Yacht racing on Ireland's inland waters is thriving, with clubs holding regular events on Lough Derg throughout September.

Garykennedy Sailing Club and Iniscealtra Sailing Club have a friendly relationship and often host events together, allowing committee members to have time off from constantly organising events every weekend. This smaller arrangement is worth considering for clubs in other areas where they are growing throughout the island.

Dan O'Connell, a club Sailing Secretary, said, "We are getting regular fleets of 15-20 boats on Saturday afternoons." "This keeps Sundays free for family activities both on and off the water", he added.

A visit to Garykennedy last weekend by Afloat showed the fleet finishing up after the Ciss Ryan Cup race. Although it was windy on the west coast, the sailors' relaxed faces were coming ashore after a shortened course of an hour and a half. Some commented that the winds were too light for spinnakers.

Garykennedy S.C. has two warm clubhouses overlooking the lake, offering full bar service and excellent food in the name of Ryans and Larkins Hosptilaries. By 4 pm, the club was bustling both inside and outside in pleasant sunshine, with members in their dry sailing gear while the weather was approaching. A buffet was in full swing, provided by the Ryan family, keeping the members together for the presentation of prizes.

The winning crew on "Celtic Charisma", a Kelt 29, accepting the Ciss Ryan Cup from Roy and Denise Breen (from L-R) Tadgh Murphy Commodore, Nigel and Sue Smithwick, with their son and grandchildren Neil and Alison  McCormack and young Oscar and Luca McCormack Photo: Patricia George

Pierce Purcell of Galway Bay S.C. visited to keep an eye on the west's inland sailing and to commend both Garykennedy and the Mountshannon Clubs on their running of the recent Gortmore Bell Race and weekend activity.

RNLI cheque

Philip Despard Iniscealtra Sailing Club, Ger Murphy ISC sailing Captain, Dr John Killeen, Irish Trustee RNLI, Niamh McCutcheon RNLI and LDYC, Pierce Purcell Galway, and Tadgh Murphy, Commodore of Garykennedy SC and Peter O'Callaghan, ISC Photo: Patricia George

John Killeen, Irish Trustee RNLI, and Niamh McCutcheon of Lough Derg RNLI were there to receive a cheque worth €1,600 raised by members of both clubs.

Dr Killeen expressed his gratitude on behalf of RNLI to the sailors for their contribution and praised the volunteers with crews on call throughout the year. He also informed the gathering that the RNLI would be celebrating its 200th anniversary in 2024.

Pat Lawless presentation

Pat Lawless, a Golden Globe sailor, was presented with life membership of Garykennedy to a standing ovation.

Golden Globe sailor Pat Lawless with Brendan O’Connor, Garykennedy Sailing Club Vice Commodore on his boat Vamoose competing in the Ciss Ryan trophy 

He had earlier given a most entertaining talk on his Golden Globe race entry. One could feel his relaxed passion in the room as he gave encouragement to the gathering to enter the race. Being a former West Coast fisherman, nothing seemed to daunt him, as he shared that he would go below to read books or cook for some hours, sleeping only for 20 minutes at a time.

He took pride in his boat and the accuracy of his navigation, not to mention the wonderful support of his sponsor Green Rebel, his family, and friends. Pat is now saving for the next Golden Globe race in 2026.

Garykennedy Sailing Club Master of Ceremonies, Brendan O'Connor, with Commodore Tadgh Murphy presenting Golden Globe sailor Pat Lawless with life membership of Garykennedy SC Photo: Patricia George