From harbour to healing: Howth is Sailing into Wellness

The Fingal Sailing into Wellness Programme has officially set sail, bringing the therapeutic benefits of the sea to participants in recovery.

The initiative, supported by Healthy Fingal, runs every Friday for four weeks from Howth Yacht Club, offering participants from the North Dublin Drugs Task Force an opportunity to build confidence, teamwork, trust and resilience through sailing.

The transformative initiative was founded and developed by Colin Healy, with the Howth programme being run in collaboration between several organisations including Sailing into Wellness, Fingal County Council, North Dublin Drugs Task Force and Howth Yacht Club.

The launch event was attended by Deputy Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Grainne Maguire, Deputy Tom Brabazon TD for Dublin Bay North, and stakeholders of the initiative.

Speaking at the launch, Deputy Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Grainne Maguire said: “It’s inspiring to see initiatives like Sailing into Wellness here in Fingal. This programme not only promotes positive mental health but also helps build confidence, connection, and a sense of achievement among participants. It’s a wonderful example of community partnership supporting recovery and wellbeing.”

Niall McGuirk, Healthy Fingal Coordinator, said: “Sailing into Wellness provides a unique and empowering environment for people in recovery. By combining physical activity, teamwork, and time on the water, the programme promotes both mental and physical wellbeing while strengthening community connections.”

Healthy Fingal works to improve the overall health and wellbeing of people living in the Fingal area by supporting community-led projects, encouraging physical activity, promoting positive mental health and supporting a reduction in alcohol and smoking cessation. The Sailing into Wellness initiative reflects Healthy Fingal’s commitment to inclusive, innovative programmes that connect people, strengthen resilience, and create healthier communities across the region.

It is hoped that, should the programme prove successful, it will be expanded in 2026 to offer even more people availing of the Drugs Task Force Services the opportunity to benefit from this unique and life-changing experience.