Sailing Club Spotlight Carrickfergus Sailing Club

MEMBERS of Carrickfergus Sailing Club have vowed to continue normal activities “as far as possible” after a fire destroyed the clubhouse at the weekend. Fire and Rescue crews were called to the scene at 11.40pm on Friday after being alerted by staff departing for the night. The blaze was attended by crews from Carrickfergus, Whitehead, Glengormley, Belfast and Lisburn fire stations, as well as an aerial ladder platform from Knock fire station. A spokesperson from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that while the cause of the blaze is still under investigation, it is thought an electrical fault was to blame. “We will be using offices that a few local organisations have offered us for a few days, and then hope to arrange a temporary premises,” said Roger Woodward, Commodore at Carrickfergus Sailing Club. “However, we are keen to emphasize that all the club’s sailing, racing and cruising activities will continue in the meantime. We have a sailing course for children that will continue as planned next week as we have very kindly been offered the use of the facilities at the Sea Cadets building. “As I understand it, when the building was being locked up on Friday night, staff heard the smoke alarm going off and returned to see that a fire had started. The barman Karl Brannigan was absolutely excellent in following the proper procedures to get staff evacuated and the fire crews contacted,” Roger added. “I arrived at the club myself at about five past midnight, and at that stage the flames had already spread considerably, so the main focus of the crew had to be preventing them from spreading further and igniting other buildings such as the boat shed. However it was clear to see that the club was lost at that stage. “We’re very grateful for the support we’ve received from the local community; the Mayor and Mayoress came to club at about 1:30am on Saturday morning which was much appreciated. We hope to continue with our activities as far as possible and focus on supporting the efforts our member Ryan Seaton in the Olympics this summer.”