The Royal Cork YC’s Grand Soleil 40 Nieulargo is always a busy boat, and usually successful too. But things are in over-drive for 2024 and 2025, as co-owner-skipper Annamarie Fegan - aka Mrs Denis Murphy - is also the RCYC’s first woman Admiral. Thus she and Denis and their crew are finding their energies well spread, for as we’re all only too well aware, getting enthusiasm going for the new 2024 season has been a bit of a challenge in the face of decidedly mixed weather. And in any case, being Admiral RCYC is virtually a full-time job.
Nieulargo is well-accustomed to leading on the water in straightforward racing, but in early 2024 it has behoved them to lead by example too. So they took themselves off – as the keener Crosshaven boats usually do – for total commitment to the Axiom Spring Series in Kinsale, and never mind the weather. They won Class 1 overall. Now that is truly inspirational leadership.
