Transoceanic sailor Cathal Mahon will deliver an illustrated talk as part of the Cumann Seoltóireachta an Spidéil (CSS) series in An Spidéil, Co.Galway, this Friday (January 30).
"From Oppies to Ocean Racing" is the title of the second talk in the CSS 2025-2026 winter series on the theme of "adventurers in our midst". Mahon (25) began sailing with CSS at age 10 in 2010.
The eldest of a family of five from Furbo, he learned to sail in Oppies and, for two years, competed very successfully with fellow CSS club member Rob Talbot on the Irish 420 dinghy circuit.
He also sailed with the Galway Sea Scouts and began instructing on summer courses at CSS in 2017.
His first taste of offshore sailing was with Rob Talbot when both were offered a berth on the Volvo Ocean Race Irish entry Green Dragon in 2015.
Cathal continued racing former Volvo Ocean Race boats in Europe and the Caribbean, completing the Fastnet, Round Ireland, and Transatlantic races, as well as Caribbean regattas.
He has competed in the Sydney-Hobart yacht race and recently sailed two transpacific voyages from Australia to the USA and back, competing in the Transpac race from LA to Honolulu. To date, he has completed two Pacific crossings and eight Atlantic crossings.
The talk takes place at Comhlacht Forbartha, Ceardlann, An Spidéil, H91 XFE8, this Friday, January 30th, at 7.45pm. Admission for adults is 5 euro, children are free, and donations may be made at the door to the RNLI. CSS advises all those interested to “come early to be sure of a seat”.
