The Mirror dinghy season kicked off with a bang as 13 boats landed in Blessington Lake Sailing Club; a little apprehensive about how the weekend would unfold but certainly excited to get back afloat. There were some new faces and plenty of boats coming out of the wrappers from Wicklow to Royal North. As usual, Blessington did not disappoint with a generous welcome and a phenomenal lineup of volunteers, support and race management that brings the mirror class back year after year.

If the fleet thought there would be a chance to get rid of the cobwebs, they were very much wrong! Straight into some tight racing with very testing conditions.

Defending champions Ger and Robyn Owens came out of the blocks fast which one would have expected on the back of Ger winning at the first GP14 event of the year in Killaloe the previous weekend. But they didn’t have everything their own way, Ross (former Mirror World Champion) and Elliot Kearney were in hot pursuit, Aurele Dion and Ben Chaix (youngest partnership with a combined age of 19) were managing to get stuck into the mix and caused plenty of sore heads shouting and whooping as the wind picked up and the boats got going, scorching down the reaches. They kept in that order crossing the finish line in race 1.

Lucas Flynn and Freddie Nelson of the host club competing in Mirror dinghy Bandit Blue at the East Coast Championships on Blessington Lake

Race 2 was all about Juliet Ryan and Ella Rock owning the first beat ‘like a boss’ closely followed by Aurele and Ben, Ger and Robyn. Ross and Elliot were pushing too hard to catch the leading pack which resulted in a capsize. Locals Lucas Flynn and Freddie Nelson were never far from the action and always ready to pounce when the opportunity presented. It was hard work, but experience prevailed, securing yet another win for Ger and Robyn, eventually getting the best of the "junior teams". Another 2 races were completed. The Juniors kept pushing but Ger and Robyn managed to keep a clean sheet of bullets after 4 races. With a similar pattern experienced the previous week at the GP14 event, there is certainly many youth talents outside the pathway classes to keep an eye on... The future is bright!

The fleet was grateful to get back on shore after a cold, blustery first day with 4 great races thanks to the PRO Joe Crilly and his team. Hot toasted cheese sandwiches, pasta and hot chocolate met us on shore and quickly warmed us up, and the buzz started exchanging war stories.

For those who survived day 1, they were rewarded with glamor conditions on day 2. A warm, sunny, light breeze greeted the sailors as they arrived. The rubber had hit the road, and the race management team delivered 2 wonderful competitive tights races. The top 3 boats, Ger and Robyn, Ross and Freddie, Juliet and Ella, were back sparring at the front, with the rest of the chasing pack a few boat lengths behind in race 5.

The Irish fleet gathered at Blessington Sailing Club for the 2024 Mirror Eastern Championship prizegiving

If Ger and Robyn had done enough to retain the title by then, it was all to play for 2nd position and the Youth trophy (U18) with Juliet (14) / Ella (14) And Aurele (10) / Ben (9) joint points with race 6 to go. It was close but it was to be Juliet and Ella 2nd place, one ahead of the boys that secured the youth title. The girls also won Silver whilst the boys won bronze... Promotions up the fleet coming up!

A massive thank you to Blessington for putting on an amazing event again and to all the volunteers and parents trailing and sailing who got the class its first championship of the year. Special thanks to Lisa Flynn as the class on the water instructor helping the less experienced sailors to enjoy their event.

Racing continues next in Lough Derg with the promise of even more new faces and returning legends to the Mirror Class.

The rejuvenated Mirror dinghy class is ready to kick off 2024 in Blessington on 27-28 April, whether you have the latest Winder racing unit or the wooden beauty your granddad built in his garage.

Is it the fun, the intergenerational learning, and the hope to take a race away from seasoned sailors (even former Olympians) that is driving the rebirth? Or is it simply the only class that can be all-inclusive, with young kids learning, teenagers perfecting their skills, adults reliving old glories, basically boys and girls from 7 to 77?

All ages can compete in a Mirror dinghy with young kids learning, teenagers perfecting their skills, adults reliving old glories, basically boys and girls from 7 to 77

Entry link and NOR to the Easterns are here

The new committee led by Lough Derg YC Dave Maher is a mix of seasoned parents and experienced sailors with only one goal in mind: giving back to the class its place as a versatile little double hander introducing kids to sailing and growing teenagers to better double handers sailors. The committee is well represented nationally and is also made up of the following enthusiastic parents:

• Thomas Chaix – National Yacht Club
• Ger Owens – Wicklow Sailing Club
• Liz Greer – Sligo Yacht Club
• Judy O’Doherty – Lough Derg Yacht Club
• Mike Flynn – Blessington Sailing Club
• Stuart Nelson – Blessington Sailing Club
• Emmet Duffy – Lough Ree Yacht Club
• Leah Cullen – Lough Ree Yacht Club
• David Maxwell – Mullingar Sailing Club

The class is also priding itself on making every effort to keep sailing and racing small boats affordable with managed entry fees, building a second-hand market of affordable boats, and rewarding classic boats at events (so get them out of the garages; they are dry and light by now!). The class is looking for boats and parts that have been forgotten in clubs and sheds to join the two-class Winder boats to support the development of various club and class projects as well as build the affordable second-hand market. Simply contact the IMCAI if you are willing to donate or wish to sell your boat. Or if you have any Mirror parts that you no longer need, we have some young enthusiastic sailors that could do with the support!

(Above and below) Sailing with Dad - Intergenerational learning in the Mirror dinghy

The IMCAI has 2 class boats available to charter at all class events and can be booked on the new website. If your club is looking to promote the class, get in touch so we can make the boats available and support the initiative.

The class is also looking at providing help and coaching at events to newcomers, helping them progress and grow their racing skills. Seasoned sailors are always willing to help and share tricks and tweaks informally and, from time to time, will deliver the "how the race was won" talk to the fleet after racing.

The 2024 Irish Mirror dinghy calendar

2023 delivered a great year for the Mirror dinghy class in Ireland (and abroad) with steady growth and a great world championship in Sligo. Since the completion of a very fun and successful Easterns in Blessington in September, a group of enthusiastic parents and sailors linked up, led by Lough Derg David Maher, to actively prepare 2024, modernise the running of the class and continue the healthy resurgence of this great little dinghy.

The 1963 design has gone a long way to modernise itself with the current fibreglass units racing with a Bermuda rig now being the norm at the front of the fleet, yet allowing older boats, often wooden and amateur-built, to compete either with the Bermuda rig or for the purists, the good old gaff rig.

The Mirror is arguably the most inclusive class out here, with kids (sometimes as young as 6 or 7 years old just introduced to our great sport), teenagers and adults of different sizes and skills enjoying the thrills of competition within their means and skills, from kids on their first steps in racing boats to ex-Olympians.

Junior sailors get ready for the Eastern Mirror Championships 2023 at Blessington Sailing Club

2023 launched the rebirth of the class

The first event of the season was set in the wild west, with Galway Bay hosting the Westerns. The ten boats who made the journey enjoyed various conditions, from a 2-3 kts drifter to a fast and furious 20kts in big waves. The event was won by gaff rigged "Renaissance" father and son team Chaix (TBSC/NYC).

The second event went to Lough Ree YC, a traditionally strong Mirror club. Sligo Youth sailors Jessica Greer and Myrtle Bamber had a strong event, winning the Northerns.

After winning at home, both teams decided to test their skills at the UK nationals Brightlingsea Sailing Club (south East of England). With 48 boats competing, including an ex-Olympian and former world champion, it posed challenges in tidal waters. Team Chaix just about missed the top 10 (11th) but were a comfortable first Classic boat. In 24th overall, Jessica and Myrtle topped the youth rankings.

Jessica and Myrtle reaching in their Mirror dinghy

Back home, the southern championships in Mullingar delivered great racing again with a growing fleet of 14 boats. Jessica and Myrtle were once more champions with a clean sweep of 6 race wins.

And the fleet gathered to Sligo for the nationals which was also the lead up to the worlds. The weather did not play ball, and the event was completed after one day of fierce racing between seasoned sailors and a few talented newcomers. 21 Irish entries and a further ten foreign visitors competed. If the top 3 overall positions went to visitors, The battle for the Irish title was close between 3 local boats, eventually going to David Evans and Andrew Ryan (sligo YC).

The Worlds saw 52 entries from 5 nations (AUS, RSA, GBR, IRL and JAP). The GBR team dominated the proceedings, and with 18 Winder boats in the top 20, the generally older boats Irish fleet found it challenging to mix near the front yet enjoyed some great battles on the race course, picking many of the minor trophies.

Team Ireland - the green wave at the Mirror Worlds opening ceremony in Sligo

Thomas and Ben Chaix had a strong series with many top 10 but settled in 12th overall as top host country sailors and recipient of the first classic boat trophy. David Evans and Andrew Ryan completed their challenge in 15th and top youth team and Jessica Greer and Myrtle Bamber secured the top ladies trophy in 17th.

Team Chaix (Tom and Ben) winning the classic trophy at the Mirror worlds in Sligo

And there was one event left! Blessington hosted the Easterns. A few boats arrived a few days early to complete a bit of training under the guidance of Thomas Chaix. The event saw a great, fun atmosphere for all 20 boats competing.

After six races, a new team ( the 4th one for 2023) secured the title. Father and daughter team Owen led the way on both Saturday and Sunday.

It certainly was a great season. Dont missout on the next one, it is said it will be even better with great events, great after sailing for both kids and adults and good racing at all levels.

2024 : the Home based season diary

29/30 April
Easterns at Blessington SC

25/26 May
Southerns at Lough Derg YC

22/23 June
Westerns at Mullingar SC

19/20/21 July
Nationals at Lough Ree YC (part of the Double Ree event)

3/4 August TBC

Northerns yet to be confirmed

23/24/25 August
End of Season at Blessington SC (the 23rd is a training day)

And abroad....

Abersoch Mirror week
10-16 August

UK Mirror Nationals, Itchenor SC,
22 - 25 August

Surfing the wave of this summer's world championships held in Sligo, the Mirror dinghy class saw their biggest turnout of the national season for their final event on Blessington Lakes.

17 boats travelled to join the three local entries. With four boats, Mullingar Sailing Club had the largest entry. Other clubs represented were Sligo YC, the National YC, The Royal St George YC, Malahide YC, Lough Ree Yacht Club, Lough Derg YC, Tralee Bay SC and Blessington Lake SC.

A few early arrivals were spotted on the lake on Thursday and Friday, scoring a few hours of training in the sunshine under the guidance of coach Thomas Chaix (running the sessions from his own Mirror)

And then the "Irish Summer" reminded all "after the sun comes the rain"!

Showers, drizzle and the occasional ray of sunshine were on the menu of the event. The wind was typical of good lake sailing, with shifts gusts keeping all on their toes. Our race officer Michael Conway's calm and relaxed approach (from an outside eye, anyway) certainly delivered. 4 races were completed on Saturday, and a further 2 delivered a full series for the weekend.

The first race delivered a mano a mano between triple Olympian Ger Owens and his daughter Robyn on Mary Belle and Thomas Chaix and his daughter Alayna on his gaffed rigged Renaissance. Eventually, Ger's superior speed upwind delivered the first race win of the event. The two young crew had completed their first race in a sailboat and were all smiles. A little further back, Jessica Greer and Myrtle Bamber from Sligo kept the chasing pack in their wake for the third position.

In the second race, Ger ran away to the front, leaving Thomas to fend off Jessica's attempts to overtake. The same top three eventually materialised. The first Silver boat Lucas Flynn took 4th on the line a little further back.

In the third race, everything was very tight at the first windward, and a bad gybe by both Ger and Thomas allowed Jessica to squeeze ahead and Juliet Ryan and Ella Rock to put pressure on "the dads". The second beat delivered a great battle in the shifts. Ger's pointing ability eventually got him back to the front, with Jessica hanging on right behind. Thomas ended up in a close battle with Caroline Coulter and her daughter Lucy just about edging her out for 3rd.

The final race of the day had a bit of drama on the startline with a few incidents at the starboard end (favoured) eliminating Thomas from the front. Ger worked his way to the top chased by Jessica and Caroline. He was not to be caught and secured a clean sheet. The battle for the Silver fleet top spot was well on with Lucas Flynn and Freddie Nelson (5th) just about ahead of Juliet and Ella (6th). Finn Foley and Ollie Ryan (8th overnight), and a small lead for the bronze prize.

The usual warm welcome from the Blessington Lake SC volunteers and the BBQ made us all forget about the rain, and it was tired but happy sailors enjoying burgers and the salads prepared by the club members.

Race 5 started in a drizzling westerly. Jessica Greer secured the perfect start at the starboard end and took an early lead with Caroline and Ger hot on her tail. The 3 of them were working the shifts well, stretching with the rest of the fleet. Thomas eventually reattached with the ladies whilst Ger pulled away once more with a commanding lead, securing the event with a race to spare. Thomas managed to overtake Both Jessica and Caroline to take 2nd.

Aurele and Ben, the youngest partnership at the Mirror Eastern Championships in hiking mode

Race 6 saw a change of helm and crew on Mary Belle, with Brendan Foley not resisting at the idea at a return to the Mirror after 30 years... To the delight of his daughter Megan. A big left shift materialised 30 seconds from the start, with the fleet rushing (speak in 5-6 kts) towards the pin. Jessica was a bit early and was recalled. Her prompt reaction was enough to keep her in the game as when the fleet eventually all tacked onto the long tack, it was Thomas to windward, Finn Foley and Ollie Ryan just to leeward of him and Jessica just a bit further back. The 3 rounded the first windward in that order, and even though the young lads (13 and 10) managed to take a short-lived lead on the second lap, Thomas managed to secure the last race of the event to the delight of 6-year-old Alayna.

Overall, Ger Owen and his Daughter Robyn secured a well-deserved win, having dominated the event. Gaffed rigged Thomas Chaix and daughter Alayna took second, and the podium was completed by Jessica Greer and Myrtle Bamber who were also recipients of the U19 trophy.

Ger and Robyn Owens - Mirror Easterns 2023 champions

The Silver fleet was won by Locals Lucas Flynn and Freddies Nelson (5th overall) ahead of Juliet Ryan and Ella Rock (7th). The silver podium was completed by Fred Dick and Ollie Cains (12th), also from Blessington.

The Bronze fleet was dominated by Finn Foley and crew Ollie Ryan (6th). The "Topper squad kids" Leo O'Doherty and Siun Ni Coistealbha (9th) just about managed to keep the youngest partnership of the event 9-year-old Aurele Dion and 8-year-old crew Ben Chaix (10th) behind.

Lucas Flynn and Freddie Nelson sailing their Mirror at Blessington Sailing Club

Seasoned sailors, new faces, adults, teenagers, kids, new boats, old boats... The Mirror class competitiveness is growing, numbers are growing and 2024 is already in everyone's mind to carry on the fun, the great atmosphere and outstanding racing in a friendly environment.

Mirror Eastern Championships results 2023

Great Britain's Ben and Keira McGrane of Netley Sailing Club won the Mirror World Championships at Sligo Yacht Club on Friday, which saw Britain take the top three places overall.

Despite a final-day blowout, Race Office Bill O'Hara and his team managed to fit in an 11-race series over six days.

A 50-boat-strong fleet was put through its paces throughout the week with mixed conditions on Sligo Bay.

The McGranes counted seven race wins, taking the title with an impressive tally of 11 points.

Stuart and Lizzie Hudson, a Great Britain boat, came second with 32 points. Closing out the podium positions were compatriots Will and Isabelle Crocker.

The 50-boat Mirror World Championship fleet launch at Sligo Yacht Club in Rosses Point

From an Irish perspective, the first Irish boat was Thomas Chaix and his son Ben in 12th.

Home club sailors David Evans and Andrew Ryan, fresh off the back of an impressive Irish Nationals where they finished as the first Irish boat, were the next best for the Worlds, finishing in 15th.

Meanwhile, Sligo Yacht Club's Jessica Greer and Myrtle Bamber were the third-highest-finishing Irish boat coming in at 17th.

A total of 52 boats were registered for the event. Australia, South Africa and Great Britain boats journeyed to Sligo for the event.

Results here

Sailing Coach Thomas Chaix looks at the benefits of the Mirror dinghy in the lead-up to the World Championships in Sligo as well as a possible new orientation for the 1962 design that has more than 70,000 built worldwide

Why the Mirror?

With my eldest Ben turning 6 two years ago and starting to show an interest in sailboats (building cardboard crafts, loving trips on the RIB watching my coaching sessions, paying attention at the back of my debriefs...) I started to think about the best approach to introduce him to our great sport at such a young age with the idea to develop his skills, his enjoyment and maintain his enthusiasm whilst keeping him safe (and not the least, keeping it within our family means).

Ben respects my expertise, and we have a good father-son bond, so we naturally thought about a small double-handed boat I could sail and race with him. I wanted to develop his respect for equipment and his understanding of boat design, fittings, sail shaping and dynamics to build a solid basis for his future sailing (in time, distant, I hope, I will become obsolete)... And the Mirror just came back to my mind. I coached the national team long ago at a Europeans in Poole, and it triggered memories of a boat quite simply filling all our requirements. I also liked the idea of a boat we could fiddle with in order to enhance Ben's understanding of race sailing.

After a few weeks looking around I found "Renaissance", a wooden boat in Cobh still set up with the traditional gaffed rig and a good bit of work to get her race ready again. After a few months in the workshop, we could start sailing and racing, one skill at a time. And it proved to be an astonishing success, with Ben loving his time afloat, developing skills on and off the water, making friends at every event we attended and now looking forward to delivering at the Worlds in Sligo in less than a month.

The Chaix children working on the hull of one of their Mirror dinghies

2023... racing is underway

So far three regionals have been sailed with gradually growing numbers. We sailed and won the Westerns in Galway. The remaining two (sailed on the lakes of Athlone and Mullingar) were secured by Sligo girls Jessica Greer and Myrtle Bamber.

Mirror IRL 70649 - Jessica Greer and Myrtle Bamber of Sligo YC

The girls and ourselves travelled to the UK nationals a few weeks ago to test our skills against the best British sailors and hot favourites for the worlds Ben & Keira McGrane, former world champion Chris Balding and Olympian Chris Grube, both sailing with their kids.

What was incredible was to see the UK fleet delivering 48 boats, most of which partnered an adult with a young sailor (daughter, son, grandson...) and despite windy conditions, kids as young as five came back to the slip with big smiles.

After eight races, Ben and I, unfortunately, suffered from the high discards (2 for eight races) not rewarding our consistency and settled just outside the top 10 in 11th (5-10-7-11-10-10-15-20) but well ahead of the 2nd traditional gaffed rig, which gives us good confidence before the worlds and our quest to win the classic trophy. Jessica and Myrtle had a gear failure to deal with on day one and settled with 24th overall and first youth boat (16-22-DNF-26-19-19-35-30)

Team Ireland with their certs and trophies from the UK Mirror Nationals 

Could hosting the worlds in Ireland trigger a return of the class? I certainly hope so! 50% of the 50 boats entry is composed of Irish sailors, which is a higher number than what we regularly have at regional events.

I think the class can return to delivering great racing and fun for adults and youth alike.

Most of the Mirror sailors of the 90s and early 2000 years who competed in 100+ boat fleets around Ireland now have young kids at the age where they could be introduced to the sport... I can only hope Ben and my approach will trigger memories of fun times in the class, and maybe it will return to healthy numbers.

A tightly packed Mirror fleet races downwind

We now have two boats in the family, with my 6-year-old daughter eager to give it a go, and Ben, now eight looking to partner up with another sailor his age once the worlds are over.

No need to break the bank! Our wooden boats have cost less than €1,500 to get race ready and have proved competitive despite all the upgrades that have happened in the class over the last 20 years.

Upon Reflection is an appropriate name for another resurrected Mirror dinghy which has found a new home at Lough Erne Yacht Club.

It’s not often boats are the subject of an exchange deal, but that is what happened when Paul de Fleury got his hands on a very old Mirror dinghy, for which Lough Erne YC gifted a GP 14, and it is now sailing on Upper Lough Erne.

It seems it is a couple of years older than the other Mirror restored by Brian Osborne and now sailing on Lough Erne. This one, sail number 29429 and apparently built in 1971 was at Newtownards Sailing Club, and as NSC is a GP14 stronghold, it seemed sensible to exchange it for a surplus Lough Erne YC GP 14.

No.29429 was fully refurbished by Mark and Paul de Fleury in their garage in Carrickfergus and apparently, it took longer than had been hoped owing to the Covid outbreak. And although the hull, mast and spars were in a reasonable state for its age, it did need new sails.

Michael Brines of Lough Erne Yacht Club tells me the Mirror is owned by the club and is regularly used for training in Goblusk Bay on the eastern shore of the Lower Lough. Michael’s son Peter and daughter Emma are hoping to compete in Upon Reflection at the Mirror Worlds in Sligo in July next year.

The Olympic authorities see the Laser as the floating equivalent of the pole-vaulter’s vaulting pole, thereby making Laser sailors into proper individual athletes, and very worthy of Olympic inclusion.
But meanwhile, some in the upper echelons of Olympic decision-making see two-person boats as being group-operated machines, thereby precluding double sailors from serious consideration as true Olympic athletes unless it’s with a boat that is a gymnastic challenge in itself. Step forward the 49er.

As for three-person boats….forget it. This would be all well and good were the Olympics in a self-contained bubble. But the reality is that it is the Olympic imprimatur which brings sailing more effectively to public attention than any other branch of the sport – and we don’t exclude the America’s Cup from that grouping.

Thus the glorification of solo dinghy sailing as the ultimate ideal of sailing sport has trickled through to become the accepted group-think in much of sailing, and there are indications that this tough-minded attitude – one thinks of the Spartans leaving newborn babies on the hillside overnight as a quick and convenient selection process to weed out the weak – is really off-putting for shy and mildly introverted kids.

"the glorification of solo dinghy sailing as the ultimate ideal of sailing sport has trickled through to become the accepted group-think"

They like the idea of going sailing, but are put off by the general gung-ho attitude of the more competitive helms, and the possible sense of loneliness in being sent forth solo alone in an Optimist. For this provides all the challenges of being alone, while at the same time having your efforts conspicuously on display in front of one of the toughest-minded bunch of kids in the country.

Spartans afloat - the sharpest sharp end of the Optimist fleet is not for the faint-hearted or shrinking violets, as seen here at Balyholme

The huge national Optimist fleet in Ireland is a force of nature, while - as several clubs have discovered – the International Optimist Dinghy Association of Ireland is so powerful and effective it can function successfully more or less as a law unto itself. And the fact of the matter is that when the demanding Optimist system of encouraging rising talent works, it works very well indeed. But we’d be kidding ourselves if we tried to pretend that it isn’t ultimately elitist, and inevitably causes the elevation of individual talent at the expense of a team approach.

That said, when the situation arises that a top Optimist sailor has to sail in a crewed boat, it’s rarely that they don’t quickly learn the ropes in every sense. And the recent National Junior Championship at Schull was dominated by present or past Optimist sailors who not only adapted to two-person sailing – in some cases almost overnight – but showed clever strategic thinking in selecting crews who were of a size to match their own weight in order to provide the optimum all-up weight to race a TSR 3.6.

That’s the way it is in the fast track. But by its very nature, most potential recreational sailors are never going to be in the fast track, yet they can find their pleasure in sailing by choosing the right boat in an environment in which they feel comfortable when they go afloat.

Yet as soon as you move up from a one-person junior boat to something requiring two or even three to sail, the logistical and expense problems expand exponentially. Nevertheless, at the more competitive level, there are shrewd observers who bewail the thin spread of the International 420 in Ireland, despite Doug Elmes of Kilkenny and Colin O’Sullivan of Malahide winning the Bronze in the Worlds in Malaysia back in 2016.

Doug Elmes and Colin O’Sullivan after winning Bronze in the 420 Worlds in 2016

It certainly seemed inspirational at the time, yet apart from a few notably enthusiastic clubs with keen 420 fleets, you could hardly say the 420 is a nationwide success. But even with the demands implicit in sailing a 420 locally and occasionally campaigning it nationally, there are those throughout Ireland who think that any family that finds itself becoming involved in 420 racing through junior participation deserves every encouragement.

One such is Pierce Purcell, former Commodore of Galway Bay SC, where the small but keen 420 feet has found itself raised to new heights of enthusiasm by the success of their top 420 duo of Adam McGrady and Alistair O’Sullivan, who won the 420 Nationals at Rush at the end of August.

The 2022 420 Nationals at Rush SC at the end of August. Photo: M Gosson

Much and all as Galway is the centre of the universe, the McGrady/O’Sullivan team know they have to travel for top competition, and it really is team travel with their fathers Paul and Gerry totally committed to providing logistics support.

National Champions. Galway Bay SC’s 420 stars Alistair O’Sullivan & Adam McGrady (centre) with their fathers Gerry O’Sullivan (left) and Paul McGrady (right). Photo: Pierce Purcell

But even with Galway now the pinnacle of 420 sailing, there are still those there – and elsewhere in Ireland - who reckon that the ultimate contribution to the development of two-handed, sociable and accessible sailing here was provided by the advent of the Mirror dinghy. I yield to no-one in my admiration for the Mirror, it’s one of the cleverest boat designs ever conceived, and it’s a matter of wonder why someone doesn’t put a computer to work to analyse why the Mirror provided so much for so many people in such a little boat.

It should be possible to then provide a computer-aided design which may look like a contemporary boat of 2023, yet ticks all the boxes on the factors that made the Mirror so very special and useful.

One of the most effective boat designs of all time – sport for all ages in the Mirror dinghy

You’d be surprised how many people are thinking along these lines, and meanwhile look around to see what readily available production boat most nearly fits the bill. And that shrewd observer of the sailing scene, Bob Bateman of Cork, who is the patriarch of an active three generation sailing dynasty while somehow also finding the time to take great photos of just about everything that floats along the south coast, reckons he has found that boat, hidden away in plain sight.

It’s the RS Feva. But though this 12-footer has been around for some time, the performance potential has been so emphasised that casual observers overlook the fact that the Feva is also a low maintenance – almost zero maintenance, in fact – knockabout boat, one that can happily take a bunch of kids for a fun sail.

Yet like the Mirror, she’s an all-generation boat in which a sympathetic adult with the ability to provide kindly teaching – it’s a very special ability, and not given its proper respect – can bring shy young children into sailing and build their confidence in every way, both afloat and ashore.

In the weekend in which some of those who have reached the highest peaks of Irish sailing are contesting the Champions’ Cup in its 75th year reiteration of the Helmsman’s Championship, it is very timely to reflect on the other end of the sailing continuum, and on what – in an ideal world – would be a boat deserving more encouragement in playing its key role in making sailing seem more genuinely accessible.

And apart from that, like the Mirror – which served our family very well indeed for multiple purposes – the RS Feva is simply great fun to sail.

Hidden away in plan sight behind the apparently performance-oriented RS Feva is an excellent little all-round knockabout boat for fun sailing. Photo: Robert Bateman

Garrett Leech reports on the inaugural Youth Double Handed Sailing Symposium was held at Lough Ree Yacht Club last weekend.

Just over 60 sailors from all over Ireland descended on the Club Saturday morning for this anticipated event, many not really understanding what lay in store for them but liking the sound of what they had heard! There were 31 boats and the fleets consisted of 420, 29er, Mirror & RS Feva. Event organiser, Garrett Leech had dreamed up the concept during the Summer and it began slowly to take shape. Most Youth fleets have the opportunity to receive coaching, normally the Coach sets out the objectives for the on-the-water activity to the group, it is then executed on the water and there is normally a debrief ashore to discuss how things went.

The Symposium was not supposed to be this, it was conceived firstly to bring together the main double-handed Youth fleets, as a larger sailing family & to promote mutual appreciation of each other’s classes. Single-handed dinghy sailing is relatively safe in Ireland with the Laser & Topper’s, commanding large fleets at events, double handed racing probably needs a bit more attention.

The next objective of the gathering was to try and address the more fundamental issues that arise in competitive racing and then specifically, double handed racing whilst getting the participants to think through the issues. What else could be done but to gather the best Coaches in Ireland to Lough Ree! The inimitable David Harte, late of FMOEC, Schull, immediately bought into the concept and took the lead. As did Graeme Grant, Honorary Irish man, and Life Coach! Graeme travelled from Germany to attend. Olympic Sailor, Robert Dickson who arrived in from Marseille on the Friday evening, travelled down, joined by Cara McDowell (Malahide Yacht Club) who is well known for her dedication in promoting/coaching double handed racing, in particular, the 420 fleet.

Ceremonies were opened by means of “Ice Breaker’s” developed by Graeme & Cara which sought to break down barriers between the diverse fleets, ages & geographic dispersion. Graeme’s enthusiasm in particular, was enough to melt icecaps! By the time proceedings kicked off, there was a relaxed atmosphere. The modules that David Harte had prepared got the kids thinking, interaction was encouraged and there were break out groups where crews discussed issues such as improving communications & how to set realistic goals for themselves, facilitated by the Coaches. The classroom-based modules included (amongst others) the following:

• Setting Individual Goals & Objectives
• The Importance of Self Coaching
• Partnership & Good Communication
•  How to “Iron out issues”
•  Learning to Lose, Learning to Win

Robert Dickson spoke at length about his “Journey” to becoming an Olympic Skiff Sailor with Sean. He connected well with the kids and they waited on his every word, from Rob & Sean’s many early defeats to winning the Youth Championships in 2018 and of course, the Tokyo Olympics. Many were unaware that Rob had learned to sail at Lough Ree Yacht Club. His talk neatly led into the “Learning to Lose, Learning to Win” presentation. You would have been forgiven if you thought you had walked in on an IMI Programme for kids, lots of life skills!

The on-the-water activity was also with a difference, first thing was to practice what the kids had learned in the “Importance of Self Coaching”. Then David & the Coaches had the Sailors swapping positions (Helm/Crew), so as appreciate the difference in their roles but also swapping fleets where 420 Sailors quickly learned to appreciate the importance of balance/trim! And 29er Sailors to cope with the array of strings & a symmetrical spinnaker!

The weekend culminated on Sunday with racing but of course nothing ordinary! David Harte ran two races under Average Lap Time (Portsmouth Yardstick), 30 boats off the same start line and sailing around a square directly outside the Club House! It was exciting to watch and no boats were damaged in the making of the movie! Thankfully, the wind was light (though the 29er Sailors might not have agreed!) and the overall victory went to 420 Sailors, Alex Leech & Conor Paul of Lough Ree Yacht Club.

A big thanks to the Coaches; Dave Harte, Graeme Grant, Rob Dickson & Cara McDowell. The experience that Dave & Graeme (in particular) brought to the weekend was fantastic, these guys are a lot more than sailing coaches.

The feedback from the event was very positive, it is likely that the event will be run again next year.

Ireland's Mirror dinghy fleet had their Western Championships this weekend at Galway Bay Sailing Club last weekend.

A fleet of 24 took to Galway Bay for 6 races over the two days under Race Officer Dave Vinnell in challenging light winds on the Saturday with a nice sea breeze filling in on the Sunday - both days sailed in very high temperatures.

The event also saw many new faces with clubs putting in tremendous logistical arrangements to make it a bumper fleet.

The overall championship winners were Thomas & Ben Chaix of Tralee Bay Sailing Club.

Mirror dinghy competitors at Galway Bay Sailing Club

Silver fleet winners were Matthew Turner & Donncha Dullea of LRYC with 2nd and 3rd placings going to Blessington sailors Alexander Fought & Zoe Hemsing and Lisa & Annika Flynn respectively.

Bronze fleet winners were Lucas Flynn & Adam Stanley of BSC. Second was Conal MacThreinfhir & William Walsh of TBSC with third going to Cora McNaughton & Sinead Evans of BSC.

Youth winners of the inaugural Killinure Cup and 2nd overall was Eoghan Duffy LRYC & Cathal Langan CYBC with third place going to Jessica & Mark Greer of Sligo Yacht Club.

The next event is the Nationals in Sligo Yacht Club on Aug 20-22.