Round The Lough Series Comes To An End

Portaferry RNLI receive donation after popular racing series comes to an end

Portaferry RNLI station was recently visited by Gordon Galloway Treasurer of the Strangford Lough Racing Cruisers Association, who made a donation of £500 marking the end of the popular ‘Round the Lough’ series of races. 

The association was formed in the early 1970’s with the aim of bringing clubs around Strangford Lough together to promote racing of cruising boats both in the Lough, and offshore. 

The series of Sunday racing, usually held in September, encouraged the cooperation of clubs to provide a sociable and enjoyable series of races with every member of participating clubs welcome to take part. 

Although popular for over 50 years, times have changed and due to the covid pandemic ‘breaking the habit’ of the late season series, the association who have donated to the RNLI almost annually in the past decade, have decided to close the accounts. 

Portaferry RNLI fundraising guild chairperson, Pat Browne, said: “We thank Gordon for making this donation on behalf of the SLRCA, and for taking the time to come over to our station. 

“It is sad to see such a long-standing series of racing wound-up, but we are sure it has brought much pleasure to generations of Strangford Lough sailors over the years. 

“We thank all the clubs who have contributed to the association’s accounts over the years for this donation.

“This money is vital and helps to keep our crew training, and kit up to date, enabling Portaferry RNLI to continue to save lives at sea on and around Strangford Lough.”