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WOW! What an amazing weekend that was! The "ICRA's", our national championships, hosted by the National Yacht Club, have just finished. It was amazing to see so many sailors afloat competing hard for the national titles up for grabs.

It was also wonderful to catch up with so many customers, sailors and friends ashore after sailing.

Congratulations to the National YC and the ICRA team for safely pulling off a fantastic event under the current restrictions.

We had the perfect mix of conditions and courses with everything from 5 knots of breeze to almost 20 knots at times. The courses were a mixture of windward/leewards, "Round The Cans", and coastal.

Boatspeed wins races. FACT. It has always been and will always be - upwind, downwind and across the wind. You need it.

At North Sails Ireland, we salute our fantastic customers who flew our sails to take the lion's share of the podium places.

In addition, our NS colleagues Shane Hughes (racing on "Snapshot" in IRC 1) and Matthew O'Gorman (racing on "Snoopy" in IRC 3) in the sail loft toiled hard repairing damaged sails to keep competitors in the game the following day.

Matthew told me on the dock on Sunday morning that they finished repairing sails at 3 am. That is a real commitment to the cause.

Sail FAST folks, and well done everyone again.

IRC 0

1. "Kaya" - Frank Whelan - Greystones SC-North Sails*
2. "Forty Licks" - Jay Colville - East Down YC - 100% North Sails
3. "Jump Juice" - Conor Phelan - Royal Cork YC - 100% North Sails

IRC 1 winner -  "Storm II" - Pat Kelly - Rush SC - 100% North SailsIRC 1 winner - "Storm II" - Pat Kelly - Rush SC - 100% North Sails

IRC 1

1. "Storm II" - Pat Kelly - Rush SC - 100% North Sails
2. "White Mischief" - Tim & Richard Goodbody - Royal Irish YC - 100% North Sails
3. "Snapshot" - Mike & Richie Evans - Howth YC - 100% North Sails

IRC 2 winner - "Checkmate XVIII" - Nigel Biggs - Howth YC - 100% North SailsIRC 2 winner - "Checkmate XVIII" - Nigel Biggs - Howth YC - 100% North Sails

IRC 2

1. "Checkmate XVIII" - Nigel Biggs - Howth YC - 100% North Sails
2. "King One" - David Kelly - Rush SC - 100% North Sails
3. "Mata" - Wright Bros - Howth YC 100% North Sails

IRC 3 winner - "Snoopy" - Martin Mahon - Courtown SC - *North SailsIRC 3 winner - "Snoopy" - Martin Mahon - Courtown SC - *North Sails

IRC 3

1. "Snoopy" - Martin Mahon - Courtown SC - *North Sails
2. "Hard On Port" - Flor O'Driscoll - Bray SC - *North Sails
3. "Cri Cri" - Paul Colton - Royal Irish YC - 100% North Sails

*denotes partial inventory

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Amazing - how did ALL these events (listed below alphabetically!) all fit in Dublin Bay last weekend?

  • Beneteau First 31.7 National Championships
  • Beneteau First 21.7 national Championships
  • Dragon East Coast Championships
  • RS Aero National Championships
  • Ruffian National Championships
  • DBSC Saturday Series
  • ISORA Offshore Series

Hats off to all the sailors, race management, clubs and shore teams. It is awesome to see a packed Dublin Bay.

North Sails powered the following winners and stacked the podiums. Huge congratulations to you all.

Beneteau First 31.7 Nationals

1st overall: "Final Call" - John Minnis - Royal Ulster YC - helmed by Gareth Flanigan

"Final Call" flew her 100% North Sails inventory including her 3Di RAW mainsail, heavy no. 1 genoa, No. 3 jib & A GRADE Contender Superlite / Superkote spinnakers to win every race.

Speaking after the event, John Minnis said, "we couldn't be happier with North Sails. Sail design, manufacture, delivery, boat set-up and after sales service - Nigel and the North Sails Ireland team were with us all the way."

"Final Call" flew her 100% North Sails inventory to win every race"Final Call" flew her 100% North Sails inventory to win every race Photo: Afloat

Beneteau First 21.7 Nationals

1st overall: "Yikes" - Peter Carroll, Barry McDonald and Eddie Kilbane

"Yikes" flew her 100% North Sails inventory - NPL Xi Carbon mainsail, NPL Xi Aramid large jib and NPC Norlon spinnaker.

Speaking after the event, helmsman Joe Smyth said, "Since 2019, we worked with Prof in North Sails Ireland on our sail inventory and have received really solid advice and service all the way"

"Yikes" flying her North Sails NPL Xi Carbon mainsil & North Sails NPL Aramid large jib"Yikes" flying her North Sails NPL Xi Carbon mainsil & North Sails NPL Aramid large jib Photo: Afloat

2nd: "Capilano" - John Downey - 100% North Sails

3rd:"Chinook" - Andrew Bradley - 100% North Sails

Dragon East Coast Championships

1st Overall - "Little Fella" - Cameron Good, Henry Kingston, Matthias Helstern - 100% North Sails

'Little Fella' flying her North Sails Polykote LM-2 Mainsail and Dynakote BR-9-1P Spi'Little Fella' flying her North Sails Polykote LM-2 Mainsail and Dynakote BR-9-1P Spi Photo: Afloat

3rd: Scarlet Ribbons - Tomas O'Brien - 100% North Sails

RS Aero National Championships

Even though the 'Aero" class is all North Sails, it was wonderful to see my buddy Andrew "Hammy" Baker winning the first-ever nationals on Dublin Bay last weekend.

The Aero sails are radial cut manufactured in North Sails patented "Radian" fabric.

Hammy Baker winning the RS Aero Nationals flying his North Sails Radian sail Photo: AfloatHammy Baker winning the RS Aero Nationals flying his North Sails Radian sail Photo: Afloat

Ruffian 23 National Championships

We were delighted to see Stephen Gill and his team fly their North Sails mainsail to finish 2nd in the Ruffian Nationals last weekend.

'Shannagh' flying her North Sails Contender Polykote mainsail'Shannagh' flying her North Sails Contender Polykote mainsail Photo: Afloat

Please do get in touch with us if you'd like to discuss any aspects of your boat's performance. We have solutions that fit all makes, shapes, sizes, colours and budgets.

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Well, what an amazing event that was!

Congratulations to the team in Kinsale YC for another fabulous Sovereign's Cup. We had a nice mixture of wind speeds and directions, tons of shifts, plenty of sunshine and the odd light smattering of rain.

We were thrilled to see so many of our customers on the water and you were all flying!

Your North Sails Ireland team were all afloat and racing hard. I had a fantastic time doing the tactics on Conor Phelan's "Jump Juice" in the Coastal fleet, Shane was mainsheet trimmer on the IRC 1 winner "Snapshot" and Nigel guested on the GS37 Frank Caul's "Prince Of Tides", "Fiscala" the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49 owned by James Matthews and the Elan 37 "Cappella Of Howth" owned by Graham Vickers.

We had fun each day catching up with our friends and customers every day after sailing in Kinsale YC.

North Sails powered so many class winners and stacked the podiums. It was great to see Mike and Richie Evans winning both their class and the overall trophy in their first event "out of the box". Here's what Mike had to say after the event:-

"We chose North Sails for our new J99 yacht ‘Snapshot’. We were looking for all-round performance with a focus on in-shore racing. The team at North sails worked with us to provide us with a wonderful suit of sails. This gave us really competitive upwind and downwind performance. We are delighted with our results at our first major regatta here at Sovereigns Week."

Another winner "out of the box" was Bob Rendell's GS 44 "Samatom". Here's what owner Bob Rendell had to say after his epic win:-

"We were delighted to take the coastal class win at Sovereigns Cup. Certainly, the new North Sails inventory made a big contribution to Samatom's performance across the range of conditions we experienced. The service and support from Shane and the North Sails Ireland team has been crucial in getting this project off the ground so successfully"

Here is a quick summary of our clients' wonderful results - thank you everyone and well done!

IRC Coastal Fleet

1st: "Samatom" - GS 44 - Bob Rendell - Howth YC - powered 100% by North Sails
2nd "Nieulargo" - GS 40 - Denis Murphy & AnneMarie Fegan - North Sails*
3rd. "Jump Juice" - Ker 37 - Conor Phelan - 100% North Sails

'Samatom' flying her North Sailx NPL TOUR Xi ARAMID / polyester mainsail and North Sails 3Di Code 2 Jib'Samatom' flying her North Sailx NPL TOUR Xi ARAMID / polyester mainsail and North Sails 3Di Code 2 Jib Photo: Bob Bateman

IRC 1

1. "Snapshot" - J99 - Mike & Richie Evans - Howth YC - powered 100% by North Sails
2. "Artful Dodger" - J109 - Finbarr O'Regan - North Sails*
3. "Storm II" - J109 - Pat Kelly - 100% North Sails

IRC 1 winner 'Snapshot' flying her North Sails A2.5 and North Sails 3Di RAW Mainsail Photo: Bob BatemanIRC 1 winner 'Snapshot' flying her North Sails A2.5 and North Sails 3Di RAW Mainsail Photo: Bob Bateman

IRC 2

2. "King One" - 1/2 Tonner - David Kelly - North Sails*

IRC 3

1. "YagottaWanna" - J24 - David Lane - Royal Cork YC - 100% North Sails

IRC 3 Winner 'YaGottaWanna' flying her North Sails DX-7TT genoa and 'Fat Head' mainIRC 3 Winner 'YaGottaWanna' flying her North Sails DX-7TT genoa and 'Fat Head' main Photo: Bob Bateman

White Sails 1 IRC

2. Price Of Tides - GS37 - Frank Caul - Royal Cork YC - 100% North Sails
3. "Valfreya" - Sigma 33 - David Riome & David Leonard - 100% North Sails

'Prince of Tides' flying her North Sails 3Di ENDURANCE upwind sails'Prince of Tides' flying her North Sails 3Di ENDURANCE upwind sails Photo: Bob Bateman

White Sails 2 IRC

1. "Shillelagh" - Blazer 23 - John Twomey - Kinsale YC - 100% North Sails
3. "Miss Charlie" - Tofinou 8 - Patrick Beckett - North Sails*

The 'Shillelagh' team - winner of White Sails 2 - powered by North SailsThe 'Shillelagh' team - winner of White Sails 2 - powered by North Sails Photo: Bob Bateman

White Sails 1 ECHO

1. "Fiscala" - Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49 - James Matthews - Kinsale YC - 100% North Sails
2. "Capella Of Kinsale" - Elan 37 - Graham Vickers - Kinsale YC "Prince Of Tides" - 100% North Sails
3. "Prince Of Tides" - GS 37 " Frank Caul - Royal Cork YC - 100% North Sails

The 'Fiscala' team - winner of White Sails 1 - powered by North SailsThe 'Fiscala' team - winner of White Sails 1 - powered by North Sails Photo: Bob Bateman

*denotes partial inventory

If you would like to discuss any aspect of your boat's performance, then please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We're always delighted to chat!

Prof, Nigel & Shane, NORTH SAILS IRELAND

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When the Ker 37 Jump Juice team decided to enter the Coastal division in Sovereign's Cup this year, we knew there would be much longer legs than the usual windward/leewards. So, skipper Conor Phelan pulled his genoa staysail ("GS") out of his garage.

This panelled kevlar sail was designed and built in 2006 and we last hoisted this sail in the dark during the Rolex Commodore's Cup in 2008!

It was a revelation, a real gem and we flew it inside our Helix Code Zero on the final leg of yesterday's race into the harbour - a full 13 years since it was last hoisted!

It was in PERFECT condition - what a find!

Maurice O'Connell is racing in the Sovereign's Cup in Kinsale on "Jump Juice"

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Wow, what a start to the season ‘proper’! Well done to everyone involved in the Dun Laoghaire to Dingle Race and more besides, writes Maurice O’Connell.

This year’s D2D was one of the most enjoyable offshores I have ever done an epic upwind tactical battle to the Tuskar Rock, followed by a flat-out boat speed race to the Fastnet Rock, some fast reaching in the dark to the Skelligs and then downwind into Dingle.

The full North Sails Ireland team were racing with my colleague Nigel Young and Shane Hughes aboard Bob Rendell’s beautiful new GS 44, Samatom.

We were delighted to see North Sails powering the top five places in a fleet jam-packed with great sailors and fantastically well-prepared boats.

Congratulations to Denis Murphy and Annamarie Fegan’s team on Nieulargo for taking first overall. She flew her North Sails 3Di ENDURANCE mainsail and Code 2.5 jib all the way to the Fastnet.

She then deployed her North Sails furling genoa staysail inside the outboard-sheeted J2.5 for the close reach and finished off the race flying her North Sails A GRADE Contender Superkote 60 symmetric S2 kite for the run into the finish. Brilliant performance, guy!

Joint second overall was Conor Doyle’s majestic Xp50 Freya. She flew her North Sails 3Di ENDURANCE mainsail and Code 2 jib also before switching to their North Sails Norlon A2 for the run into Dingle.

Congratulations also to Conor and his team for some excellent seamanship in rescuing an errant kitesurfer off Arklow and, as crew member Malcolm Moir said, “thus saving a life in the process”.

Sam O’Byrne aboard JPK 1080 Rockabill VI in the 2021 D2D with North Sails 3DL Offshore Mainsail | Credit: Marty O’LearySam O’Byrne aboard JPK 1080 Rockabill VI in the 2021 D2D with North Sails 3DL Offshore Mainsail | Credit: Marty O’Leary

Also joint second was Paul O’Higgins and his great team on the JPK 1080 Rockabill VI. They flew their 2016 (yes, 2016 — still going strong!) North Sails 3DL Offshore mainsail and 3Di RAW Code 2 jib all the way to the Fastnet. I was racing on Searcher and we had an epic battle with them all the way.

Third overall was John O’Gorman's Jeanneau Sunfast 3600, Hot Cookie. She flew her North Sails 3Di ENDURANCE offshore mainsail, North Sails 3Di RAW Code 2 jib, her NPL Xi Code Zero and her A GRADE Superkote A2 asymmetric runner. Congratulations to John and his team on his second podium position in the D2D following his third in 2019.

Fourth overall was Chris Power-Smith and his team on the J122 Aurelia who flew their North Sails 3Di ENDURANCE offshore mainsail, 3Di RAW Code 2 jib, A GRADE Contender 75/90 A2 and A GRADE Contender 130 A5 asymmetric spinnakers. Well done to you all guys for saving the mast when a shroud came loose late on in the race, costing you some time.

Fifth overall was Andrew Algeo’s J99, Juggerknot 2. Andrew and his team had a fantastic start and hung doggedly on on what was essentially a ‘big boat’ race. Juggerknot flew his NPL Xi Offshore main, Code 2 jib and A GRADE Contender Superkote 60 A2. Congratulations Andrew and your team.

Elsewhere, North Sails were crucial in a tie-break at the Dragon South Coast Championships in Glandore Harbour Yacht Club.

Cameron Good, Henry Kingston and Simon Furney, powered 100% by North Sails, took the title after a titanic battle with Phantom, also powered by North Sails. Congratulations, guys.

The previous weekend saw North Sails power class winners in Howth Yacht Club’s historic Lambay Race (click HERE for the full results).

Scorie Walls and team on Goldust placed first overall in the Puppeteer 22 class in this year’s Lambay RaceScorie Walls and team on Goldust placed first overall in the Puppeteer 22 class in this year’s Lambay Race

Stephen Quinn on Lambay Rules, powered 100% by North Sails 3Di RAW upwind sails and A GRADE Contender asymmetric spinnakers, won the Howth Regatta’s IRC 1 class, while the Kelly family — racing the iconic North Sails-powered King One — took the winner’s spot in IRC 2, beating the accomplished Mata and Checkmate team in the process. Great results, guys.

Colm and Therése Bermingam, flying their 2015 North Sails 3DL mainsail and No 1 genoa, won the White Sails IRC class by a massive 4m59s. Congratulations guys on yet another Lambay victory.

In the Puppeteer 22 one-design class, first overall was Goldust, sailed by Scorie Walls and Declan Browne — flying their brand new North Sails upwind sails and their not-so-new North Sails spinnaker!

First overall among the J80 one-designs, and powered by North Sails, was 1976 470 Olympian Robert Dix — well done, Dixie!

We are really pleased to see so many of our clients on the water, having fun and going fast.

Please do get in touch with us at North Sails Ireland if you’d like any help, assistance or guidance in how we might to help you go faster.

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As we close in on when "racing proper like" starts next week, we wanted to share the early season "training" and "racing" successes of our wonderful clients flying North Sails.

Scottish Series - "Final Call", "Animal" & "Leaky Roof"

We supplied John Minnis' Beneteau First 31.7 "Final Call" with a full inventory of 3Di upwind sails and A GRADE Superkote downwind spinnakers in 2019 and 2020.

John and his team had some notable early success on Belfast Lough last year and we were delighted to see him winning his class overall in the Scottish Series which concluded last Sunday on Lough Fyne. Congratulations too to John on being awarded "Afloat Sailor Of The Month" - well deserved!

"Final Call" flying her North Sails 3Di RAW Inshore Mainsail and No. 1 Genoa   "Final Call" flying her North Sails 3Di RAW Inshore Mainsail and No. 1 Genoa  

In IRC 1, our NS friend and colleague from Scotland Kevin Aitken racing his Beneteau First 36.7 "Animal" won IRC 1 with a massive nine point margin. She flies North Sails 3Di RAW upwind sails and A GRADE Superkote downwind spinnakers.

In the Sigma 33 class, Alan Harper's "Leaky Roof 2" won flying 100% North Saisl for the event.

So, that's North Sails-powered boats winning both IRC classes and the Sigma 33 class in the Scottish Series 2021!

Bangor to Strangford Coastal Race - "Game Changer" & "All Or Nothing"

Shaun Douglas and my old laser sparring partner John Simms won the recent coastal race from Bangor to Portaferry in Strangford Lough on Shaun's Beneteau First 40.7 "Game Changer".

"Game Changer" is ex "Philosophie IV" and has a full inventory of North Sails.

2nd overall was Michael Eames in his Jeanneau SunFast 3200 "All Or Nothing" flying his brand new North Sails 3Di mainsail and North Sails 3Di AP jib.

Michael Eames in his Jeanneau SunFast 3200Michael Eames  Jeanneau SunFast 3200 All or Nothing

His new 3Di Helix jib features Helix structured luff technology and he was delighted with the performance of the new sails.

ISORA Training Race - "Aurelia"

I competed in the 2018 and 2019 Round Ireland and Dun Laoghaire to Dingle Race on "Aurelia" so I have a soft spot for this beautiful boat and her team.

So, congratulations to Chirs Power-Smith on a massive victory in the ISORA training race last Saturday. It was a gruelling long light air day. Chris described his 2018 sails and as "still beautiful" and he romped away on the long downwind legs to the finish. Chris LOVES his big gold A GRADE composite Superkote 90 / 75 A2 kite, seen here at the start of the last Dun Laoghaire to Dingle race.

J122 Aurelia at the start of 2019 Dun Laoghaire Dingle Race - flying her composite Superkote A2 Asymmetric Spi and North Sails 3Di ENDURANCE mainsailJ122 Aurelia at the start of 2019 Dun Laoghaire Dingle Race - flying her composite Superkote A2 Asymmetric Spi and North Sails 3Di ENDURANCE mainsail

I snapped this pic of "Aurelia" going upwind on Saturday flying her 3Di ENDURANCE mainsail and 3Di RAW Code 1 jib.

"Aurelia" flying her North Sails 3Di ENDURANCE Offshore mainsail and North Sails 3DI RAW Ocde 1 Jib Pic: Maurice O'Connell / North Sails"Aurelia" flying her North Sails 3Di ENDURANCE Offshore mainsail and North Sails 3DI RAW Ocde 1 Jib Pic: Maurice O'Connell / North Sails

I was aboard Pete Smyth's new Jeanneau SF 3600 "Searcher" - I think this pic describes how glassy the conditions were!

Pete Smyth's new Jeanneau SF 3600 "Searcher"Pete Smyth's new Jeanneau SF 3600 "Searcher".

DBSC Cruisers 1 Class on Sat - "Juggerknot 2", "Powder Monkey" & "Jalapeno"

The DBSC training has been going well with our clients showing lots of early-season form.

Last Saturday in Cruisers 1, Andrew Algeo's J99 "Juggerknot 2" won handsomely, followed by Chris Moore's "Powder Monkey" and "Paul Barrington's "Jalapeno". All three fly 100% NS inventories and they are FLYING.

Jalapeno flying her 3Di Main & A GRADE Superkote A2 Pic: Maurice O'Connell / North SailsJalapeno flying her 3Di Main & A GRADE Superkote A2 Pic: Maurice O'Connell / North Sails

I am particularly pleased for "Powder Monkey". We did a full rig-tune a few weeks ago onboard and they have hit the ground running this season.

All three fly North Sails 3Di and NPL Xi upwind sails and Contender A GRADE Superkote spinnakers.

Beneteau First 31.7 Class last Thursday - "After U Too"

Michael Blaney and his team on "After U Too" romped away with victory on Thurs night in DBSC. I was out on a motorboat taking pics and grabbed this one as she went up the second beat with a commanding lead after a great start.

'After U Too' flying her North Sails 3Di Mainsail & No. 1 Genoa Pic: Maurice O'Connell / North Sails'After U Too' flying her North Sails 3Di Mainsail & No. 1 Genoa Pic: Maurice O'Connell / North Sails

DBSC Beneteau First 21.7 Class on Saturdays - "Billy Whizz" and "Bees Wing"

This great class ran two DBSC "training" races on the past two Saturdays. Pat Shannon and his team won both races on Saturday 22nd May in "Bees Wing" and Jimmy Fischer and his team on "Billy Whizz" won both races on Saturday 29th May.

Here is a quick video aboard "Billy Whizz" - note how FLAT and smooth the mainsail is in these fresh conditions.

"Billy Whizz" flying North Sails NPL Xi upwind sails Video: Maurice O'Connell / North Sails

Both boats fly North sails NPL Xi upwind sails and in Pat's words, "we were going really well using our old (North Sails) sails"

Roll on the final week's "training" racing this week and we are all looking forward to getting back to racing "proper like" next week.

Please do get in touch if you need to discuss any aspect of your boat's sail inventory. Whether it's racing or cruising - we have the solution for you and we'd be delighted to chat.

Sail FAST,

Prof, Nigel & Shane

 

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The North Sails Ireland team have been hitting the water hard all over the country this past couple of weeks. It's great to see light at the end of the tunnel and especially our great customers getting their new sails in the air!

Donegal

I had a fantastic "round trip" up north this week, visiting beautiful Greencastle in Co. Donegal to sail on the Beneteau First 36.7 "Minx 2".

We had a full day of rig tuning, sail fitting, control systems calibration, a mast climb for me to mark the mainsail for spreader patches and of course some great chat and banter about sailing.

Here is a pic of beautiful Lough Foyle taken from the hills above it..............

Beautiful Lough FoyleBeautiful Lough Foyle

"Minx 2" now flies a 3Di OCEAN 330 mainsail and a 3Di ENDURANCE 760 AP furling jib - take a look at the video!

Carrickfergus

It was then across to Carrickfergus in Co. Antrim, on the north shores of Belfast Lough for another sail fitting and trial on the Sigma 292 "Maji". This one was VERY late in the evening...............here is a pic I snapped of the twinkling lights of Carrick as we returned to the marina there..............

twinkling lights of Carrickfergus

Take a look at this video of "Maji" flying her NPL (North Panelled Laminate) TOUR mainsail and furling genoa.............

Dublin Bay

On Dublin Bay, amongst others, we sail trialled the new 3Di upwind sails on the Beneteau First 31.7 "Bluefin 2". I have to say, the sails looked FANTASTIC.

3Di upwind sails on the Beneteau First 31.7 "Bluefin 2"3Di upwind sails on the Beneteau First 31.7 "Bluefin 2"

Greystones

In Greystones this week, Mike and Richie Evans "splashed" their new J99 "Snapshot". Shane was aboard to fit and trial some of her beautiful new sails en route over to Howth. "Snapshot", powered by her 100% North Sails inventory is a boat to watch this season.

The pic below is from her maiden voyage flying her North Sails 3Di upwind sails.

Great racing this season beckons between her and Andrew Algeo's J99 "Juggerknot 2" (also powered by North Sails!). Good luck Mike, Richie and your team!

J/99 Snapshot flying her North Sails 3Di upwind sailsJ/99 Snapshot flying her North Sails 3Di upwind sails

Cork 

In Cork, Nigel took to the water in the new family boat "North Star" (named as a nod to North Sails founder Lowell North who founded the company in 1957). She is an Albin Express and the family are looking forward to knocking a great bit of craic out of her. They started with the first Thursday night RCYC training session this week.

The North Sails GS-1 jib on "North Star"The North Sails GS-1 jib on "North Star"

Good luck to everyone taking to the water this weekend guys. There's action all over the country and I'd say you are all CHAMPING at the bit!

From me (Prof), Nigel and Shane - sail FAST and safe.

Maurice O'Connell

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The North Sails Ireland crew are really looking forward to getting back on the water "race training" in the next few days. It's great to see sailing opening up again and the return to the sport we all love. It's time to dust off those sails and get back on the water.......

I was visiting Shane Hughes a couple of weeks ago at our Service loft in Wicklow and he has been very busy over the last few weeks. As more and more boats hit the water in May the service team are going to be flat out with demand. If you need any sail service do not hesitate to contact Shane directly at the loft. [email protected] and get ahead of the rush.

One of the big things we have noticed over the past five years is a change in the style of sail repairs being carried out. Since 3Di first arrived in Ireland back in 2013 with Pat and David Kelly onboard the all conquering J-109 "Storm" the landscape has slowly changed. 3Di has some truly unique properties that really enhance the life span of the sails......It was rare back in 2013 that the fastest products were also the most durable! But now that is so true in the North World of 3Di.

A new video was just released as part of our "What is" series. Please take a look at this short video below and you will understand a whole lot more about 3Di and how it is made. Now the most durable sails on the planet are also the fastest, quite a bold claim but as all of our 3Di clients know here in Ireland it's a fact. No delamination guaranteed.........it just cannot happen with 3Di.

In the World of 3Di and sail service, we no longer have to deal with delamination so common with all other plastic sails. 3Di does not have any mylar films in the construction at all, no parasitic weight as we like to call it. In some plastic sails the mylar film can be up to 50% of the all up weight of the sail........and all it does is add weight and finally crack. Not an ingredient we like to have in our sails these days.........

I hope you like the video and we look forward to seeing you all on the race track very soon!

Sail FAST

Nigel, Prof and Shane.

Published in North Sails Ireland
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Here at North Sails Ireland, we feel blessed to be associated with the larger North Sails team that designed, manufactured and delivered the sails used in the recent America's Cup finals and Prada Cup Challenger series finals.

We are lucky to be able to reach out in person to these NS colleagues and pioneers at the very top of our sport - such is the benefit of having a truly "flat" organisation.

The "Trickledown" effect is evident really quickly. An example will be some Helix load-sharing 3Di headsails that we will be delivering this season for Irish IRC clients.

Please click on the link here to hear from North Sails Head Of Design And Engineering JB Braun debriefing our "Cup" takeaways.

Sail FAST folks!

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The Royal St George Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire Harbour presents a 'Winning Races In Dublin Bay'; a Top Tips From North Sails Ireland’s Maurice O'Connell on Wednesday, February 24th.

“Prof” from North Sails Ireland never misses a DBSC race with his customers unless he is out of the country. Over the years he has raced in hundreds of DBSC races in everything from the biggest IRC cruiser 0 yachts, to the smaller one-designs. He has put together his “10 Top Tips for Racing in Dublin Bay” which he will share with RSGYC members.

Join the “Prof” on Wednesday, February 24th at 19:30 on Zoom for an engaging talk based on racing, and most importantly, winning in Dublin Bay.

Click here to register for this event

Published in RStGYC
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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