Following the launch of the new build IDRA 14 wooden dinghy on Saturday, after a three year long project, the Clontarf Yacht & Boat Club team lead and novice boat builder Ronan Melling has thanked all of those involved in making the day so successful.
"Three years ago I had a crazy idea to build a boat. It was crazy because I have never attempted anything like it before. I didn’t know then that it would take a team of amateurs almost three years, over six thousand hours, three different types of wood and almost 2000 rivets to build this boat. I couldn’t have comprehended how much I would learn. I didn’t know how many incredible people would respond to my calls for help, advice and support. I didn’t realise how many of these people, after willingly offering what they could, would stay with the project - through ups and downs, setbacks and challenges, breakthroughs and milestones.
"All of the blood (mostly Donal Heney’s) sweat and tears culminated in the launch of Wicked Sadie on Saturday the 25th of June.Wicked Sadie is a boat with soul. Her soul, my soul, the soul of the incredible build team, of the IDRA14 class, of CY&BC.
It was a passion for the sea, for wooden boats that inspired me to attempt this project but it would not have been possible without the support of my club and its Executive and membership. The Club provided the space for us to complete the project and our Commodore led others in promoting and supporting the project and all of the club members who lent a hand, particularly with the riveting and sanding. We also had huge support from other clubs, particularly the East Wall Water Sports club who shared their boat building expertise.
I owe all of these supporters and contributors a huge debt of gratitude. We wouldn’t be here without you.
"We were so delighted to see so many people turn out for the launch on Saturday – to sail off in Wicked Sadie and look back and see so many family, friends, supporters and visitors line along the sea wall to wave us off was incredible. A huge thanks to all of the IDRA14s who accompanied us on that first sail around – it was amazing to have such company on the water.
"This boat is all about family, not only mine who bore all my absences with patience and good grace, but the IDRA14 family. The work that we have done here in building Wicked Sadie, developing the plans, recording the stages, marking the best practice is all there for future generations, for all of those brave fools who want to pour their souls into a newbuild IDRA14. We have played our part and got our own Pearly Queen, our very own Wicked Sadie, who is a testament to the strength of the past and the potential of the future."
