cheerful indifference only an open water swimmer truly understands.

Safety on the water was expertly managed by a dedicated rescue team comprising two RIBs, four kayakers and a paddle boarder, who kept a watchful eye on every stroke from start to finish. Ashore, a team of BYC volunteers handled registration and safety briefings with efficiency and warmth, while hot beverages and snacks kept energy levels up throughout the morning. The support of family and friends — lining the shore, cheering in the drizzle — made the atmosphere everything a club event should be.

RACE RESULTS
1,500 Metres, or so… 18 swimmers· Completed in a notably fast time!
First place: Fraser Buchanan
Second place: Justin McIlroy
Third place: Caitlin Angus

750 Metres. Sprint Course
24 swimmers · A fast-finishing, closely contested race to the line
First place: Trudy Brown
Second place: Ryan Smith- CEO, Dunluce Healthcare Group
Third place: Peter Cameron

The 1,500 metre race produced an excellent standard throughout its 18-strong field, with a collectively fast finishing time reflecting both the benign conditions and no shortage of competitive spirit. Fraser Buchanan led the way to take the top spot, with Justin McIlroy a strong second and Caitlin Angus rounding out the podium in third— a fine performance from all.

The 750 metre race, with 24 starters, proved the afternoon's most dramatic contest. A tight, fast-finishing affair, it went all the way to the line before Trudy Brown claimed a well-deserved first place. Dunluce Healthcare Group CEO Ryan Smith demonstrated that his organisation's commitment to health extends well beyond the boardroom, finishing a thoroughly earned second. Peter Cameron completed the podium in third.

With the final swimmer ashore, the day moved seamlessly onward. The BBQ was fired up, both bars opened their doors, and music carried across the club as awards were presented by Ryan Smith on behalf of Dunluce Healthcare Group. It was a fitting close to a day that showed BYSea Swim Fest in its very best light.

Our warmest thanks go to every swimmer who entered the water, to the families and friends who came to cheer them on through the drizzle, and above all to the BYC volunteers whose dedication and good humour made every element of the day possible.

Women On Water Programme Survey
RYA is looking for wonderful Women to give feedback and are asking for opinions as to what would be of interest going forward for the Women on Water Winter Programme. They are keen to use the knowledge of Women in the Sport so they can ensure to way forward for Female Sailors. Please click the link below to complete the survey.

Women On Water Development Survey

🌊 Take the Plunge at the BYSea Annual Swim Fest! 🏊‍♂️

Join Ballyholme Yacht Club on Saturday 29th August 2026 for a fantastic day of open water swimming in Belfast Lough, proudly sponsored by Dunluce Healthcare Group!

Whether you’re an experienced swimmer or new to the open water, we have a distance for you:

• 1,500m Swim: Reg 12:45pm | Briefing 1:10pm | Start 1:30pm

• 750m Swim: Reg 2:15pm | Briefing 2:40pm | Start 3:00pm

Event Details:

• Who: Swimmers aged 16+
• Cost: £5 BYC Members | £15 Visitors
• Included: Full safety cover, changing facilities with hot showers, category prizes, complimentary swim cap and a post-swim BBQ & bar at the clubhouse!

• Essential Gear: Bright swim cap & tow float required for all participants.

Spots are limited and registration is essential. Tap the link in our bio to sign up today.

Ballyholme Yacht Club is inviting swimmers aged 16 and older to take to the waters of Belfast Lough for its BYSea Annual Swim Fest on Saturday 29th August 2026. The event is proudly sponsored by Dunluce Healthcare Group, whose Chief Executive Ryan Smith will himself be taking the plunge on the day.
The event offers a 1,500 metre course and a shorter 750 metre option for those newer to open water swimming. The 1,500 metre swim gets underway at 1:30pm, with registration from 12:45pm and a mandatory safety briefing at 1:10pm. The 750 metre swim starts at 3:00pm, with registration from 2:15pm and a safety briefing at 2:40pm. Comprehensive on-shore and off-shore safety cover will be in place throughout, and the club's changing facilities with hot showers will be available to all participants. Prizes will be awarded in both categories.
Entry costs £5 for BYC members and £15 for visitors. A post-event BBQ and refreshments at the clubhouse bar round off what promises to be a great afternoon by the sea.
All swimmers must wear a bright swim cap and tow float. Registration is essential — visit ballyholme.com/watersports/byc-sea-swimming for full details and to sign up.
Pictured left to right: Paddy Oliver, BYC member and sea swimming enthusiast, alongside Ryan Smith, Chief Executive of Dunluce Healthcare Group, BYC member and proud sponsor of the event.

Still spaces remaining on the Powerboat Courses this season!

More information below - book your space now!

-Powerboat Courses 2026- Ballyholme Yacht Club The RYA Powerboat Level 2 course provides the skills and background knowledge needed by a competent powerboat driver and is the basis of the International

Shore-based courses at Ballyholme Yacht Club start in September. These include Day Skipper, Yacht Master and Yacht Master Ocean. Book your spot using the link below:

Shore Based - Ballyholme Yacht Club BYC offers the Day Skipper Theory course to build a strong foundation in essential navigation and seamanship skills. The course covers chartwork, tides,