What is the Naval Service?

The Naval Service is the Irish State's principal seagoing agency with "a general responsibility to meet contingent and actual maritime defence requirements". It is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles.

Where is the Naval Service based?

The Naval Service is based in Ringaskiddy, Cork harbour, with headquarters in the Defence Forces headquarters in Dublin.

What does the Naval Service do?

The Naval Service provides the maritime component of the Irish State's defence capabilities and is the State's principal seagoing agency. It "protects Ireland's interests at and from the sea, including lines of communication, fisheries and offshore resources" within the Irish exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The Naval Service operates jointly with the Army and Air Corps as part of the Irish defence forces.

When was the Naval Service formed?

The Naval Service was established in 1946, replacing the Marine and Coastwatching Service set up in 1939. It had replaced the Coastal and Marine Service, the State's first marine service after independence, which was disbanded after a year. Its only ship was the Muirchú, formerly the British armed steam yacht Helga, which had been used by the Royal Navy to shell Dublin during the 1916 Rising. In 1938, Britain handed over the three "treaty" ports of Cork harbour, Bere haven and Lough Swilly.

How many ships are in the Naval Service?

The Naval Service has nine ships - one Helicopter Patrol Vessel (HPV), three Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV), two Large Patrol Vessel (LPV) and two Coastal Patrol Vessels (CPV). Each vessel is equipped with State of the art machinery, weapons, communications and navigation systems.

What are the Irish Navy ship's names?

The ships' names are prefaced with the title of Irish ship or "long Éireannach" (LE). The older ships bear Irish female names - LÉ Eithne, LÉ Orla, LÉ Ciara, LÉ Roisín, and LÉ Niamh. The newer ships, named after male Irish literary figures, are LÉ Samuel Beckett, LÉ James Joyce, LÉ William Butler Yeats and LÉ George Bernard Shaw.

Are Irish Naval Service ships armed?

Yes. The 76mm Oto Melara medium calibre naval armament is the most powerful weapon in the Naval Services arsenal. The 76mm is "capable of engaging naval targets at a range of up to 17km with a high level of precision, ensuring that the Naval Service can maintain a range advantage over all close-range naval armaments and man-portable weapon systems", according to the Defence Forces.

How is the fleet managed and maintained?

The Fleet Operational Readiness Standards and Training (FORST) unit is responsible for the coordination of the fleet needs. Ships are maintained at the Mechanical Engineering and Naval Dockyard Unit at Ringaskiddy, Cork harbour.

Who is the head of the Irish Naval Service?

The Flag Officer Commanding Naval Service (FOCNS) is Commodore Michael Malone. The head of the Defence Forces is a former Naval Service flag officer, now Vice-Admiral Mark Mellett – appointed in 2015 and the first Naval Service flag officer to hold this senior position. The Flag Officer oversees Naval Operations Command, which is tasked with the conduct of all operations afloat and ashore by the Naval Service including the operations of Naval Service ships. The Naval Operations Command is split into different sections, including Operations HQ and Intelligence and Fishery Section.

What is the Intelligence and Fishery Section of the Irish Naval Service?

The Intelligence and Fishery Section is responsible for Naval Intelligence, the Specialist Navigation centre, the Fishery Protection supervisory and information centre, and the Naval Computer Centre. The Naval Intelligence Cell is responsible for the collection, collation and dissemination of naval intelligence. The Navigation Cell is the naval centre for navigational expertise.

What is the Fishery Monitoring Centre?

The Fishery Monitoring Centre provides for fishery data collection, collation, analysis and dissemination to the Naval Service and client agencies, including the State's Sea Fisheries Protection Agency. The centre also supervises fishery efforts in the Irish EEZ and provides data for the enhanced effectiveness of fishery protection operations, as part of the EU Common Fisheries Policy. The Naval Computer Centre provides information technology (IT) support service to the Naval Service ashore and afloat.

How are shore operations managed?

This headquarters includes specific responsibility for the Executive/Operations Branch duties. The Naval Service Operations Room is a coordination centre for all NS current Operations. The Naval Service Reserve Staff Officer is responsible for the supervision, regulation and training of the reserve. The Diving section is responsible for all aspects of Naval diving and the provision of a diving service to the Naval Service and client agencies. The Ops Security Section is responsible for the coordination of base security and the coordination of all shore-based security parties operating away from the Naval base. The Naval Base Comcen is responsible for the running of a communications service. Boat transport is under the control of Harbour Master Naval Base, who is responsible for the supervision of berthage at the Naval Base and the provision of a boat service, including the civilian manned ferry service from Haulbowline.

Does the Naval Service undertake overseas missions?

Naval Service ships have undertaken trade and supply missions abroad, and personnel have served as peacekeepers with the United Nations. In 2015, Naval Service ships were sent on rotation to rescue migrants in the Mediterranean as part of a bi-lateral arrangement with Italy, known as Operation Pontus. Naval Service and Army medical staff rescued some 18,000 migrants, either pulling people from the sea or taking them off small boats, which were often close to capsizing having been towed into open water and abandoned by smugglers. Irish ships then became deployed as part of EU operations in the Mediterranean, but this ended in March 2019 amid rising anti-immigrant sentiment in the EU.

How can I join the Irish Naval Service?

Essentially, you have to be Irish, young (less than 32), in good physical and mental health and with normal vision. You must be above 5'2″, and your weight should be in keeping with your age.

Are there women in the Naval Service?

Yes, women have been recruited since 1995. One of the first two female cadets, Roberta O'Brien from the Glen of Aherlow in Co Tipperary, became its first female commander in September 2020. Sub Lieutenant Tahlia Britton from Donegal also became the first female diver in the navy's history in the summer of 2020.

What is a Naval Service Officer cadet?

A naval cadet enlists for a cadetship to become an officer in the Defence Forces. After successfully completing training at the Naval Service College, a cadet is commissioned into the officer ranks of the Naval Service as a Ensign or Sub Lieutenant.

What training is involved in becoming a Naval Service officer cadet?

A cadet trains for approximately two years duration divided into different stages. The first year is spent in military training at the Naval Base in Haulbowline, Cork. The second-year follows a course set by the National Maritime College of Ireland course. At the end of the second year and on completion of exams, and a sea term, the cadets will be qualified for the award of a commission in the Permanent Defence Force as Ensign.

What qualifications are required to become a cadet?

A cadet trains for approximately two years duration divided into different stages. The first year is spent in military training at the Naval Base in Haulbowline, Cork. The second-year follows a course set by the National Maritime College of Ireland course. At the end of the second year and on completion of exams, and a sea term, the cadets will be qualified for the award of a commission in the Permanent Defence Force as Ensign. The Defence Forces say it is looking for people who have "the ability to plan, prioritise and organise", to "carefully analyse problems, in order to generate appropriate solutions, who have "clear, concise and effective communication skills", and the ability to "motivate others and work with a team". More information is on the 2020 Qualifications Information Leaflet.

When can I apply to become a Naval Service cadet?

When you are 18 years of age or over and under 26 years of age on the date mentioned in the notice for the current competition, the officer cadet competition is held annually and is the only way for potential candidates to join the Defence Forces to become a Naval Service officer. Candidates undergo psychometric and fitness testing, an interview and a medical exam.

Where is the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI)?

The NMCI was built beside the Naval Service base at Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, and was the first third-level college in Ireland to be built under the Government's Public-Private Partnership scheme. The public partners are the Naval Service and Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) and the private partner is Focus Education.

What is a Naval Service recruit?

A Naval Service recruit enlists for general service in the "Other Ranks" of the Defence Forces. After successfully completing the initial recruit training course, a recruit passes out as an Ordinary Seaman and will then go onto their branch training course before becoming qualified as an Able Body sailor in the Naval Service.

What qualifications are required to become a Naval Service recruit?

No formal education qualifications are required to join the Defence Forces as a recruit. You need to satisfy the interview board and the recruiting officer that you possess a sufficient standard of education for service in the Defence Forces.

What training is involved in becoming a Naval Service recruit?

Recruit training is 18 weeks in duration and is designed to "develop a physically fit, disciplined and motivated person using basic military and naval skills" to "prepare them for further training in the service. Recruits are instilled with the Naval Service ethos and the values of "courage, respect, integrity and loyalty".

What is a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) career training?

On the progression up through the various ranks, an Able Rate will have to complete a number of career courses to provide them with training to develop their skills in a number of areas, such as leadership and management, administration and naval/military skills. The first of these courses is the Naval Service Potential NCO course, followed by the Naval Service Standard NCO course and the Naval Service senior NCO course. This course qualifies successful candidates of Petty officer (or Senior Petty Officer) rank to fill the rank of Chief Petty Officer upwards. The successful candidate may also complete and graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership, Management and Naval Studies in partnership with Cork Institute of Technology.

What is pay like in the Naval Service?

Pay has long been an issue for just the Naval Service, at just over 1,000 personnel. Cadets and recruits are required to join the single public service pension scheme, which is a defined benefit scheme, based on career-average earnings. For current rates of pay, see the Department of Defence website

Displaying items by tag: Dublin Bay

26th August 2021

Cork to Dublin UIM Powerboat Record Attempt Underway by John Ryan

Royal Cork Yacht Club member John Ryan and his ZeroDark RIB team are underway in a bid to set a new time powerboat record time between Cork and Dublin today.

Ryan told Afloat the bid is due to depart Cork Harbour at 11 am although sea fog may change plans.

As regular Afloat readers will know, Ryan broke his own existing Cork Fastnet Cork speed record in a time of 1 hour, 47 minutes and 7 seconds (Subject to ratification by UIM) last week as reported here.

The ZeroDark RIB was built by Ophardt Maritim in Duisburg, Germany and she arrived by road into Cork last week.

Designed by Andrew Lee of Norson Design specifically for the German Special Forces as a craft to be utilised for high-speed covert operations.

She has an aluminium hull and is the fastest of its type in the world and can reach speeds in excess of 85 knots.

Subject to a succesful record run to Dublin, the RIB is due to dock at the Royal St. George Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire Harbour, according to Ryan.

Published in Powerboat Racing

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24th August 2021

August Storm, Sunshine & Sea Fog: What a Difference a Day Makes on Dublin Bay

August's changeable weather has been on everybody's lips, especially among Dublin Bay boaters adding heft to the age-old query about whether the month is, in fact, Summer or Autumn?

Take these three pictures from the Bay, and it's hard to believe they were taken within hours of each other, let alone in the same season or even the same country. But that's what the weather has had to offer this late August to Dublin sailors - and also around Ireland - where both gales and light winds have impacted championships.

Readers have been quick to send Afloat snaps of the sunny - and not so sunny - aspects of the dog days of summer from the Dun Laoghaire waterfront this past 72 hours.

Local Cruisers Two Class champion Lindsay Casey snapped the image above of Saturday’s storm. The downpour was so ferocious that veteran competitors reported they hadn't seen the like in 25 years of DBSC racing.

Less than 24 hours later, Royal St. George Race Officer Barry O'Neill took this pretty picture of the newly restored Dublin Bay 21s on their east bight moorings in glorious sunshine.

Dublin Bay 21s looking pretty as a picture in the August sunshine at Dun Laoghaire Harbour Photo: Barry O'Neill

And this morning, the bay's southern shore is fog-bound with early morning swimmers disappearing into the mist at the Forty Foot bathing place.

A sea mist shrouds early morning swimmers at the Forty Foot

Check out the current weather (and more besides) on Dublin Bay's live webcams here

Published in Weather

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Dublin Bay

13th August 2021

DBSC Flying Fifteens Find Difficult Winds for Upwind Racing on Dublin Bay

Twenty-four hours ago, the forecast for Dublin Bay was showing strong winds for the morning and early part of the afternoon but that the wind would start dropping off as late afternoon and evening set in. Still, by 18:45, the suggestion was that there would still be 10 – 12 knots with some heavier gusts. And certainly, immediately outside Dun Laoghaire's harbour mouth, that synopsis looked correct. However, as we sailed downwind further into Scotsman's Bay, the sense was that the wind had got softer again. However, in contrast to the previous three Thursdays, the breeze was healthy. An ebbing tide meant that a slightly less conservative start could be contemplated, the wind was blowing from the SW, which meant that the first upwind leg was "contra-tide".

The DBSC Flying Fifteen Race Officer set the course for the night as MW4, an upwind leg to Pier (P), followed by a three-sailer to Poldy(S), inshore to Battery(S), back to Poldy(S) and what turned out to be a two-sail fetch to Molly(P), before a hitch into the committee boat finish. (See above course card).

The decision with respect to the leg to Pier was to stay inshore with possibly less tide and maybe a slightly better wind direction or go right where there appeared to be more breeze. Frank Miller & Susie Mulligan (3845) pioneered the hard right and by Pier that had been proven not to be the way to go. In a similar position were Ben Mulligan & Cormac Bradley (4081), who had started going left off the start line but found themselves being squeezed by Alistair Court & Conor O'Leary (3753) and tacked off. It seems Court & O'Leary were, in turn, being squeezed by Neil Colin & Margaret Casey (4028). The nett result was that at Pier anyone who had shown any form of bias towards the inshore route was "in the clover".

For what should appear to be an obvious reason, I am not able to recall exactly what the rounding order at Pier was, so let me just say that the following boats were in the leading pack – identified as much by spinnaker colours as anything! Alan Green and daughter (4026), Ken Dumpleton (3955), Alan Balfe (3995), David Mulvin & Ronan Beirne (4068), Colin & Casey, Court & O'Leary, Louise McKenna & Hermine O'Keeffe (3697)……….you get the idea! The spinnaker leg to Poldy was quite tame because although there was a bit of a swell, the wind was already showing signs of dropping off.

From Poldy to Battery, the majority of the fleet went right before heading inshore at the latter stages of the leg. Going inshore initially proved to be very frustrating and became a bit of a tease, the wind seeming to suggest that as a straggler, it might let you back in only to serve you with another header just as you thought you had thrown a double six with the dice. At Battery, Green, Dumpleton and Colin were well placed. Mulvin and Balfe were a bit further back. Most boats sailed the rhumb line to Poldy while at least one sailed a more westerly line and put in a gybe to get down to Poldy for the second time – that didn't work either. The leg to Molly was a two-sailer and consequently there appeared to be little change in the pecking order that this correspondent could see other than us losing 13th place on the water to Joe Coughlan (3913).

There was to be no redemption on the hitch to the finish either!

Thursday Series; Race 8: 1. Alan Green & daughter (4026), 2. Ken Dumpleton & crew (3955), 3. Neil Colin & Margaret Casey (4028), 4. David Mulvin & Ronan Beirne (4068), 5. Alistair Court & Conor O'Leary (3753), 6. Adrian Cooper & crew (3198), 7. Peter Sherry & Mick Quinn (3749), 8. Alan Balfe & crew (3995), 9. McKenna & O'Keefe (3697), 10. Miller & Mulligan (3697).
In terms of the Thursday Series, Neil Colin & Margaret Casey (20) have opened a two-point gap on Ken Dumpleton & Joe Hickey. Shane McCarthy & Chris Doorly are in third on 31pts with Ben Mulligan & Cormac Bradley 4th on 35 points, one ahead of David Mulvin & Ronan Beirne.

Footnote (1): This correspondent readily acknowledges the time and effort that all Race Officers and Race Management Teams expend in preparation and execution so that we can all go racing. Accordingly, if there was any suggestion in my report of last Thursday's race, that the race was not properly managed, I apologise. The intention of my reporting of the race is to provide a commentary that is interesting to read; it is not intended to be a critique of how the race was managed, or indeed set up. If there is ever a need to do that, the report would be worded accordingly.

Footnote (2): The Flying Fifteen Championship of Ireland is being hosted at Whiterock in Strangford Lough in two weeks' time. Given the modest turnout of travellers for the Northern Championships in Portaferry a few weeks ago, they are anxious to have a more appropriate turnout. They have set up a WhatsApp group for pre-regatta communications. Please join the group so that you can be kept informed on what is happening. It also provides a connection to the entry form. A "runners and riders" preview of the Championship will be prepared shortly.

Published in Flying Fifteen

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15th July 2021

Kelly's Maranda Wins DBSC Cruisers Three IRC Race

Myles Kelly's Senator 'Maranda' from the DMYC was the winner of DBSC's Thursday night Cruiser 3 IRC race on Dublin Bay.

Kevin Byrne's Starlet of the Royal St. George Yacht Club was second with Krypton third.

DBSC had another large turnout of 131 boats on the bay tonight in a light South Easterly breeze.

The Beneteau 31.7 class had a full turnout and Beneteau B21s had all but one boat out racing on the Bay.

Results summary below

DBSC Results for 15/07/2021

Cruiser 0 IRC: 1. Wow, 2. Prima Forte, 3. Rockabill VI

Cruiser 0 Echo: 1. Wow, 2. Lively Lady, 3. Tsunami

Cruiser 1 IRC: 1. Bon Exemple, 2. Something Else, 3. Jalapeno

Cruiser 1 Echo: 1. Bon Exemple, 2. Joker II, 3. Something Else

Cruiser 1 J109: 1. Something Else, 2. Jalapeno, 3. White Mischief

31.7 One Design: 1. After You Too, 2. Prospect, 3. Levante

31.7 Echo: 1. Indigo, 2. Kalamar, 3. Bluefin Two

Cruiser 2 IRC: 1. Windjammer, 2. Rupert, 3. Ruthless

Cruiser 2 Echo: 1. Springer, 2. Rupert, 3. Leeuwin

Cruiser 2 Sigma 33: 1. Springer, 2. Rupert, 3. Leeuwin

Cruiser 3 IRC: 1. Maranda, 2. Starlet, 3. Krypton

Cruiser 3 Echo: 1. Maranda, 2. Papytoo, 3. Grasshopper 2

Cruiser 4 NS-IRC: 1. Boomerang, 2. Antix, 3. RunAway

Cruiser 4 Echo: 1. Antix, 2. Boomerang, 3. RunAway

Cruiser 5A NS-IRC: 1. Playtime, 2. State O'Chassis, 3. The Great Escape

Cruiser 5A Echo: 1. Playtime, 2. Just Jasmin, 3. State O'Chassis

Cruiser 5B Echo: 1. Setanta, 2. Fortitudine, 3. Gung Ho

SB20: 1. Ted, 2. So Blue, 3. venuesworld.com

Flying 15: 1. Shane MacCarthy, 2. Fflagella, 3. Rodriguez

Sportsboat VPRS: 1. Jeorge V, 2. George 6, 3. Jheetah

Sportsboat: 1. Jeorge V, 2. George 6, 3. Jester

Dragon: 1. Sir Ossis o'the River, 2. ZinZan, 3. D-cision

Ruffian: 1. Shannagh, 2. Ruffles, 3. Bandit

Shipman: 1. Invader, 2. Twocan, 3. The Den

B211 One Design: 1. Billy Whizz, 2. Chinook, 3. Small Wonder

B211 Echo: 1. Billy Whizz, 2. Beeswing, 3. Plan B

Glen: 1. Glenluce, 2. GlenDun, 3. Glencree

Squib/Mermaid: 1. Jill, 2. Lively Lady, 3. Allsorts

Published in DBSC

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14th July 2021

Royal St. George Yacht Club Hosts Dublin Bay Laser 50th Anniversary Celebration

The Dublin Bay Laser fleet based in Dun Laoghaire Harbour are celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Laser class with a novel one-day sprint regatta on July 25th.

The single-handed Laser remains one of the most popular one-design dinghies since it was officially unveiled at the New York Boat Show in 1971. Since then nearly 220,000 Lasers have been produced with ILCA class associations in 120 countries globally including Ireland.

The Dublin Bay Laser fleet is the largest in Ireland with over 100 boats sailed out of the RStGYC alone this season and many more launching from across the NYC, RIYC, DMYC, INSC clubs in addition to the Coal Harbour.

A limit of 100 boats can attend the Laser 50th celebrations on Dublin Bay

To mark the 50th anniversary, the RStGYC is hosting a special sprint regatta event, sponsored by Grant Thornton on Sunday, July 25th. The event is open to all Laser sailors across Dun Laoghaire both junior and adult and in all rigs.

With the first gun at 2 pm, there will be a minimum of five sprint races in quick succession for each fleet, with each race lasting between 20-30 minutes. Prizes will be awarded for the top three positions in each fleet with males and females ranked separately in 4.7s and Radials.

Racing will take place in Dublin Bay, which means that this will be a great practice event for local 4.7 sailors who are taking part in the ILCA 4.7 World Championship which is hosted in Dun Laoghaire between August 7-14.

50th anniversary Laser racing will take place on Dublin Bay

The Laser has been an Olympic class boat since 1996 and this year Ireland is being represented once again by Dun Laoghaire sailor Annalise Murphy in the Radial rig. This Dublin Bay event will coincide with the first Laser race in the Tokyo Olympics.

All activities will take place in accordance with government Covid-19 guidelines with briefing and other communications taking place virtually. A socially distanced closing ceremony will take place in the forecourt of the Royal St. George Yacht Club from 7 pm.

A socially distanced closing ceremony will take place in the forecourt of the Royal St. George Yacht Club

Early bird entry fee for the Grant Thornton sponsored event is €20 with entry limited to 100 boats. Entry and further details are available on the Rstgyc website.

Published in Laser

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12th July 2021

Public Urged to “Always Think Water Safety” in Dublin Bay

Dublin Port Company (DPC) has today launched a new water safety awareness campaign supported by Water Safety Ireland (WSI) to help promote the safe, responsible use of Dublin Bay for leisure and recreation this summer.

Both Dublin Port Company and Water Safety Ireland have observed an increase in the number of people enjoying water-based sports and activities in the surroundings of Dublin Bay and Dublin Port, many for the first time. Unfortunately, some have also found themselves in potentially dangerous situations on the water requiring the guidance of Dublin Port crews to keep them clear of the shipping lanes.

Dublin Port’s campaign is aimed at the growing number of leisure boat users on the water and also those venturing out for kayaking, paddle boarding, jet-skiing and sea-swimming with the arrival of warmer temperatures and continued easing of lockdown restrictions.

(Above and below) Dublin Port’s new Water Safety Flyer

Supported by new radio, digital and social media advertising, the campaign’s message encourages anyone planning a trip on the water to “get their bearings – always think water safety”. The message is also reinforced outdoors on a billboard at the entrance to Dublin Port.

Dublin Port’s new Water Safety Flyer

Members of the city’s established boat and water sports clubs will already be very familiar with the dos and don’ts of crossing Dublin Bay, navigating the shipping lanes at Dublin Port or enjoying the River Liffey. However, DPC also recognises that many others taking to the water may not be aware of basic safety regulations and practices intended to keep everyone safe.

Dublin Port Harbour Master Captain Michael McKenna explains, “We have seen how quickly someone can get into a potentially dangerous situation on the water, such as being unaware that they have entered the shipping channel, passing too close to ships, not calling “VTS Dublin” on VHF Channel 12 for permission to cross, or not having a working VHF radio on board. It can be a very frightening and dangerous experience if you are not familiar with the water. We want to get the message out about the basic precautions that can help make every trip much safer.”

As part of the campaign, DPC has created a starter’s guide to basic safety etiquette on the water, including a new map showing a simplified version of the shipping lanes at Dublin Port where permission to cross is mandatory for all leisure craft users. This information, and more, is available at www.dublinport.ie/water-safety

Dublin Port Harbour Master, Captain Michael McKenna, said; “Dublin Bay and the River Liffey are for everyone to enjoy. We want people to have fun on the water, but our number one priority is safety. We are encouraging people to always think water safety. More than 17,000 ship movements in and out of Dublin Port every year equates to almost 50 each day. There is a huge variety in the size and type of ships sharing the water with the city’s boat and yacht communities, sailing groups and sports clubs. Everyone, but especially those who are new or inexperienced, can take some simple safety precautions to help keep themselves, and everyone else on the water, safe.”

John Leech, Chief Executive Officer, Water Safety Ireland, said; “It is everyone’s responsibility to take a proactive approach to personal safety on the water, whether that’s on the waters of Dublin Bay and Port, or further afield. This summer, as people take advantage of the many beautiful coastal areas on offer, the advice has never been more relevant.

Take the time to inform yourself of the basic safety measures you can take. Having that understanding and awareness creates confidence on the water. We know from experience that you are more likely to protect yourself and others when you are aware of the risks involved, and how to avoid them in the first place.”

Jet Skis and Personal Watercraft (PWC)

Jet ski and PWC users are reminded to adhere to the 6 knots speed limit when within 60 m of a pier, jetty, slipway, mooring, shore or another vessel and 120 m of a swimmer or dive flag. Freestyling is not permitted within 200m of swimmers, or the shoreline.

Published in Dublin Bay

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11th July 2021

Murphy on Form in DBSC Laser Saturday Racing

Former Dublin Bay Sailing Club Class Captain Gavan Murphy took a first and two second places in Saturday's three DBSC Laser races.

Racing for the dinghy classes was held in Scotsman's Bay in an eight to ten-knot warm southerly breeze.

There was another excellent turnout of 135 boats across all classes.

A top three results summary is below

DBSC Results for 10/07/2021

Race 1

Cruiser 0 IRC: 1. Prima Forte, 2. Wow

Cruiser 0 Echo: 1. Wow, 2. Prima Forte

Cruiser 1 IRC: 1. Bon Exemple, 2. White Mischief, 3. Jalapeno

Cruiser 1 Echo: 1. Indecision, 2. Jump the Gun, 3. Bon Exemple

Cruiser 1 J109: 1. White Mischief, 2. Jalapeno, 3. Something Else

31.7 One Design: 1. Prospect, 2. Kernach, 3. Levante

31.7 Echo: 1. Kernach, 2. Bluefin Two, 3. Levante

Cruiser 2 IRC: 1. Windjammer, 2. Leeuwin, 3. Rupert

Cruiser 2 Echo: 1. Leeuwin, 2. Springer, 3. Rupert

Cruiser 2 Sigma 33: 1. Leeuwin, 2. Rupert, 3. Springer

Cruiser 3 IRC: 1. Starlet, 2. Krypton, 3. Maranda

Cruiser 3 Echo: 1. Saki, 2. Krypton, 3. Papytoo

Cruiser 4 NS-IRC: 1. Boomerang, 2. RunAway

Cruiser 4 Echo: 1. Boomerang, 2. RunAway

Cruiser 5 NS-IRC: 1. Playtime, 2. Prima Luce, 3. Persistance

Cruiser 5 Echo: 1. Playtime, 2. Just Jasmin, 3. Sweet Martini

SB20: 1. So Blue, 2. Ted, 3. Carpe Diem

Dragon: 1. ZinZan, 2. D-cision

Ruffian: 1. Ruffles, 2. Bandit, 3. Ripples

Shipman: 1. Invader, 2. Viking, 3. Poppy

Glen: 1. GlenDun, 2. Glenluce, 3. Glencree

PY Class: 1. B & C O'Neill, 2. Sarah Dwyer, 3. Stephen Oram

IDRA 14: 1. Dart, 2. Doody, 3. Dunmoanin

Laser Standard: 1. Gavan Murphy, 2. Theo Lyttle, 3. Robbie Walker

Laser Radial: 1. Sean Craig, 2. Marco Sorgassi, 3. Oisin Hughes

Race 2

SB20: 1. Ted, 2. So Blue, 3. Carpe Diem

Flying 15: 1. Enfant de Marie, 2. Ignis Caput II, 3. Fflagella

Sportsboat VPRS: 1. Jambiya, 2. Jheetah

Sportsboat: 1. Jambiya, 2. Ram Jam, 3. Jheetah

Dragon: 1. ZinZan, 2. D-cision

Ruffian: 1. Ruffles, 2. Ripples, 3. Bandit

B211 One Design: 1. Chinook, 2. Small Wonder, 3. Billy Whizz

B211 Echo: 1. Small Wonder, 2. Billy Whizz, 3. Vamoose

Squib/MermaidPY: 1. Lively Lady, 2. Jill, 3. Aideen

PY Class: 1. Stephen Oram, 2. Richard Tate, 3. Sarah Dwyer

IDRA 14: 1. Dunmoanin, 2. Doody, 3. Dart

Fireball: 1. Owen Sinnott, 2. Paul ter Horst

Laser Standard: 1. Robbie Walker, 2. Gavan Murphy, 3. Conor Roche

Laser Radial: 1. Sean Craig, 2. Hugh O'Connor, 3. Oisin Hughes

Race 3

PY Class: 1. Stephen Oram, 2. Richard Tate, 3. Sarah Dwyer

IDRA 14: 1. Dart, 2. Doody, 3. Dunmoanin

Fireball: 1. Owen Sinnott, 2. Paul ter Horst

Laser Standard: 1. Theo Lyttle, 2. Gavan Murphy, 3. Peter Foster

Laser Radial: 1. Sean Craig, 2. Marco Sorgassi, 3. David Cahill

Published in DBSC

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8th July 2021

140 Boat Thursday Race Turnout is DBSC's Biggest for Many Years

A massive total of 140 boats raced on Dublin Bay tonight in a light south-easterly tonight, by far the largest Thursday evening DBSC turnout for many years.

The Cruisers Zero IRC race was won by Paul O'Higgins in the JPK 10.80 Rockabill VI from the First 40.7 Prima Luce (Patrick Burke).

Cruisers One IRC was won by John Maybury's Joker II from John Hall's Something Else.

Cruiser 2 IRC: was won by the J/97 Windjammer (Lindsay Casey) from Conor Ronan's Corby 26 Ruthless

The 31.7s were won by Chris Johnston's Prospect with Michael Blaney's After You Too second.

Full results below

DBSC Results for 08/07/2021

Cruiser 0 IRC: 1. Rockabill VI, 2. Prima Forte, 3. D-Tox

Cruiser 0 Echo: 1. D-Tox, 2. Prima Forte, 3. Rockabill VI

Cruiser 1 IRC: 1. Joker II, 2. Something Else, 3. Jalapeno

Cruiser 1 Echo: 1. Joker II, 2. Dear Prudence, 3. Something Else

Cruiser 1 J109: 1. Joker II, 2. Something Else, 3. Jalapeno

31.7 One Design: 1. Prospect, 2. After You Too, 3. Attitude

31.7 Echo: 1. Kernach, 2. Attitude, 3. Kalamar

Cruiser 2 IRC: 1. Windjammer, 2. Ruthless, 3. Rupert

Cruiser 2 Echo: 1. Ruthless, 2. Windjammer, 3. Rupert

Cruiser 2 Sigma 33: 1. Rupert, 2. Gwili II, 3. Springer

Cruiser 3 IRC: 1. Cartoon, 2. Starlet, 3. Krypton

Cruiser 3 Echo: 1. Cartoon, 2. Pamafe, 3. Krypton

Cruiser 4 NS-IRC: 1. Boomerang, 2. Antix

Cruiser 4 Echo: 1. Boomerang, 2. Antix

Cruiser 5A NS-IRC: 1. Playtime, 2. Prima Luce, 3. Edenpark

Cruiser 5A Echo: 1. Just Jasmin, 2. Edenpark, 3. Playtime

Cruiser 5B Echo: 1. Fortitudine, 2. Gung Ho, 3. Emma

SB20: 1. So Blue, 2. Ted, 3. Carpe Diem

Flying 15: 1. Shane MacCarthy, 2. ffantastic mr ffox, 3. FFuZZy

Sportsboat VPRS: 1. Joyride, 2. Jheetah, 3. Jeorge V

Sportsboat: 1. Joyride, 2. Jeorge V, 3. Jester

Dragon: 1. D-cision

Ruffian: 1. Shannagh, 2. Carmen, 3. Ruffles

Shipman: 1. Twocan, 2. Invader, 3. Poppy

B211 One Design: 1. Small Wonder, 2. Billy Whizz, 3. Isolde

B211 Echo: 1. Small Wonder, 2. Billy Whizz, 3. Isolde

Glen: 1. Glenluce, 2. GlenDun, 3. Glencoe

Squib/Mermaid PY: 1. Allsorts, 2. Jill, 3. Lively Lady

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18th June 2021

Royal Irish Yacht Juggerknot II Wins DBSC Class One Race

Fresh from their return from last week's Dun Laoghaire to Dingle Race, both Rockabill VI (Paul O'Higgins) and Juggerknot II (Andrew Algeo), both from the Royal Irish Yacht Club, won their respective cruiser divisions in last night's DBSC Thursday night race.

There was a great turnout of 129 boats across all DBSC classes for racing on a fluky Dublin Bay.

In the J109 division, yet another RIYC yacht, White Mischief (Richard and Tim Goodbody), was the class winner.

Full results across all classes in the AIB-sponsored Summer Series are below.

DBSC Results for 17/06/2021

Cruiser 0 IRC: 1. Rockabill VI, 2. Tsunami, 3. D-Tox

Cruiser 0 Echo: 1. D-Tox, 2. Tsunami, 3. Lively Lady

Cruiser 1 IRC: 1. Juggerknot 2, 2. Bon Exemple, 3. White Mischief

Cruiser 1 Echo: 1. Juggerknot 2, 2. Black Velvet, 3. Bon Exemple

Cruiser 1 J109: 1. White Mischief, 2. Chimaera, 3. Dear Prudence

31.7 One Design: 1. After You Too, 2. Attitude, 3. Bluefin Two

31.7 Echo: 1. Kalamar, 2. Fiddly Bits, 3. Bluefin Two

Cruiser 2 IRC: 1. Windjammer, 2. Ruthless, 3. Springer

Cruiser 2 Echo: 1. Gwili II, 2. Boojum, 3. Springer

Cruiser 2 Sigma 33: 1. Gwili II, 2. Boojum, 3. Springer

Cruiser 3 IRC: 1. Maranda, 2. Starlet, 3. Eleint

Cruiser 3 Echo: 1. Maranda, 2. Grasshopper 2, 3. Wynward

Cruiser 4 NS-IRC: 1. Boomerang, 2. RunAway

Cruiser 4 Echo: 1. Boomerang, 2. Antix, 3. RunAway

Cruiser 5A NS-IRC: 1. Playtime, 2. Persistance, 3. The Great Escape,

Cruiser 5A Echo: 1. Witzend, 2. Playtime, 3. Katienua

Cruiser 5B Echo: 1. Sweet Martini, 2. Gung Ho, 3. Fortitudine

SB20: 1. Ted, 2. So Blue, 3. venuesworld.com

Flying 15: 1. Hera, 2. Flyer, 3. Thingamabob

Sportsboat VPRS: 1. Jester, 2. Jitterbug

Sportsboat: 1. Jester, 2. Jitterbug, 3. George 2

Ruffian: 1. Shannagh, 2. Bandit, 3. Ruffles

Shipman: 1. Curraglass, 2. Poppy, 3. Twocan

B211 One Design: 1. Chinook, 2. Isolde, 3. Billy Whizz

B211 Echo: 1. Isolde, 2. Chinook, 3. Billy Whizz

Glen: 1. GlenDun, 2. Glencree, 3. Glencoe

Squib/Mermaid PY: 1=. Lively Lady, 1=. Allsorts, 3. Jill

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15th June 2021

DBSC Pays Tribute to Long Standing Member Carmel Winkelmann

Tuesday night marks the start of a week-long tribute to long-standing Dublin Bay Sailing Club member Carmel Winkelmann who passed away on Saturday, 12th June.

DBSC Flag Officers are preparing for a minute's silence on all boats in the fleet before racing commences on each race day this week.

There will be an additional sound signal made five minutes before the first warning signal for the first class each day. The DBSC burgee will be dipped and a minute's silence will be observed in Carmel's honour.

DBSC Committee Boat MacLir displaying an RIP tribute to the late Carmel Winkelmann prior to Tuesday, June 15th's racing DBSC Committee Boat MacLir (above) and Freebird (below) displaying an RIP tribute to the late Carmel Winkelmann prior to Tuesday, June 15th's racing