They do things differently in Clontarf sailing. They have to, as half the time their immediate clubside sailing area in the north inner reaches of Dublin Bay is mud rather than good sailing water.
But when the sailing water is good, it's very good indeed, and Commodore Gerry Coonan is leading his members in a classically Clontarf celebration of their 150th Anniversary with the traditional At Home this weekend (26th-27th July), when the rising tide draws in the more classic classes from Howth and Dun Laoghaire.
Back in the day….IDRA 14 Class in strength at Clontarf, before Dublin Port had begun its main eastward expansion
Typically, the Howth 17s have given themselves the bigger challenge, as they have to plug the flood tide as they make their way into Dublin Bay past the Baily before feeling the benefit of the last of the flood to sweep them into port.
A Glen class from Dun Laoghaire arriving at Clontarf reveals the success of Dublin Port's tree-planting programme
And then though they may carry some ebb stream to mid-bay when returning, they'll be sailing uphill against the south-going ebb from the Baily northwards, whereas Dun Laoghaire boats have it made with fair tide both ways.
Glassfibre IDRA 14s racing at Clontarf
Yet all reckon that the continuing – indeed, thriving – existence of CY & BC is something to be celebrated, as the club fleet – both in the dinghy park, and lying to drying moorings with twin keel cruisers in the majority – is larger than ever, and its role as a real community hub is something to be celebrated in style.
It's uphill, but we'll get there…..Howth 17s pushing the tide at The Baily as they make their way to last year's Clontarf Y&BC at home.
