Days Out NI
Water sports Killyleagh

Killyleagh Yacht Club

A busy member-run sailing club at the south end of Strangford Lough, with a strong RYA youth section.

5 photos
SeasonalSpring to autumn, weather-dependent
TicketedPer person
KillyleaghWater sports
Get directionsOfficial website
TicketedCost
Spring to autum…Season
Youth programme…Best for
Club pontoon at…Launches
NearbyParking

Killyleagh Yacht Club — A busy member-run sailing club at the south end of Strangford Lough, with a strong RYA youth section.

  • What you can do: Junior sailing sessions, RYA summer courses for ages 8-18, club dinghy and keelboat racing for members.
  • Public access: Members-only for general sailing; youth programme and courses are the usual way in - contact the club.
  • Booking: Essential - contact the club about membership and youth places.
  • Age / ability: Youth programme ages 8-18; basic swimming ability expected on the water.
  • Kit provided: Not confirmed - check with the club.
  • Season: Spring to autumn, weather-dependent.
Plan your visit

Best known for its junior sailing

The youth section is what most families come for. 'Monday Funday' sessions have run for more than 20 years and take young sailors aged 8 to 18 across all ability levels, from first time afloat to confident on the water. RYA summer sailing courses run structured progression with accredited certificates, and keener sailors can move on to team racing in the Strangford Lough Youth Series. This is a club programme rather than a one-off lesson you book like a surf school, so it suits children who want to learn the sport and stick with it. Contact the club for current youth places, ages and how to register.

Membership sailing club RYA youth courses (8-18) Monday Funday junior sessions Club racing fleets Seasonal Cuan Beach, Killyleagh
Good to know before you go:

The club runs a seasonal calendar of racing, regattas and youth series, plus RYA summer courses and the long-running Monday junior sessions. Sessions and events are weather- and tide-dependent, so check the club's own pages for current dates, youth places, membership and prices.

Before you set off

What to bring

  • 🩱Swimwear & a warm layerWear your togs under easy clothes; most places provide wetsuits.
  • 🧺A change of clothes & a towelYou WILL get wet — dry clothes for after are a must.
  • 💧Water and a snackYou will be hungry after all that paddling and splashing.
  • 🎫Your bookingLessons and hire usually need booking ahead — have it ready.
Good to know

Everything before you go

Type
Membership sailing club (RYA accredited)
What you can do
Junior sailing sessions, RYA summer courses for ages 8-18, club dinghy and keelboat racing for members
Public access
Members-only for general sailing; youth programme and courses are the usual way in - contact the club
Booking
Essential - contact the club about membership and youth places
Age / ability
Youth programme ages 8-18; basic swimming ability expected on the water
Kit provided
Not confirmed - check with the club
Season
Spring to autumn, weather-dependent
Cost
Check current membership and course prices with the club
Launches from
Club pontoon at Cuan Beach, Strangford Lough
Parking
Not confirmed - check with the club
Address
Cuan Beach, Killyleagh, Co. Down
Questions

Before you go

Do I need to book?
Essential - contact the club about membership and youth places
How much is it?
Check current membership and course prices with the club
When does it run?
Spring to autumn, weather-dependent
Getting there

Killyleagh Yacht Club launches from Club pontoon at Cuan Beach, Strangford Lough. Not confirmed - check with the club. Tap below for directions.

Directions on Google MapsOfficial website See it on our map
Nearby

Make more of the day

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The story

About the operator

Killyleagh Yacht Club is one of the most active sailing clubs on Strangford Lough, with a large membership and a Royal Yachting Association accredited training set-up. It runs club racing on Thursdays and Saturdays through the season and has hosted regional and national championship events.

The club is best known locally for one of the strongest junior sections in Northern Ireland. Its 'Monday Funday' youth sessions have run for over 20 years, alongside RYA summer sailing courses that take beginners up to recognised certificates.