46 craft have put pen to paper for WIORA, and it is envisaged that 50 craft will be taking to the water's of the Shannon Estuary for Foyne Yacht Club's golden jubilee and it hosting of the West of Ireland Offshore Racing (WIORA) Championship's from Wednesday, July 11 to Saturday, July 14 writes Gerry Ryan.
Three classes will be organised for the event IRC, Echo and White Sails. Liam Dineen has been appointed Officer-of-the-Day for the championships.
This coming Saturday, April 14 'lift-in' is scheduled to take place for all craft at Foynes Yacht Club Officially, this will be the start of the much anticipated sailing season in Cooleen Point. While the standard around the 'can's' windward-leeward course's will be laid for the IRC and Echo fleets, more varied courses for the White Sails division will be set, taking the fleet to all parts of the Estuary.
Peader McGrath, who is rib manager for WIORA week has asked for rib drivers and assistants for this week. Any member's who would have time to assist are asked to contact Peader on 087 2600817.
To kick-off the season a cruise for all craft on the estuary is organised for Saturday, April 21, this will take place in the afternoon where a Bar-B-Que will take at the clubhouse after the cruise.
Brendan Buckley and Ciara McCormack on qualifying as dinghy instructions, one of their first briefs is to develop a plan for the junior racing during the season. These two individuals have a wealth of experience in the rudiments of sailing. It augurs for the junior member's of the club, where the sailing school is going from strength to strength.
The sailing school will officially start proceedings on Monday, June 11 until the end of July (it will not operate WIORA week).
The new club polo shirts, hoodies and jackets with the new 50th anniversary logo are available in the club. These are available in an assortment of colours and sizes.