Annamarie Fegan is Cork Person of the Month for October in recognition of her contribution to Cork sailing life, including her pioneering role in becoming the first female Admiral of the Royal Cork Yacht Club (RCYC) in over 300 years.
A keen sailor and member of the RCYC for over 25 years, Annamarie, who lives in Crosshaven but is originally from Douglas, has long been instrumental in the hosting of major events in the Cork sailing calendar, including the hugely successful Irish Sailing Youth Nationals earlier this year and the biennial Volvo Cork Week Regatta. She became admiral of the RCYC in January of this year, an achievement she credits to past female members of the club and her two daughters.
Annamarie Fegan and crew onboard her yacht Nieulargo (above) and celebrating a yacht race win with her crew in her home port of Crosshaven Photos: Bob Bateman
She has placed the removal of financial and social barriers to sailing as central to her tenure as Admiral, and envisions sailing as a sport accessible to all that wish to give it a try. In particular, she is passionate about getting more young people and more people who can’t afford to own their own boat to participate in the sport. One way RCYC plays its part in achieving this is by offering all sixth-class students in Crosshaven a week-long sailing course and Try Sailing courses to people of all ages.
In addition to becoming the first female admiral of the RCYC, Annamarie’s executive includes three women, a record for the club. This reflects Annamarie’s and RCYC’s commitment to empowering women in the sport and to fostering an environment where all members can thrive.
Annamarie lists her proudest sporting moment as winning the best Irish boat in the Fastnet Race alongside her husband Denis, daughters Molly and Mia, and the Nieulargo Crew last year, during which she and the crew battled four storms. Outside of sailing, she was owner of catering business An Excellent Choice for over thirty years and now works as a co-creational psychotherapist, having recently completed a masters in the psychotherapy of relationship mentoring.
Speaking at the Cork Person of the Month award presentation at the Metropole Hotel, Manus O’Callaghan, awards organiser, said Annamarie’s ascension to the role of admiral was “inspiring”.
“Becoming RCYC’s first-ever female Admiral she is laying the foundations of success for future generations of female sailors both locally and nationally. The RCYC is indeed one of our great institutions. Founded in 1720, it is the oldest sailing club in the world and has played a vital role in shaping the maritime heritage of Cork Harbour, the second-largest natural harbour in the world after Sydney Harbour”, he said.
Annamarie’s name will now go forward alongside the other monthly winners for possible selection as Cork Person of the Year at the annual Gala Awards Lunch on January 24th, 2025.
