Portrush Raft Race 2025

The race starts on West Strand beach, then heads around a marker buoy in the bay and into the harbour, finishing at the Lifeboat moorings. We look forward to seeing your unusual raft designs and spectacular themes on the beach.

Come join the fun and take part in the UK and Ireland’s largest raft race by purchasing a team entry for a raft.

• Each raft can have a maximum crew of 6
• Crew must be proficient swimmers and be over 18 years old
• After purchasing a raft team entry, a sponsorship form, safety and construction information and crew forms will be sent to you.
• The names of crew members should be completed on the form, which must be brought with you on the day of the event.

Event day information

• Registration will be from 11am-2pm on Kerr Street Green.
• Race crews to be at their rafts at 3.00 pm.
• The race will commence at 3.30pm on the West Strand Beach.

All money raised will go to the RNLI Portrush and a prize will be given to the team that raises the most sponsorship money.

General water safety advice

Cold water shock

Downlod a sponsorship form

Sponsorship Form (rnli.org)

Contact the Portrush Raft Race Organisers

raftrace@portrushyachtclub.com

The rules of the 2024 Raft Race are set out below, please read carefully.

General Rules

1.1. The crew will consist of at least four persons (maximum six) with one person remaining on board at all times. The raft must have at least three persons on board when crossing the finishing line.

2. Minimum age of entrants is 18 years.

3. Crew members with a disability, medical condition or special needs should be noted on the registration form.

4. Crew members must not assist themselves, or receive assistance from the shore, or any other vessel eg. no towing.

5. West Bay, Portrush is cold in May. Competitors are advised to wear wetsuits and use suitable protective clothing and fancy dress.

6. In all matters relating to the Raft Race the Committee’s decision is final.

Safety Rules

1. Any raft considered a danger to other competitors will be held back at the start of the race.

2. Competitors are reminded that the ramp way onto the West Strand Beach is narrow and should exercise due care when accessing.

3. Recognised lifejackets or approved buoyancy aids must be worn by all competitors – there will be no exception to this rule. The wearing of a canoe helmet is strongly recommended.

4. No physical interference between rafts is permitted – offending crews may be disqualified.

5. Safety craft and personnel will be provided. However, it is the responsibility of each raft captain to ensure the safety of his/her crew, so to satisfy themselves that all crew members are proficient swimmers.

Raft captains will be required to sign a declaration to that effect.

Raft captains will also be responsible for drawing to the attention of the organisers any crew members with a medical condition, disability or special need.

6. Competitors must follow the instructions of the safety personnel on the beach, in canoes and safety boats.

All officials concerned with your safety will wear a conspicuously coloured bib. Safety officials are permitted to withdraw from the race any crewmembers who they consider to be unfit to participate or to continue.

7. In the interests of safety, all rafts and debris must be removed from the water and surrounding area at the end of the race, no later than 6pm. Raft captains are responsible for the removal of their raft. Bins will be available for rubbish.

8. All land around Portrush Harbour is designated as an ‘Alcohol Free’ zone, where drinking is forbidden.

Raft Construction Rules

1. Rafts should be strongly constructed and capable of withstanding sea conditions.

2. A raft must be capable of being carried by the crew of the raft. No wheels to be used for transportation from the start of the race.

3.Marine materials must not be used in raft construction. Nor should rafts be modified from other water-borne craft.

4. Paddles are permitted.

5. No rowlocks or substitutes will be accepted. No form of rowing will be permitted.

6. No type of engine propulsion allowed, however, rafts can be paddled, pushed, sailed, swim-towed, or driven by human mechanical power.

7. Each raft must have a mast fitted with two pieces of plywood (9” x 9”) or either side of the masthead. The organisers will issue race numbers to be attached to these boards.

8. Construction of rafts and equipment should be safe, e.g. no protruding nails, screws or sharp edges, etc.

Keep in touch

When using Eventbrite we will collect your personal details in order to register and communicate with you about this event only.

If you would you like to receive more information from the RNLI you can register RNLI.org/preferences or call 0300 300 9990.

Even if you have received our communications in the past, we’ll make sure we honour the preferences you express here.

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For full details see our Privacy Policy at RNLI.org/PrivacyPolicy or contact our Supporter Experience Team on 0300 300 9990 (from the UK), 01 511 9836 (from Ireland) or +44 1202 663234 (from any other country).