In describing its history Baltimore Sailing Club in West Cork says of itself that “the exact year of the foundation of Baltimore Sailing Club is somewhat uncertain!”
Above the bar, in the impressive clubhouse which was constructed in the past few years is the formal list of Commodores. It starts in 1952. However, Frank Murphy, who was the first Secretary of the club, stated that it was founded in the Summer of 1953. The ‘Minutes’ of a meeting held at Salters in Baltimore on Saturday, July 28, 1956 state that “it was unanimously felt that a Sailing Club should be formed.” The club premises had originally started in Salter’s Shed in the harbour.
“There was dinghy sailing in Baltimore before 1953 and since the official list of Commodores starts in 1952, this should be the start year,” the club history says. I love the approach of Baltimore SC in the way that is put!
Its outgoing Commodore, Niall O’Neill, described Baltimore as “a very special club” when he summed-up his two years at the helm. “The spirit” evident amongst all members in the running of the club and the organisation of the events it holds is at its heart. At the annual general meeting this week the Vice Commodore, Charlie Bolger, took over as the new Commodore and joined me for my podcast this week:
The annual general meeting elected Grahame Copplestone as new Vice Commodore with the Committee of Tony Connolly, Rob O’Leary, Grahame Copplestone, Tom Bushe, Sheila O’Sullivan, Dee Griffiths, Etain Linehan, Deirdre Horgan and Ruth Field. The Commodore’s Trophy was awarded jointly to Dee Griffiths and Deirdre Horgan for their contribution to the organisation of various club activities and initiatives during the year. The Heir Island Sloop overall trophy was awarded to Declan Tiernan and Marty O’Driscoll; 2nd – Frank and Helen Whelton; 3rd – Cormac O’Hanlon. The 1720 fleet, for which Baltimore is a major event centre, was won overall by efolioaccounts, Tom, Neil and Paul Hegarty; 2nd Déjà vu, Ross and Rory Johnson; 3rd “Two To Tango,” Peter O’Flynn. The “John Daly Perpetual Trophy” for the most improved junior sailor was awarded to Richard Buckley.
