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We are delighted to be commencing our AIB Dublin Bay Sailing Club 2022 Summer sailing season tomorrow Saturday, April 23rd writes DBSC Commodore Ann Kirwan

After the past two years, the start of our racing season has been delayed due to Covid so it is great to be starting on time this year.

Racing Programme

The DBSC Flag Officers, Committee, and Racing Sub-Committee have been working over the winter months on producing an enhanced racing programme which will run from April 23rd to October 1st and will include new Saturday courses. Our sailing sub-committee led by PRO Ed Totterdell spent the winter months redesigning some of our courses, as well as compiling new ones. Thanks to Tim Goodbody and Paul Barrington for their efforts working with Ed on this.

The DBSC Hut on the West PierThe DBSC Hut on the West Pier

Our AIB DBSC 2022 summer racing programme consists of 9 fleet races each week:

Saturdays – 4 fleet courses
• Blue or Red fleet racing from a committee boat (including Cruisers 0 and 1) on fixed mark courses
• Blue or Red fleet racing from the West Pier hut (including DB21s) on fixed mark courses
• Green fleet racing on laid mark windward / leeward or triangular courses
• Dinghies racing on laid mark courses

Tuesdays – 2 fleet courses
• Keelboats racing from the West Pier hut on fixed mark courses
• Dinghies racing from a committee boat on laid mark courses

Wednesdays – 1 fleet course
• Water Wags racing from a committee boat on windward / leeward courses

Thursdays – 2 fleet courses
• Blue fleet keelboats (the larger ones) racing from a committee boat on fixed mark courses
• Red fleet keelboats racing from a committee boat with a combination of fixed mark and windward/leeward courses

Preparations for the Season

The DBSC Hut was repaired and painted during the winter. Chris Moore coordinated the hut maintenance programme and its transfer to its position on the West Pier at 07.30 on April 9th assisted by Brendan Dalton and Denis Nolan. It will be used for both Tuesday and Saturday keelboat racing this season.

Cruisers Zero yachts at DBSC Battery Mark on Dublin Bay near DalkeyCruisers Zero yachts at DBSC Battery Mark on Dublin Bay near Dalkey

Our marks are all in place and ready for tomorrow’s race thanks to Philip Ferguson who organises their winter storage, maintenance and chain replacement, painting, and their setting in position over the Easter period. Our ribs have returned from Rush where they were maintained and stored during the winter months organised by Declan Traynor. Our committee boats are ready to go and our team of volunteers are all set for racing tomorrow.

Entries

We have over 270 boats entered so far. We expect a lower number of dinghies this season as our Laser entries in particular are well down on the past two seasons. However, we have a growing fleet of RS Aeros (10 entered so far), along with 9 Fireballs, 5 IDRA 14s, 3 Finns, and 17 Lasers.

The DBSC Laser fleet Photo: AfloatThe DBSC Laser fleet Photo: Afloat

Some of our keelboat classes have increased entries on last year with some impressive new boats among them. We have 10 Cruisers 0 entered and 14 Cruisers 1.

DBSC's largest keelboat class is the Flying FifteenDBSC's largest keelboat class is the Flying Fifteen Photo: Afloat

We have good entries from other cruiser classes, and the Flying Fifteens are our largest keelboat class with 28 boats entered.

The Water Wags are our largest fleet overall with 37 entries at present.

The DBSC RS Aero class has ten entries Photo: Afloat

Results

The DBSC results will move from its current system, YR3, to HalSail and we are delighted to announce that Therese Tyrrell is taking on the role of Results Secretary.

Dublin Bay 21s

Geraldine wll join Naneen, Estelle and Garavogue in June and the 4 DB21s will race from the hut on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Dublin Bay 21 - GaravogueDublin Bay 21 - Garavogue Photo: Afloat

Congratulations to DBSC member Hal Sisk on receiving the International Classic Boater of the Year award at the Royal Thames Yacht club in London last week for his decades of service to classic craft and sailing history, and along with his colleagues DBSC member Fionan deBarra and Steve Morris of Kilrush Boatyard they were awarded for their exceptional work in their shared project, the restoration of the Dublin Bay 21 Class.

Dublin Bay 21 - Naneen Photo: AfloatDublin Bay 21 - Naneen Photo: Afloat

DBSC start / finish dates

First Saturday Race: Saturday, April 23rd
Last Tuesday Race: Tuesday, August 30th
Last Thursday Race: Thursday, August 25th
Last Wednesday Race: Wednesday, September 21st
Last Saturday Race: Saturday, October 1st

We wish all our members a safe and enjoyable sailing season and look forward to a great summer on the water.

Published in DBSC

The Dublin Bay Sailing Club (DBSC) Squib fleet had their annual prizegiving at the National Yacht Club on 25 February 2022.

The two-man keelboat fleet say they expect to increase the number of boats competing in Dublin Bay for 2022 by one or two above the number for 2021.

Prizewinners were as follows:

The Royal St. George Offshore Trophy was originally presented by Billy Mooney in 1963 to the winner of the Royal Ocean Racing Club Irish Sea race. Some time later the RORC declared that Wales was too close to Ireland and that the Irish Sea no longer qualified as an Ocean and that Offshore Ocean races could no longer take part there. The trophy is engraved with famous yacht names as Korsar, Tritch-Tratsch, Finndabar of Howth, Swuzzlebubble and Moonduster.

The trophy was represented to the Squibs in 2006 and is now awarded to the Squib which competes in the most regional events and was won by Dave Stewart and Brian Hare of the Royal Irish Yacht Club in Granat which competed in Howth at the East Coast Championship and at Dromineer in the Inland Championship.

Tonia McAllister from PintailTonia McAllister from Pintail

The Lucky Wooden Block is awarded to anybody who has an unlucky incident during the year like falling overboard 50 yards from the finish line. It was awarded to Tonia McAllister who didn't fall overboard!

The Cocktail Shaker was presented by Alf Delany in 2006. He originally won this trophy in 1930 with a powerboat called Hold Everythin’ which was about 3m. long and had a 100 horse-power Johnson engine screwed onto the back. That event was organised by the North Dublin Motor Boat Club (which no longer exists) and racing took place between the Bull Island and the mainland at Dollymount. Today the trophy is awarded to the most successful Squib in the twenty-six Saturday races of the Dublin Bay Sailing Club- Green Fleet and was awarded to Noel Colclough and Rupert Westrup in Periquin.

Avril Mullett and Vincent Delany from AllsortsAvril Mullett and Vincent Delany from Allsorts

The Eamon Leahy Memorial trophy was awarded to the most successful Squib in the seven Thursday evening races organised by Dublin Bay Sailing Club in Scotsman's Bay and was awarded to Allsorts which is owned by Avril Mullet and her dad Tony Mullet and steered by Vincent Delany.

Published in Squib

Dublin Bay Sailing Club (DBSC) has launched its 138th summer season with the publication today of the the Notice of Race for the 2022 Summer Season.

Ireland's largest yacht racing club organises racing all year round on Dublin Bay. It completed its six week Turkey Shoot in the run up to Christmas and has its annual Spring Chicken Series scheduled to start this Sunday.

The main Summer racing. with sponsorship from AIB, gets under way on Saturday, 23th April and runs right through to October 1st.  

The club provides weekly racing for upwards of 360 yachts, ranging from ocean-going forty footers to small dinghies for juniors.

The  2022 weekly race programme will comprise: 

  • Tuesdays: Keelboats – From West Pier Hut Tuesdays:
  • Dinghies - In the Harbour or the Bay depending on conditions
  • Wednesdays: Water Wags – Harbour sailing
  • Thursdays: Keelboats – Committee Boat starts Saturdays:
  • Keelboats – Committee Boat starts and West Pier Hut starts Saturdays:
  • Dinghies – In the Harbour or the Bay depending on conditions.

For full schedule of racing please see AIB DBSC Racing Programme 2022 on www.dbsc.ie

DBSC Membership Renewal and Boat Entry Forms for 2022 are here

Download the NOR below

Published in DBSC

DBSC Commodore Ann Kirwan addressed members of the country's biggest sailing club at its 2021 online AGM last Friday. It was an opportunity to review the many champagne sailing days of the summer and some great turnouts for the 698 club races held on Dublin Bay

2021 started with great news in early January when it was announced via Afloat that DBSC had been named as the Mitsubishi Sailing Club of the Year. Jonathan Nicholson, Commodore in 2020, and I were presented with the coveted ship’s wheel in August. We are very proud of this achievement and we now include the ‘Sailing Club of the Year’ logo on all our email communications.

Jonathan Nicholson, Commodore in 2020, and Ann Kirwan with the Mitsubishi Motors Club of the Year Ship's Wheel trophyIn January, Jonathan Nicholson (DBSC Commodore in 2020) and Commodore Ann Kirwan were presented with the Mitsubishi Motors Club of the Year Ship's Wheel trophy

I want to pay tribute to two of our long-standing volunteers who sadly passed away in 2021. Our dear friend Carmel Winkelmann, who gave generously, tirelessly and enthusiastically of her time to her beloved sport of sailing for well over 50 years, sadly passed away on June 12th. Carmel was a DBSC volunteer for much of that time, well known for being a regular in the hut, and was still keeping us on the straight and narrow right up until May this year with her wisdom, experience and incredibly sharp mind.

We also lost another valued volunteer, Larry Martin, who sadly passed away on March 22nd this year. Larry was a regular volunteer in the hut over the years, and more recently was a ‘Flagger’ on the Green Fleet team right up until the summer of 2020.

Highlights of the AIB DBSC 2021 Summer Sailing Season

The season started with a 3-week race training series from mid-May and our full racing programme commenced on June 8th some 6 weeks earlier than last season. We enjoyed many champagne sailing days with moderate winds and lots of warm sunshine. We lost just 1 Saturday due to heavy winds, and 2 Thursdays and 1 Wednesday due to light winds. We held 698 races over the season - 483 keelboat races on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 198 dinghy races on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and 17 Water Wag races on Wednesdays.

The DBSC Race Hut was back on station on the West Pier in 2021After being stored on the Coal Quay (above) in 2020, the DBSC Race Hut was back on station on the West Pier in July (below)

The Royal St. George Georgette sportsboat team

The iconic DBSC hut returned to its rightful position on the west pier on July 10th and we ran the last 8 Tuesday keelboat races from it. Pier walkers and DBSC members were delighted to see its return after a year’s absence.

It was a great pleasure to welcome 3 of the magnificently restored Dublin Bay 21 Footers, Naneen, Estelle, and Garavogue back to Dun Laoghaire in July. The 21s raced on Tuesdays towards the end of the season, and we expect to see more of them joining the fleet for a full 2022 season.

Dublin Bay 21 Footer Naneen at Dun Laoghaire's East PierDublin Bay 21 Footer Naneen at Dun Laoghaire's East Pier in July

Entries were roughly the same as 2020 but were still well down on 2019. However, turnout was strong with many of you commenting on how great it was to be back on the water after a long and difficult winter. On average 120 boats raced on Thursdays and Saturdays and we had 31 Wags competing for the Captain’s prize on September 1st.

A team of 50 volunteers are required to run DBSC racing each seasonAIB Private Banking are on board as DBSC title sponsors

The summer sailing season came to a close on Saturday, September 25th. The Turkey Shoot commenced its 7-race series on November 7th and all competing have enjoyed great racing so far. A reminder that the Spring Chicken series starts on Sunday, February 5th.

DBSC Volunteers

We are extremely fortunate to have such experienced and skilled personnel running DBSC racing. A team of 50+ volunteers including race officers, committee boat drivers and race management teams, as well a further 50 patrol crews, all worked together to ensure you received the great standard of racing that you expect. Our extensive racing programme would not have been possible without their efforts, and many of them turned out multiple times each week.

This AIB DBSC summer sailing season was run with 18 race officers, eight committee boat drivers, 30 race management personnel (timers, sounds signallers, flaggers, and recorders), as well as rib drivers and mark layers, and many others who worked behind the scenes to deliver our racing programme. Our committee boats MacLir and Freebird were very well looked after by Ian Meldon, Brendan Dalton and Chris Moore.

It was an easy decision to honour our esteemed volunteers with the DBSC Premier award, the Viking Trophy for a notable contribution to sailing, for a second successive season. Well done and thank you to the DBSC volunteers.

Annual Prize-Giving

We presented our AIB DBSC 2020 Summer Sailing Season prizes to the winners in the waterfront clubs in June/July, as we had been unable to hold our prize giving in November 2020.

The 2020 DBSC Summer Sailing Season prizes were presented to winners in the waterfront clubs outdoorsThe 2020 DBSC Summer Sailing Season prizes were presented to winners  outdoors (including Ken Dumpleton of the Flying Fifteen class above)  in the waterfront clubs 

We held 2021 prize giving in the wonderful setting of the National Maritime Museum on Friday, November 12th.

The array of DBSC silverware at prizegiving 2021 Photo: Michael ChesterThe array of DBSC silverware at prizegiving 2021 Photo: Michael Chester

It was great to see so many of you there and we got some really positive feedback on the location. Photos of the prize-winners can be found on our website.

With Gratitude

We are extremely fortunate to have AIB Private Banking on board as our title sponsors. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to AIB, and to our supporters Gunpowder Gin, Killen Marine, Viking Marine, MGM Boats and Facet Jewellers.

Thanks also to the Commodores and the management and staff of the Dun Laoghaire waterfront clubs, to Irish Sailing, to the Harbour Masters of Dun Laoghaire Harbour Captains Simon Coate and Tim Ryan, and to Dublin Port Harbour Master Captain Michael McKenna for their support throughout the season.

Thanks also to Afloat for great coverage of DBSC racing and events throughout the season.

Thanks to my fellow committee members:

Ed Totterdell – Vice Commodore & PRO, Jacqueline McStay – Rear Commodore, Chris Moore - Hon. Secretary, Peter Fleming – Hon. Treasurer, Philip Ferguson - Marks, Gerry Jones & Suzi Roy - Sponsorship, Louise McKenna - Dinghies, Ian Bowring - Results, Declan Traynor - Bosun & Covid Officer, Sabrina Mahony – Children’s Officer, Debbie Horan – Admin, Brian Matthews - Technical Director

A special thanks to three of our committee members who are stepping down tonight having served DBSC so well for a number of years: Peter Fleming, Debbie Horan, and Brian Mathews. And to Colin McMullan who is retiring from his role as Results Secretary after a number of years making sure our results were available promptly after each race.

Welcome aboard to our new committee members - incoming Treasurer Jonathan Skerritt, and Kevin Byrne who will serve on our sailing sub-committee.

And finally, a very special and heartfelt thanks to my fellow Flag Officers Ed (Vice Commodore) and Jacqueline (Rear Commodore). Ed as PRO has done a huge amount of work on the racing front both throughout last winter and during the summer racing season, as well as being a rock of sense and great support to me. And to Jacqueline who upgraded our website - I hope you will agree that Jacqueline’s efforts have brought big improvements which have enabled us to communicate with you our members more effectively.

DBSC Commodore Ann Kirwan addresses the annual prizegiving at the National Maritime MuseumDBSC Commodore Ann Kirwan addresses the annual prizegiving at the National Maritime Museum

Final Comments

Finally, I wish you and your families a very healthy and happy Christmas and the very best for 2022. We look forward to seeing you on the water for the AIB DBSC 2022 Summer Sailing Season.

Thank you,
Ann Kirwan, Commodore

Published in DBSC

The Dublin Bay Sailing Club (DBSC) prizegiving highlights the Dun Laoghaire Harbour sailing season with an array of magnificent and ancient yachting silverware.

This year's event was especially so because it marked the close of DBSC's 137th season and the resumption of competitive sailing in its AIB sponsored season while living with COVID-19.

Prizes were awarded in all of DBSC's 22 classes by Commodore Ann Kirwan, but in a break from tradition, at a new venue, in Dun Laoghaire's National Maritime Museum last Friday night.

As well as six premier awards for best performances, Commodore Kirwan congratulated over 100 different winners.

The array of magnificent and ancient yachting silverware laid out for the DBSC prizegivingPrizes galore - The array of magnificent and ancient yachting silverware laid out for the DBSC prizegiving

The club – one of the largest yacht racing clubs of its type in Europe – was previously acclaimed by Afloat's WM Nixon, who posed the question: Is Dublin Bay Sailing Club (DBSC) The Most Effective Sailing Organisation in the World? It's an even more valid question today, given the club and its weekly racing schedule brought so much stability to the sailing scene at a time of great flux in 2021.

Scroll down for awards photography of the evening by photographer Michael Chester. Click here for an overview of the DBSC Thursday awards winners, and here for the DBSC Saturday winners,

DBSC Commodore Ann Kirwan and Hon Sec Chris Moore at the National Maritime Museum for the 137th prizegivingDBSC Commodore Ann Kirwan and Hon Sec Chris Moore at the National Maritime Museum for the 137th prizegiving

DBSC Premier Award Winners

Richella Carroll was recognised as a special DBSC volunteer and race officer for many years in DBSCRichella Carroll (right) was recognised as a special DBSC volunteer and race officer for many years in DBSC.

SB20 sailor Davy Taylor won the Dun Laoghaire Trophy Premier Award for the best new DBSC yacht in 2021SB20 sailor Davy Taylor won the Dun Laoghaire Trophy Premier Award for the best new DBSC yacht in 2021

J/97 sailors Shane Kelly and Lindsay Casey were awarded the Waterhouse Shield, a DBSC Premier Award for the best yacht in a handicapped seriesJ/97 sailors Shane Kelly and Lindsay Casey were awarded the Waterhouse Shield, a DBSC Premier Award for the best yacht in a handicapped series

Therese Tyrrell (centre) and Caroline Liddy accepting the Viking Premier Award, for an outsanding contribution to sailing on behalf of over 50 DBSC volunteersTherese Tyrrell and Caroline Liddy accepting the Viking Premier Award for an outstanding contribution to sailing on behalf of over 50 DBSC volunteers

Premier Award For the most successful yacht in  One Design racing, George Arthur Newsom Cup: Mariposa, Water Wag, Cathy McAleavey & FamilyThe DBSC Premier Award For the most successful yacht in One Design racing, George Arthur Newsom Cup went to Mariposa, Water Wag, Cathy McAleavey & Family

Dr. Alf Delaney Cup for the best Dinghy for the season: Laser Radial, Dave CahillDr. Alf Delaney Cup for the best Dinghy for the season: Laser Radial, Dave Cahill

DBSC Junior Awards

PY Junior Trophy: Jamie Hammond/Jake PerryPY Junior Trophy: Jamie Hammond/Jake Perry

Topper Series Lawson Cup: James HallTopper Series Lawson Cup: James Hall

Optimist Series Seapoint Cup: Abigail MurphyOptimist Series Seapoint Cup: Abigail Murphy

RS Feva Series Mitchel Cup: Ronan Blake-HickeyRS Feva Series Mitchel Cup: Ronan Blake-Hickey

DBSC junior winners: PY Junior Trophy: Jamie Hammond/Jake Perry; Topper Series Lawson Cup:James Hall; Optimist Series Seapoint Cup: Abigail Murphy;RS Feva Series Mitchel Cup: Ronan Blake-Hickey/Hugh Meagher and Laser 4.7 Series: Jimmy Mooney GobletDBSC junior winners: PY Junior Trophy: Jamie Hammond/Jake Perry; Topper Series Lawson Cup: James Hall; Optimist Series Seapoint Cup: Abigail Murphy; RS Feva Series Mitchel Cup: Ronan Blake-Hickey/Hugh Meagher and Laser 4.7 Series: Jimmy Mooney Goblet

Cruiser Awards

Cruiser 0 Thursdays IRC Racing Martin Cup: Rockabill VI, P. O'Higgins Cruiser 0 Thursdays IRC Racing Martin Cup: Rockabill VI, P. O'Higgins

Cruiser 0	Saturdays IRC Racing: Knox-Gore Trophy, Prima Forte, F Rigley/S.LemassCruiser 0 Saturdays IRC Racing: Knox-Gore Trophy, Prima Forte, F Rigley/S.Lemass

Cruiser 0	Thursdays Echo Racing:	Knox-Gore Bowl,Tsunami, Vincent Farrell and Peter RyanCruiser 0 Thursdays Echo Racing: Knox-Gore Bowl, Tsunami, Vincent Farrell (left) and Peter Ryan

Cruiser 1	Thursdays Echo Racing:	Tiamat Trophy	, Something Else, John & Brian HallCruiser 1 Thursdays Echo Racing: Tiamat Trophy, Something Else, John & Brian Hall

Brendan Ebrill Memorial Cup Cruisers 1 (ECHO): Jalapeno, Paul BarringtonBrendan Ebrill Memorial Cup Cruisers 1 (ECHO): Jalapeno, Paul Barrington

Cruiser 1 Saturdays IRC Racing Weir Cup: Bon Exemple, Colin ByrneCruiser 1 Saturdays IRC Racing Weir Cup: Bon Exemple, Colin Byrne

Cruiser 2	Thursdays Echo Racing	Centenary Cup and Most Improved Boat Cr 2 Silver Foam Trophy: Ruthless, Conor RonanCruiser 2 Thursdays Echo Racing Centenary Cup and Most Improved Boat Cr 2 Silver Foam Trophy: Ruthless, Conor Ronan (centre)

Cruiser 2 Saturdays Echo Racing TP Early Memorial Cup: Leeuwin, Henry LeonardCruiser 2 Saturdays Echo Racing TP Early Memorial Cup: Leeuwin, Henry Leonard

Cruiser 3	Tuesdays ECHO Racing Whimbrel Rose Bowl; Thursdays IRC Racing	Smalldridge Cup and Saturdays IRC Racing Jack Kennedy Memorial Cup: Starlet Kevin ByrneCruiser 3 Tuesdays ECHO Racing Whimbrel Rose Bowl; Thursdays IRC Racing Smalldridge Cup and Saturdays IRC Racing Jack Kennedy Memorial Cup: Starlet Kevin Byrne

Cruiser 3	Saturdays ECHO Racing	Mercia Cup: Maranda, Myles KellyCruiser 3 Saturdays ECHO Racing Mercia Cup: Maranda, Myles Kelly

Thursdays & Saturdays IRC Racing The Trevor Wood Trophy and Thursdays & Saturdays ECHO Racing: Boomerang, The Kirwan Family White Sails Thursdays & Saturdays IRC Racing, The Trevor Wood Trophy and Thursdays & Saturdays, ECHO Racing: Boomerang, The Kirwan Family

 Cruiser 5	Thursdays ECHO Overall Div A, Gerry Henry Salver; Saturdays A and B  ECHO  overall, Ana Livia Trophy: Just Jasmine Philip SmithCruiser 5 Thursdays ECHO Overall Div A, Gerry Henry Salver; Saturdays A and B ECHO overall, Ana Livia Trophy: Just Jasmine Philip Smith.

Cruiser 5	Thursdays IRC Overall Div A	Burford Trophy and Saturdays A and B IRC overall White Sail Class Trophy: Playtime J. Phillips & N. KidneyCruiser 5 Thursdays IRC Overall Div A Burford Trophy and Saturdays A and B IRC overall White Sail Class Trophy: Playtime J. Phillips & N. Kidney

One Design keelboats & Dinghies

31.7	Thursday Racing Feanor Trophy: After You Too, Michael Blaney31.7 Thursday Racing Feanor Trophy: After You Too, Michael Blaney

31.7 Thursday Racing Echo Horrigan Cup and 31.7 Saturday Racing Echo Long John Silver Cup: Bluefin Two M & B Bryson31.7 Thursday Racing Echo Horrigan Cup and 31.7 Saturday Racing Echo Long John Silver Cup: Bluefin Two M & B Bryson

31.7 Racing: Prospect, Chris Johnston31.7 Racing: Prospect, Chris Johnston

B211 Tuesday ECHO Overall Optec Trophy and Thursdays SCRATCH overall Facet Jewellers Cup: Billy Whiz, J Fischer & S BagotB211 Tuesday ECHO Overall Optec Trophy and Thursdays SCRATCH overall Facet Jewellers Cup: Billy Whiz, J Fischer & S Bagot

B211 Saturdays SCRATCH overall Beneteau 21 Cup and B211 Thurs/Sat Combined ECHO Waterhouse Rose Bowl: Small Wonder, Jacqueline McStay & Hugh KellyB211 Saturdays SCRATCH overall Beneteau 21 Cup and B211 Thurs/Sat Combined ECHO Waterhouse Rose Bowl: Small Wonder, Jacqueline McStay & Hugh Kelly

B211 Thursdays ECHO overall Beneteau 21 Tray: Isolde Jimmy Martin & Brian MulkeenB211 Thursdays ECHO overall Beneteau 21 Tray: Isolde Jimmy Martin & Brian Mulkeen

The Dragon RIYC Cup ZinZan, Adrian Masterson  The Dragon RIYC Cup ZinZan, Adrian Masterson

Glens Thursdays Racing Pterodactyl Cup; Saturday Racing Harry Maguire Memorial Cup; Thurs and Sats combined Combined The McMullen Cup; Dalkey Island Race (Bobolink) The Hamilton Reid Cup : Glenluce M.A.C.MillerickGlens Thursdays Racing Pterodactyl Cup; Saturday Racing Harry Maguire Memorial Cup; Thurs and Sats combined Combined The McMullen Cup; Dalkey Island Race (Bobolink) The Hamilton Reid Cup: Glenluce M.A.C.Millerick

Glens Tuesday Racing Cut Glass Tumbler and Crews Race Glen Challenge Trophy Robert O' Connor  (David Houlton)  Glens Ladies Race  "Once Again" ! pair of Silver Vases Glendun, Alison O'BrienGlens Tuesday Racing Cut Glass Tumbler and Crews Race Glen Challenge Trophy Robert O' Connor (David Houlton) Glens Ladies Race "Once Again" ! pair of Silver Vases Glendun, Alison O'Brien

Ruffians Tuesday Racing, John Donnelly Perpetual Cup: Carmen, Enda BrennanRuffians, Tuesday Racing, John Donnelly Perpetual Cup: Carmen, Enda Brennan

Ruffians, Thursday Racing Huet Trophy: Shannagh Stephen Gill & Padraig DiarmadaRuffians, Thursday Racing Huet Trophy: Shannagh Stephen Gill & Padraig Diarmada

Ruffians	Saturday Racing British Airways Trophy and	Thursdays and Saturdays combined, J.Lamont Trophy: Ruffles, Michael CutliffeRuffians Saturday Racing British Airways Trophy and Thursdays and Saturdays combined, J.Lamont Trophy: Ruffles, Michael Cutliffe

Shipmans Tuesday Racing Cut Glass Tumbler: Poppy, Alain DeladienneeShipmans Tuesday Racing, Cut Glass Tumbler: Poppy, Alain Deladiennee

Shipmans Saturday Racing The Melindi Cup and Shipmans Thursdays and Saturdays combined The Shipman Perpetual Trophy: Invader Gerry GlynnShipmans Saturday Racing The Melindi Cup and Shipmans Thursdays and Saturdays combined The Shipman Perpetual Trophy: Invader Gerry Glynn

SB20 Saturdays series A Bealtaine Trophy: Venues world,Ger DempseySB20 Saturdays series A Bealtaine Trophy: Venues world, Ger Dempsey

SB20 Saturday Racing overall, Saturday SB20 Cup: So Blue, Justin Burke Chris Helme & Alan Claffey SB20 Saturday Racing overall, Saturday SB20 Cup: So Blue, Justin Burke Chris Helme & Alan Claffey

 Mixed Sportsboats	Thursdays Overall, Sportsboat Trophy:	Jester, J/70 D.CurtinMixed Sportsboats Thursdays Overall, Sportsboat Trophy: Jester, J/70 D.Curtin

Mixed Sportsboats	Saturdays Overall (23 Races) Saturday Sportsboat Cup: Jambiya, Martin Ryan & Vincent LattimoreMixed Sportsboats Saturdays Overall (23 Races) Saturday Sportsboat Cup: Jambiya, Martin Ryan & Vincent Lattimore

 Water Wags Wednesday (17 Races): Goldsmith Cup, Mariposa Cathy McAleavey & Con MurphyWater Wags Wednesday (17 Races): Goldsmith Cup, Mariposa Cathy McAleavey & Con Murphy

Flying Fifteens (Tuesday Racing) Fifty Something Cup: Perfect 10, Alan Balfe and Patrick Frison RocheFlying Fifteens (Tuesday Racing) Fifty Something Cup: Perfect 10, Alan Balfe and Patrick Frison Roche

Flying Fifteens Thursday Racing for the Flying Fifteen Gun: Rodriguez, Ken DumpletonFlying Fifteens Thursday Racing for the Flying Fifteen Gun: Rodriguez, Ken Dumpleton

Flying Fifteens Saturday Racing Brian S Ryan Trophy:	Ignis Caput, David Mulvin and Ronan Beirne (pictured)Flying Fifteens Saturday Racing Brian S Ryan Trophy: Ignis Caput, David Mulvin and Ronan Beirne (pictured)

Flying Fifteens Mid week Handicap racing Blake Cup:	Peter Murphy & Ciara MulveyFlying Fifteens Midweek Handicap racing Blake Cup: Peter Murphy & Ciara Mulvey

Mermaid Racing for The JB Kearney Shield: Ailbhe Smith  Mermaid Racing for The JB Kearney Shield: Ailbhe Smith

Mermaid Saturday Racing Iolar Trophy and Mermaid Thursday Racing (Special Conditions) Amy Cup: Jill and Paul Smith & Pat ManganMermaid Saturday Racing Iolar Trophy and Mermaid Thursday Racing (Special Conditions) Amy Cup: Paul Smith & Pat Mangan

Dublin Bay 21s Tuesdays Daisey Picker Cup: Estelle, Number 3, DB21 Class Association, Hal Sisk and Fionan de Barra picturedDublin Bay 21s Tuesdays Daisey Picker Cup: Estelle, Number 3, DB21 Class Association, Hal Sisk and Fionan de Barra pictured

Squibs Saturdays Shannon Cup:  Periquin, Noel ColcloughSquibs Saturdays Shannon Cup: Periquin, Noel Colclough

DBSC Dinghy Awards

Fireballs Tuesdays Nuit St. George Trophy: Louise McKennaFireballs Tuesdays Nuit St. George Trophy: Louise McKenna

IDRAs 14s Tuesdays Overall Bay Cup: Slipway Julie Ascoop received by Pam McKay
IDRAs 14s Tuesdays Overall Bay Cup: Slipway Julie Ascoop received by Pam McKay

IDRA 14s Special Conditions The Halfway Trophy: Dun Moanin' Jenny IDRA 14s Special Conditions The Halfway Trophy: Dun Moanin' Jennifer Byrne

IDRA 14s Special Conditions Crews challenge Cup: Dart Yves & Paul LongIDRA 14s Special Conditions Crews challenge Cup: Dart, Yves & Paul Long

Laser Standard Saturday racing Cut Glass Tumbler: Gavan MurphyLaser Standard Saturday racing Cut Glass Tumbler: Gavan Murphy

Laser Radial Tuesday Racing	Sailcraft Tray Trophy and Laser Radial Tuesdays and Saturdays combined DBSC Challenge Trophy: David CahillLaser Radial Tuesday Racing Sailcraft Tray Trophy and Laser Radial Tuesdays and Saturdays combined DBSC Challenge Trophy: David Cahill

PY Class Saturday Racing (27 races) Early Bird Trophy Brendan FoleyPY Class Saturday Racing (27 races) Early Bird Trophy Brendan Foley

Water Wags Wednesday 3rd Place G.Pugin Meldon Trophy: Shindella, Alistair & Zoe KissaneWater Wags Wednesday 3rd Place G.Pugin Meldon Trophy: Shindella, Alistair & Zoe Kissane

Photography by Michael Chester 

Published in DBSC

The normal four-start race sequence will be expanded to five for this Sunday's first race of the impressive 70-boat fleet in the AIB-sponsored DBSC Turkey Shoot Series on Dublin Bay.

The 2021 entry of several 40-foot and above entries (including the past double winner, Seamus Fitzpatrick’s First 50 Mermaid V from the Royal Irish Yacht Club) has led Race Organiser Fintan Cairns to consider a fifth gun, for a combined fleet comprising an eclectic mix of sailing cruiser types.

While largely a Dun Laoghaire Habour based event, there are boats coming from as far as Sligo to compete.

Seamus Fitzpatrick’s First 50 Mermaid VSeamus Fitzpatrick’s First 50 Mermaid V passes the Muglins Light on Dublin Bay, a typical mark of the Turkey Shoot Series

The fleet reached its bumper turnout close as the entry deadline was reached this week for the pre-Christmas fixture celebrating its 21st edition

Jonathan Nicholson's EL PockoJonathan Nicholson's EL Pocko

Joining Mermaid V is former DBSC Commodore Jonathan Nicholson's EL Pocko, a German Frers Puma 42 from the Royal St. George Yacht Club.

Another forty-footer is a former DBSC boat of the year, Patrick Burke's Prima Forte of the RIYC.

Patrick Burke's Prima FortePatrick Burke's Prima Forte

While the growth of the big boats might make the Turkey Shoot headlines, equally impressive is the solid number of one design keelboats types joining the short sharp seven-race series.

As well as J109s there are six J80s, eight 1720s and six 31.7s one-design keelboats competing. The J80s include a keen turn out of RSTGYC boats including the all-girl 'Jeorgettes' crew.

John Maybury's National Championship winning J109 Joker II is one of five entered.

Michael Blaney's After U too, is one of six 31.7s enteredMichael Blaney's After U too, is one of six 31.7s entered

There is strong representation too from the offshore fraternity with ISORA's Sunfast 3600s, Hot Cookie (John O'Gorman) and Yoyo (Brendan Coghlan) both in along with the latest 3600 Searcher skippered by Pete Smyth. So is Grzegorz Kalinecki's First 310 More Mischief.

The series is scored under modified ECHO handicap and runs until December 19th with First Gun each Sunday at 10.10 hrs.

The early forecasts for Sunday show west north winds of 15 knots gusting to 20, ideal conditions for cruiser-racing.

The entry fee is €70 and includes temporary membership of DBSC and the Royal Irish Yacht Club who are hosting the Series.

The First Gun of the 2021 DBSC Turkey Shoot is this Sunday at 10.10 hrsThe First Gun of the 2021 DBSC Turkey Shoot is this Sunday at 10.10 hrs

Published in Turkey Shoot

Dublin Bay Sailing Club looks on course for its regular bumper turnout of 70 boats – or more – for its seven-race AIB sponsored Turkey Shoot Series starting in just under three weeks. 

The Bay Winter Series has consistently made an effort to include boats that do not usually race. Series organiser Fintan Cairns is reporting a 'good response' from cruising boats and one design among the largely cruiser-racer-based fleet this week.

There has been a healthy response across the Dun Laoghaire Harbour waterfront - and further afield too - with boats from the West Coast competing, including Sean Hawkshaw's Wardance of Sligo Yacht Club.

The fun Series that features short sharp racing has 35 confirmed entries so far, with 18 days to run before the first race on November 7th. 

The two regular Sunfast 3600s are entered, club 1720 sportsboats and ISORA competitor, A Plus, an Archambault 31.

The Archambault 31, A Plus from the National Yacht ClubThe Archambault 31, A Plus from the National Yacht Club

A First 44.7, a J/112e are also entered at this stage plus there is the prospect of some new arrivals to the bay also joining the Series.

The Series of seven races will be held on Sunday mornings under modified ECHO handicap.

The popular Series runs until December 19th with First Gun each Sunday at 10.10 hrs.

The entry fee is €70 and includes temporary membership of DBSC and the Royal Irish Yacht Club who are hosting the Series.

A Notice of Race is downloadable here.

A number of club 1720s are enteredA number of club 1720s are entered

Published in Turkey Shoot

One hundred twenty-one boats turned out for the final races of the AIB Dublin Bay Sailing Club (DBSC) Summer Series in a moderate ESE to SE breeze on the bay.

Patrick Burke's First 40 Prima Forte won the Cruisers Zero IRC class from the Royal Irish Yacht Club, while clubmate Colin Byrne was the Cruisers IRC One winner in the XP34 Bon Exemple. 

In Cruiser 2 IRC: Peridot, won from Dick Lovegroves' Sigma 33 Rupert. 

In the One Design classes, DBSC Commodore Ann Kirwan won the first race of the day in the Ruffian 23 class at the helm of Bandit, while Michael Cutliffe sailed Ruffles from the DMYC was the winner of the second.

In the dinghies, Ross O'Leary of the Royal St. George Yacht Club was the winner of both Laser Standard races, with Shirley Gilmore and Sean Craig shared victories in the two races of the Radial class. 

The results in all classes for the final races are in summary below.

DBSC Results for 25/09/2021

Race 1

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

Cruiser 0 Echo: 1. Prima Forte, 2. Wow, 3. Tsunami

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

Cruiser 1 Echo: 1. Gringo, 2. Something Else, 3. Raptor

Cruiser 1 J109: 1. Something Else, 2. Chimaera, 3. Jalapeno

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

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

Cruiser 2 IRC: 1. Peridot, 2. Rupert, 3. Springer

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

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

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

Cruiser 3 Echo: 1. Ceol na Mara, 2. Maranda, 3. Pamafe

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

Cruiser 4 Echo: 1. Boomerang, 2. RunAway

Cruiser 5 NS-IRC: 1. Playtime, 2. Persistence

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

SB20: 1. So Blue, 2. Carpe Diem, 3. venuesworld.com

Flying 15: 1. FFuZZy, 2. Ffantastic Mr ffox, 3. Snow White

Sportsboat VPRS: 1. Ram Jam, 2. Jambiya, 3. Jester

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

Dragon: 1. Phantom, 2. D-cision, 3. ZinZan

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

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

B211 Echo: 1. Ventuno, 2. Betty B, 3. Billy Whizz

Glen: 1. Pterodactyl, 2. Glenluce, 3. Glenshesk

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

PY Class: 1. Brendan Foley, 2. Sarah Dwyer, 3. Stephen Oram

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

Laser Standard: 1. Ross O'Leary, 2. Conor Roche, 3. Robbie Walker

Laser Radial: 1. Shirley Gilmore, 2. Oisin Hughes, 3. Sean Craig

Race 2

SB20: 1. venuesworld.com, 2. Carpe Diem, 3. Seabiscuit

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

Sportsboat VPRS: 1. Jester, 2. Jambiya, 3. Ram Jam

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

Dragon: 1. Zinn, 2. Phantom

Ruffian: 1. Ruffles, 2. Bandit, 3. Ruff Diamond

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

B211 Echo: 1. Betty B, 2. Chinook, 3. Beeswing

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

PY Class: 1. Brendan Foley, 2. Stephen Oram, 3. Sarah Dwyer

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

Laser Standard: 1. Ross O'Leary, 2. Conor Roche

Laser Radial: 1. Sean Craig, 2. David Cahill, 3. Shirley Gilmore

Published in DBSC

In the first race of the Cruiser Three Championships that include Dublin By Sailing Club's Saturday Series - and Sunday's Kish Race from the DMYC - the all-black Quarter Tonner Cartoon, skippered by Sybil McCormack and Ken Lawless won both DBSC's IRC and ECHO divisions today in light southerly breezes on Dublin Bay.

Second on IRC was the Formula 28 Starlet with the Trapper Eleint in third place. 

Eleint took second on ECHO with Papytoo third.

A summary of all DBSC class results is below 

DBSC Results for 18/09/2021

Race 1

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

Cruiser 0 Echo: 1. Wow, 2. Prima Forte, 3. El Pocko

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

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

31.7 One Design: 1. Prospect, 2. Levante, 3. Bluefin Two

31.7 Echo: 1. Bluefin Two, 2. Levante, 3=. Attitude, 3=. Kalamar

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

Cruiser 2 Echo: 1. Springer, 2. Windjammer, 3. Peridot

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

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

Cruiser 3 Echo: 1. Cartoon, 2. Eleint, 3. Papytoo

Cruiser 4 NS-IRC: 1. Boomerang

Cruiser 4 Echo: 1. Boomerang

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

Cruiser 5 Echo: 1. Playtime, 2. Katienua, 3. Shearwater

Shipman: 1. Viking, 2. Jo Slim 5, 3. Invader

Glen: 1. Glenluce, 2. Glenroan

PY Class: 1. Sarah Dwyer, 2. Noel Butler, 3. Stephen Oram

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

Laser Standard: 1. Gavan Murphy, 2. Conor Roche, 3. Richard Tate

Laser Radial: 1. Shirley Gilmore, 2. Mary Chambers, 3. Brendan Hughes

Light winds for DBSC dinghy racing inside Dun Laoghaire HarbourLight winds for DBSC dinghy racing inside Dun Laoghaire Harbour
Race 2

PY Class: 1. Brendan Foley, 2. Noel Butler, 3. Sarah Dwyer

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

Laser Standard: 1. Gavan Murphy, 2. Conor Roche, 3. Richard Tate

Laser Radial: 1. Shirley Gilmore, 2. Mary Chambers, 3. Brendan Hughes

Published in Quarter Ton

Patrick Burke's First 40 Prima Forte was the Cruisers Zero race winner in Saturday's DBSC Cruiser 0 IRC race on Dublin Bay.

The Royal Irish yacht beat Vincent Farrell's Frist 40.7 Tsunami from the National Yacht Club. George Sisk's XP44 Wow was third. 

In advance of next weekend's Cruiser III championships – and a possible indication of form – Cartoon won the DBSC Cruiser 3 IRC division ahead of Starlet in second and Maranda in third. 

Scroll down for a fleet summary of results below

DBSC Results for 11/09/2021

Race 1

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

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

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

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

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

31.7 One Design: 1. Bluefin Two, 2. Prospect, 3. Attitude

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

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

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

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

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

Cruiser 3 Echo: 1. Cartoon, 2. Starlet, 3. Maranda

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

Cruiser 4 Echo: 1. Boomerang, 2. RunAway

Cruiser 5 NS-IRC: 1. Playtime, 2. Persistance, 3. Gung Ho

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

SB20: 1. So Blue, 2. Carpe Diem, 3. Sneaky B

Flying 15: 1. Mike Wazowski, 2. Shane MacCarthy, 3. Match FFive

Sportsboat VPRS: 1. Jester, 2. Jambiya, 3. Ram Jam

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

Dragon: 1. Phantom, 2. D-cision

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

Shipman: 1. Viking, 2. Invader, 3. Jo Slim 5

B211 One Design: 1. Small Wonder, 2. Beeswing, 3. Ventuno

B211 Echo: 1. Beeswing, 2. Small Wonder, 3. Ventuno

Glen: 1. Glenluce, 2. Glenroan, 3. Glenshesk

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

PY Class: 1. Brendan Foley, 2. Richard Tate

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

Laser Standard: 1. Robbie Walker, 2. Gavan Murphy, 3. Chris Arrowsmith

Laser Radial: 1. Conor Clancy, 2. John Sisk, 3. Stephen Farrell

Race 2

SB20: 1. Bad/Kilcullen, 2. SeaBiscuit, 3. So Blue

Flying 15: 1. Mike Wazowski, 2. Shane MacCarthy, 3. Ignis Caput II

Sportsboat VPRS: 1. Joyride, 2. Ram Jam, 3. Jambiya

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

Dragon: 1. Phantom, 2. D-cision

Ruffian: 1. Carmen, 2. Bandit, 3. Alias

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

B211 Echo: 1. Ventuno, 2. Small Wonder, 3=. Billy Whizz, 3=. Betty B

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

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

Laser Standard: 1. Conor Roche, 2. Chris Arrowsmith, 3. Gavan Murphy

Laser Radial: 1. Oisin Hughes, 2. Conor Clancy, 3. David Cahill

Published in DBSC
Page 5 of 60

General Information on using Waterways Ireland inland navigations

Safety on the Water

All users of the navigations are strongly recommended to make themselves aware of safety on the water for whatever activity they are involved in and to read the advice offered by the various governing bodies and by:

The Dept. of Transport, Ireland: www.gov.ie/transport and The Maritime and Coastguard Agency, UK, The RNLI – Water Safety Ireland for information in terms of drowning prevention and water safety.

Registration of Vessels

All vessels using the Shannon Navigation, which includes the Shannon-Erne Waterways and the Erne System must be registered with Waterways Ireland. Only open undecked boats with an engine of 15 horsepower or less on the Shannon Navigation, and vessels of 10 horsepower or less on the Erne System, are exempt. Registration is free of charge.

Craft registration should be completed online at: https://www.waterwaysireland.org/online-services/craft-registration

Permits for use of the Grand and Royal Canals and the Barrow Navigation

All vessels using the Grand and Royal Canals and the Barrow Navigation must display appropriate valid Permit(s) i.e A Combined Mooring and Passage Permit (€126) and if not intending to move every five days, an Extended Mooring Permit (€152).

Permit applications should be completed online at: https://www.waterwaysireland.org/online-services/canal-permits

Passage on the Royal and Grand Canals – Dublin Area

For boat passage through the locks east of Lock 12 into / out of Dublin on either the Royal or Grand Canals, Masters are requested to contact the Waterways Ireland Eastern Regional Office (M-F 9.30am-4.30pm) on tel: +353(0)1 868 0148 or email [email protected] prior to making passage in order to plan the necessary lock-keeping assistance arrangements.

On the Grand Canal a minimum of two days notice prior to the planned passage should be given, masters should note that with the exception of pre-arranged events, a maximum of 2 boats per day will be taken through the locks, travelling either east or west.

Movements in or out of the city will be organised by prior arrangement to take place as a single movement in one day. Boaters will be facilitated to travel the system if their passage is considered to be safe by Waterways Ireland and they have the valid permit(s) for mooring and passage.

Newcomen Lifting Bridge

On the Royal Canal two weeks’ notice of bridge passage (Newcomen Lifting Bridge) is required for the pre-set lift date, and lock assistance will then also be arranged. A minimum of 2 boats is required for a bridge lift to go ahead.

Waterways Ireland Eastern Regional Office (Tel: +353(0)1 868 0148 or [email protected] ) is the point of contact for the bridge lift.

A maximum number of boats passing will be implemented to keep to the times given above for the planned lifts (16 for the Sat / Sun lifts & 8 for the weekday lifts). Priority will be given on a first come first served basis.

On day of lift, boaters and passengers must follow guidance from Waterways Ireland staff about sequence of passage under bridge & through Lock 1, and must remain within signed and designated areas.

Events Held on the Waterways

All organised events taking place on the waterways must have the prior approval of Waterways Ireland. This is a twelve week process and application forms must be accompanied with the appropriate insurance, signed indemnity and risk assessment. The application should be completed on the Waterways Ireland events page at :

https://www.waterwaysireland.org/online-services/event-approval

Time Limits on Mooring in Public Harbours

On the Shannon Navigation and the Shannon-Erne Waterway craft may berth in public harbours for five consecutive days or a total of seven days in any one month.

On the Erne System, revised Bye Laws state that: No master or owner shall permit a vessel, boat or any floating or sunken object to remain moored at or in the vicinity of any public mooring, including mooring at any other public mooring within 3 kilometres of that location, for more than 3 consecutive days and shall not moor at that same mooring or any other public mooring within 3 kilometres of that location within the following 3 consecutive days without prior permission by an authorised official.

Winter Mooring on the Shannon Navigation and Shannon Erne Waterway

Winter mooring may be availed of by owners during the period 1 Nov to 31 Mar by prior arrangement and payment of a charge of €63.50 per craft. Craft not availing of Winter Mooring must continue to comply with the “5 Day Rule”. Winter Mooring applications should be completed online at : https://www.waterwaysireland.org/online-services/winter-moorings-booking

Owners should be aware that electricity supply and water supply to public moorings is disconnected for the winter months. This is to protect against frost damage, to reduce running costs and to minimise maintenance requirements during the winter months.

Vessel owners are advised that advance purchasing of electricity on the power bollards leading up to the disconnection date should be minimal. Electricity credit existing on the bollards will not be recoverable after the winter decommissioning date. Both services will be reinstated prior to the commencement of the next boating season.

Smart Cards

Waterways Ireland smart cards are used to operate locks on the Shannon Erne Waterway, to access the service blocks, to use the pump-outs along the navigations, to avail of electrical power at Waterways Ireland jetties.

Berthing in Public Harbours

Masters are reminded of the following:

  • Equip their vessel with mooring lines of appropriate length and strength and only secure their craft to mooring bollards and cleats provided for this purpose.
  • Ensure the available berth is suitable to the length of your vessel, do not overhang the mooring especially on finger moorings on floating pontoon moorings.
  • Ensure mooring lines, electric cables and fresh water hoses do not create a trip hazard on public jetties for others users.
  • Carry sufficient fenders to prevent damage to your own vessel, other vessels and WI property.
  • Allow sufficient space between your vessel and the vessel ahead /astern (c.1m) for fire safety purposes and /or to recover somebody from the water.
  • Do not berth more than two vessels side by side and ensure there is safe access/egress at all times between vessels and onto the harbour itself.
  • Do not berth in such a way to prevent use of harbour safety ladders, slipways or pump-outs.
  • Do not allow the bow of your vessel to overhang the walkway of a floating mooring thus creating a hazard for others with an overhanging anchor or bow fendering.
  • Animals are not allowed to be loose or stray at any time.
  • Harbour and jetty infrastructure such as railings, power pedestals, fresh water taps, electric light poles, safety bollards, ladders etc are not designed for the purpose of mooring craft , they will not bear the strain of a vessel and will be damaged.
  • At Carrybridge on the Erne System, Masters of vessels are not permitted to use stern on mooring. Masters of vessels must use the mooring fingers for mooring of vessels and for embarkation / disembarkation from vessels.

Passenger Vessel Berths

Masters of vessels should not berth on passenger vessel berths where it is indicated that an arrival is imminent. Passenger vessels plying the navigations generally only occupy the berths to embark and disembark passengers and rarely remain on the berths for extended periods or overnight.

Lock Lead-in Jetties

Lead-in jetties adjacent to the upstream and downstream gates at lock chambers are solely for the purpose of craft waiting to use the lock and should not be used for long term berthing.

Vessel Wake

Vessel wake, that is, the wave generated by the passage of the boat through the water, can sometimes be large, powerful and destructive depending on the hull shape and engine power of the vessel. This wake can be detrimental to other users of the navigation when it strikes their craft or inundates the shoreline or riverbank. Masters are requested to frequently look behind and check the effect of their wake / wash particularly when passing moored vessels, on entering harbours and approaching jetties and to be aware of people pursuing other activities such as fishing on the riverbank.

Speed Restriction

A vessel or boat shall not be navigated on the Shannon Navigation at a speed in excess of 5 kph when within 200 metres of a bridge, quay, jetty or wharf, when in a harbour or canal or when passing within 100 metres of a moored vessel or boat.

Vessels navigating the Shannon-Erne Waterway should observe the general 5 kph speed limit which applies along the waterway. This is necessary in order to prevent damage to the banks caused by excessive wash from vessels.

Vessels navigating the Erne System should observe the statutory 5kt / 6mph / 10kph speed limit areas.

A craft on the Royal and Grand canals shall not be navigated at a speed in excess of 6km per hour.

A craft on the Barrow Navigation shall not be navigated at a speed in excess of 11km per hour except as necessary for safe navigation in conditions of fast flow.

Bank Erosion

Narrow sections of all the navigations are particularly prone to bank erosion due to the large wash generated by some craft. Masters are requested to be vigilant and to slow down to a speed sufficient to maintain steerage when they observe the wash of their craft inundating the river banks.

Unusual Waterborne Activity

Unusual waterborne vessels may be encountered from time to time, such as, hovercraft or amphibious aircraft / seaplanes. Masters of such craft are reminded to apply the normal “Rule of the Road” when they meet conventional craft on the water and to allow extra room to manoeuvre in the interest of safety.

Sailing Activity

Mariners will encounter large numbers of sailing dinghies from late June to August in the vicinity of Lough Derg, Lough Ree and Lower Lough Erne. Sailing courses are marked by yellow buoys to suit weather conditions on the day. Vessels should proceed at slow speed and with due caution and observe the rules of navigation when passing these fleets, as many of the participants are junior sailors under training.

Rowing

Mariners should expect to meet canoes and vessels under oars on any part of the navigations, but more so in the vicinity of Athlone, Carrick-on-Shannon, Coleraine, Enniskillen and Limerick. Masters are reminded to proceed at slow speed and especially to reduce their wash to a minimum when passing these craft as they can be easily upset and swamped due to their very low freeboard and always be prepared to give way in any given traffic situation.

Canoeing

Canoeing is an adventure sport and participants are strongly recommended to seek the advice of the sport’s governing bodies i.e Canoeing Ireland and the Canoe Association of Northern Ireland, before venturing onto the navigations.

Persons in charge of canoes are reminded of the inherent danger to these craft associated with operating close to weirs, sluice gates, locks and other infrastructure particularly when rivers are in flood and large volumes of water are moving through the navigations due to general flood conditions or very heavy localised precipitation e.g. turbulent and broken water, stopper waves. Shooting weirs is prohibited without prior permission of Waterways Ireland.

Canoeists should check with lockkeepers prior entering a lock to ensure passage is done in a safe manner. Portage is required at all unmanned locks.

Canoe Trail Network – "Blueways"

Masters of powered craft are reminded that a canoe trail network is being developed across all navigations and to expect more organised canoeing along these trails necessitating slow speed and minimum wash when encountering canoeists, rowing boats etc

Rockingham and Drummans Island Canals – Lough Key

It is expected that work on Rockingham and Drummans Island Canals on Lough Key will be completed in 2021. Access to these canals will be for non-powered craft only, eg canoes, kayaks, rowing boats.

Fast Powerboats and Personal Watercraft (Jet Skis)

Masters of Fast Powerboats (speed greater than 17kts) and Personal Watercraft (i.e.Jet Skis) are reminded of the inherent dangers associated with high speed on the water and especially in the confines of small bays and narrow sections of the navigations. Keeping a proper look-out, making early alterations to course and /or reducing speed will avoid conflict with slower vessels using the navigation. Personal Watercraft are not permitted to be used on the canals.

Towing Waterskiers, Wakeboarders, Doughnuts etc

Masters of vessels engaged in any of these activities are reminded of the manoeuvring constraints imposed upon their vessel by the tow and of the added responsibilities that they have to the person(s) being towed. These activities should be conducted in areas which are clear of conflicting traffic. It is highly recommended that a person additional to the master be carried to act as a “look-out” to keep the tow under observation at all times.

Prohibition on Swimming

Swimming in the navigable channel, particularly at bridges, is dangerous and is prohibited due to the risk of being run over by a vessel underway in the navigation.

Age Restrictions on operating of powered craft

In the Republic of Ireland, Statutory Instrument 921 of 2005 provides the legal requirements regarding the minimum age for operating of powered craft. The Statutory Instrument contains the following requirements:

- The master or owner of a personal watercraft or a fast power craft shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that a person who has not attained the age of 16 years does not operate or control the craft

- The master or owner of a pleasure craft powered by an engine with a rating of more than 5 horse power or 3.7 kilowatts shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that a person who has not attained the age of 12 years does not operate or control the craft.

Lifejackets and Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

Lifejackets and PFD’s are the single most important items of personal protective equipment to be used on a vessel and should be worn especially when the vessel is being manoeuvred such as entering / departing a lock, anchoring, coming alongside or departing a jetty or quayside.

In the Republic of Ireland, Statutory Instrument 921 of 2005 provides the legal requirements regarding the wearing of Personal Flotation Devices. The Statutory Instrument contains the following requirements:

- The master or owner of a pleasure craft (other than a personal watercraft) shall ensure, that there are, at all times on board the craft, sufficient suitable personal flotation devices for each person on board.

- A person on a pleasure craft (other than a personal watercraft) of less than 7 metres length overall shall wear a suitable personal flotation device while on board an open craft or while on the deck of decked craft, other than when the craft is made fast to the shore or at anchor.

- The master or owner of a pleasure craft (other than a personal watercraft) shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that a person who has not attained the age of 16 years complies with paragraph above.

- The master or owner of a pleasure craft (other than a personal watercraft), shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that a person who has not attained the age of 16 years wears a suitable personal flotation device while on board an open craft or while on the deck of a decked craft other than when it is made fast to the shore or at anchor.

- The master or owner of a pleasure craft (other than a personal watercraft) shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that a person wears a suitable personal flotation device, at all times while – (a) being towed by the craft, (b) on board a vessel or object of any kind which is being towed by the craft.

Further information is available at: http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2005/si/921/made/en/print

Firing Range Danger Area – Lough Ree

The attention of mariners is drawn to the Irish Defence Forces Firing Range situated in the vicinity of buoys No’s 2 and 3, on Lough Ree on the Shannon Navigation. This range is used regularly for live firing exercises, throughout the year, all boats and vessels should stay clear of the area marked with yellow buoys showing a yellow "X" topmark and displaying the word "Danger".

Shannon Navigation, Portumna Swing Bridge Tolls

No attempt should be made by Masters’ of vessels to pay the bridge toll while making way through the bridge opening. Payment will only be taken by the Collector from Masters when they are secured alongside the jetties north and south of the bridge.

Navigating from Killaloe to Limerick on the Shannon Navigation

The navigation from Killaloe to Limerick involves passage through Ardnacrusha locks, the associated headrace and tailrace and the Abbey River into Limerick City. Careful passage planning is required to undertake this voyage. Considerations include: lock passage at Ardnacrusha, water flow in the navigation, airdraft under bridges on Abbey River in Limerick, state of tide in Limerick

Users are advised to contact the ESB Ardnacrusha hydroelectric power station (00353 (0)87 9970131) 48 hours in advance of commencing their journey to book passage through the locks at Ardnacrusha. It is NOT advised to undertake a voyage if more than one turbine is operating (20MW), due to the increased velocity of flow in the navigation channel, which can be dangerous. To ascertain automatically in real time how many turbines are running, users can phone +353 (0)87 6477229.

For safety reasons the ESB has advised that only powered craft with a capacity in excess of 5 knots are allowed to enter Ardnacrusha Headrace and Tailrace Canals.

Passage through Sarsfield Lock should be booked on +353-87-7972998, on the day prior to travel and it should be noted also that transit is not possible two hours either side of low water.

A Hydrographic survey in 2020 of the navigation channel revealed that the approach from Shannon Bridge to Sarsfield Lock and the Dock area has silted up. Masters of vessels and water users are advised to navigate to the Lock from Shannon bridge on a rising tide one or two hours before High Tide.

Lower Bann Navigation

The attention of all users is drawn to the “Users Code for the Lower Bann”, in particular to that section covering “Flow in the River” outlining the dangers for users both on the banks and in the navigation, associated with high flow rates when the river is in spate. Canoeists should consult and carry a copy of the “Lower Bann Canoe Trail” guide issued by the Canoe Association of Northern Ireland. Users should also contact the DfI Rivers Coleraine, who is responsible for regulating the flow rates on the river, for advisory information on the flow rates to be expected on any given day.

DfI Rivers Coleraine. Tel: 0044 28 7034 2357 Email: [email protected]

Lower Bann Navigation – Newferry – No wake zone

A No Wake Zone exists on the Lower Bann Navigation at Newferry. Masters of vessels are requested to proceed at a slow speed and create no wake while passing the jetties and slipways at Newferry.

Overhead Power Lines (OHPL) and Air draft

All Masters must be aware of the dangers associated with overhead power lines, in particular sailing vessels and workboats with cranes or large air drafts. Voyage planning is a necessity in order to identify the location of overhead lines crossing the navigation.

Overhead power line heights on the River Shannon are maintained at 12.6metres (40 feet) from Normal Summer level for that section of navigation, masters of vessels with a large air draft should proceed with caution and make additional allowances when water levels are high.

If a vessel or its equipment comes into contact with an OHPL the operator should NOT attempt to move the vessel or equipment. The conductor may still be alive or re-energise automatically. Maintain a safe distance and prevent third parties from approaching due to risk of arcing. Contact the emergency services for assistance.

Anglers are also reminded that a minimum ground distance of 30 metres should be maintained from overhead power lines when using a rod and line.

Submarine Cables and Pipes

Masters of vessels are reminded not to anchor their vessels in the vicinity of submarine cables or pipes in case they foul their anchor or damage the cables or pipes. Look to the river banks for signage indicating their presence.

Water Levels - Precautions

Low Water Levels:

When water levels fall below normal summer levels masters should be aware of:

Navigation

To reduce the risk of grounding masters should navigate on or near the centreline of the channel, avoid short cutting in dog-legged channels and navigating too close to navigation markers.

Proceeding at a slow speed will also reduce “squat” effect i.e. where the vessel tends to sit lower in the water as a consequence of higher speed.

Slipways

Reduced slipway length available under the water surface and the possibility of launching trailers dropping off the end of the concrete apron.

More slipway surface susceptible to weed growth requiring care while engaged in launching boats, from slipping and sliding on the slope. Note also that launching vehicles may not be able to get sufficient traction on the slipway once the craft is launched to get up the incline.

Bank Erosion

Very dry riverbanks are more susceptible to erosion from vessel wash.

Lock Share

Maximising on the number of vessels in a lock will ensure that the total volume of water moving downstream is decreased. Lock cycles should be used for vessels travelling each way.

High Water Levels:

When water levels rise above normal summer level masters should be aware of:

Navigation

Navigation marks will have reduced height above the water level or may disappear underwater altogether making the navigable channel difficult to discern.

In narrow sections of the navigations water levels will tend to rise more quickly than in main streams and air draft at bridges will likewise be reduced.

There will also be increased flow rates particularly in the vicinity of navigation infrastructure such as bridges, weirs, locks etc where extra care in manoeuvring vessels will be required.

Harbours and Jetties

Due care is required in harbours and at slipways when levels are at or near the same level as the harbour walkways' as the edge will be difficult to discern especially in reduced light conditions. It is advised that Personal Flotation Devices be worn if tending to craft in a harbour in these conditions.

Slipways

Slipways should only be used for the purpose of launching and recovering of water craft or other objects from the water. Before using a slipway it should be examined to ensure that the surface has sufficient traction/grip for the intended purpose such as launching a craft from a trailer using a vehicle, that there is sufficient depth of water on the slipway to float the craft off the trailer before the concrete apron ends and that the wheels of the trailer do not drop off the edge of the slipway. That life-saving appliances are available in the vicinity, that the vehicle is roadworthy and capable of coping with the weight of the trailer and boat on the incline. It is recommended that slipway operations are conducted by two persons.

Caution to be Used in Reliance upon Aids to Navigation

The aids to navigation depicted on the navigation guides comprise a system of fixed and floating aids to navigation. Prudent mariners will not rely solely on any single aid to navigation, particularly a floating aid to navigation. With respect to buoys, the buoy symbol is used to indicate the approximate position of the buoy body and the ground tackle which secures it to the lake or river bed. The approximate position is used because of the practical limitations in positioning and maintaining buoys in precise geographical locations. These limitations include, but are not limited to, prevailing atmospheric and lake/river conditions, the slope of and the material making up the lake/river bed, the fact that the buoys are moored to varying lengths of chain, and the fact that the buoy body and/or ground tackle positions are not under continuous surveillance. Due to the forces of nature, the position of the buoy body can be expected to shift inside and outside the charted symbol.

Buoys and perches are also moved out of position or pulled over by those mariners who use them to moor up to instead of anchoring. To this end, mariners should always monitor their passage by relating buoy/perch positions with the published navigation guide. Furthermore, a vessel attempting to pass close by always risks collision with a yawing buoy or with the obstruction that the buoy or beacon/perch marks.

Masters of Vessels are requested to use the most up to date Navigation guides when navigating on the Inland Waterways.

Information taken from Special Marine Notice No 1 of 2023