New boat training and watersports centre opens its doors

A new state-of-the art €1.5 million boat training and watersports centre aims to exploit the tourism potential of what backers describe as one of the finest natural amenities in the country in Lough Ree. Baysports in Hodson Bay, which was officially opened on Monday last by local Deputy Mary O"Rourke, before a large crowd amid fantastic sunshine, hopes to attract locals and visitors alike to the centre, a first of its kind in the region, by offering top-class certified boat training and adventure sports to all ages. Speaking to the Westmeath Independent, a delighted Richie O"Hara of Baysports commented that there were two main facets to the centre, the first being a boat training centre, and the second, a recreation and leisure centre with the emphasis on adventure sports. 'In the first instance, we will be linking in with the national governing bodies of sports and will be offering accredited courses in for example, sailing and canoeing and powerboating.' Among the myriad of activities on offer are sailing, sail training, kayaking, powerboating, windsurfing canoeing, dinghy sailing and angling, all tailored for different age groups from primary-school children to adults. Day tours, school tours and educational or corporate events will be core products at the centre in the immediate future. 'It"s also a recreational centre for locals, visitors and tourists, both on the homefront and on the international front. I think we are very well positioned here with Dublin so accessible, and also with Knock airport close by so we can attract people here to take part in a range of adventure sports. We are confident we can make that happen,' Mr O"Hara enthused. Developed by Roscommon County Council and Fáilte Ireland, the top class amenity is located close to the Hodson Bay Hotel and the operators are confident that the full potential of this facility as an economic and social force will be realised. Baysports are full of praise of the local authority for developing the centre, something they hope will be catalyst for economic and tourism growth in the Athlone and wider Midlands area. Speaking at the opening Deputy Mary O"Rourke complimented all concerned on a 'handsome and well thought-out club house', adding that the natural setting really lent itself to the development. As an island nation, Ireland was often guilty of paying little heed to the water, she added, something that this centre would hopefully change, provoking more people to get their 'sea legs' and to participate more in water-based activities. Proposed schedules, programmes and training courses have already been planned and designed to include the following: I.S.A. Accredited Summer Fun Sail Training courses (Age 8-18 Years Old)Fun, Freedom & Adventure Activity Summer Camps (Age 6-16 Years Old), Adult Sail Training Courses, Sea Legs - phase 1 (Primary and Secondary School Students) Bay Sports Challenge (Company workers and Professionals), Transition Year Programme and Educational and Recreational Day Tours (Primary Schools).