Pink power — Baltimore sailing and celebrations raise thousands for charities

The Women on the Water event takes place every two years and has raised more than €100,000 over the past decade

Women on the Water 2024 — the day started out rainy and windy but cleared into blue skies and fun all round

Women on the Water has shown the colour of its money — and it's definitely pink. 

Women on the Water 2024: the brave ladies tackling the morning swim

They turned out in their hundreds to participate and spectate at the fun fundraiser in Baltimore and this year's event has raised €22,000 for 

Breakthrough Cancer research and Marymount Hospice. 

Women on the Water 2024: The Bushe women on their best dressed boat

The organisers say that "what started off as a miserably rainy, windy day gradually cleared into a beautiful afternoon with blue skies" and was a great success.

Kelly Leacy, Anna Carthy, Áine O'Driscoll, Odharnait Collins, Sinéad Barnett and Caoimhe McCormack

Odharnait Collins, daughter of the woman who originally set up the event, said: "We ran a swim in the morning. Then 38 boats filled with passengers dressed in pink took to the seas for a very competitive treasure hunt! Food and drinks were enjoyed afterwards in Baltimore Sailing Club before dancing the night away with Collage on the square in Baltimore."

Field and Hegarty teams docked under Sherkin enjoying the sunshine

The first Women on the Water event took place 10 years ago and was set up by Odharnait's mother, Joan Collins who was the then commodore of Baltimore Sailing Club. She had been diagnosed with cancer and sadly has since died. Her daughter, Odharnait Collins and the team at the Club have continued the tradition every two years. 

Presenting the Joan Collins memorial trophy to the Bushes!!

Over the whole duration of this glam and exciting event more than €100,000 has been raised. 

Ladies in pink enjoying the treasure hunt

And now they are already planning the 2026 Women on the Water — it's planned for August 2026 but the exact date will be announced later.

Cottrell, O'Flynn and O'Keefe clans

Sarah Ryan, Odharnait Collins, Aine O’Driscoll and Anna Carthy

Women on the Water 2024: Caoimhe McCormack

Women on the Water 2024: "Ger Barry looking after the ladies".

The crew eagerly awaiting getting afloat

Odharnait Collins and Sinéad Barnett

Mary Hopkins and Margaret Nelson

Callie O'Driscoll taking over helming duties on Éalú

Emma Geary

Paddy Bohane and Mickey Joe Leonard

Julie, Hilda and Rita Bushe- who won best dressed boat!