Float for Hope to take to the waves to raise awareness of water safety

This year's Float for Hope boat run takes place tomorrow, Sunday. The event this year is planned to raise awareness of water safety and to also raise funds for the Arrnamore RNLI. 

This will be the third Float for Hope Boat Run to take place.  John Joe McBride, the founder of Gort na Sade Seals and Float For Hope has organised this year's event.
The launching of the boats will start from 9am. All boats taking part in the flotilla are requested to be in the water by 11:30am.  For safety reasons all boats joining the event are invited to register from 11:30 – 12:30 beside the stage in Burtonport harbour.
This years President of the Arranmore Lifeboat RNLI, Majella O’Donnell has been working hard behind the scenes to help with this years Float for Hope. Speaking on behalf of the organisation Majella said: “Our team of volunteers at Arranmore Lifeboat is the lifeblood of all our communities that live along the Coastline in County Donegal especially the West Coast and Islands. Our fundraising efforts are essential to keep our Lifeboat and their team fully active at all times.

"It is an all weather lifeboat and is available for emergencies all year round. We are so lucky to have this vessel so close to us here, we really are. The RNLI really needs volunteers and welcome any help at any time, we are a very very import aspect of all our lives. We all go swimming, boating on kayaks or whatever and this lifesaving organisation really really needs your help. It’s a huge boat to have to look after and our crew are doing this voluntarily, with only 2 full time staff."
There will be entertainment on the day and Float For Hope t-shirts will be on sale from 11:30am.
A limited number of Float For Hope small wooden boats will be for sale and if those who have boats from the previous two years please bring them along. These boats will set sail at 7pm in memory of all those who lost their lives at sea.
Before the flotilla sets sail, the Burtonport Ukulele Group will play a few tunes.
A Blessing of The Boats at Burtonport Pier will take place at 1.30pm. The blessing of the Boats is a time honoured tradition that spans many centuries and will be a fitting tribute on the day.
A full health and safety protocol will be in place and everyone attending must abide by the coastguard rules, at all times, throughout the day.
The Arranmore Blue Ferry will travel with the flotilla to the Aranmore lighthouse. It is advised to contact the ferry to prebook your place.
Special guests Majella O’Donnell, Pat the Cope Gallagher along with Paddy Connaghan will formerly launch the 2023 Float for hope at 12:30pm.
The Flotilla will leave Burtonport Pier at 1:30pm, heading first to Arranmore Light House. It will leave Arranmore Light House heading to the Stags, continuing from Stag to Inish Oirthear, sailing along the mainland inside Inish Méan and head to Bunbeg Harbour.

It will leave Bunbeg at 3:45pm, continue along the mainland to Carrickfinn Beach, Mullaghderg Beach, Kincasslagh, Cruit island passing through Owey Sound and heading back to Burtonport Pier for 6pm.
If anyone has a boat, and would like to join events on the day they are welcome to. More than 30 boats are expected to join in on the day.

A donation per Boat Entry is appreciated, all funds raised will go to Aranmore Lifeboat. Smaller craft and ferries will return from Arranmore Lighthouse and stop off in Arranmore Island. Island tours, local restaurants and bars will be open for business.

You can donate to the event by clicking here