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Displaying items by tag: West Highland Week

For many years, Northern Ireland has had several entries in West Highland Week, and hopefully, that will be the case this year. But so far (though the event isn’t till the end of July), of the fifteen listed entries, there is only one from N Ireland, Temptress of Down owned by Kevin and Susie Harris from Royal Ulster, Ballyholme YC and Donaghadee Sailing Club on Belfast Lough

For their Sun Odyssey 47, the trip to Gigha for the Feeder Race will be a short affair in contrast to the worldwide cruising Temptress has already done. Kevin and Susie say that “WHYW is unfinished business from 2013, and we even have the same crew as 2013”.

Scottish Series 2023

John Minnis's Archambault A35 Final Call II Photo: AfloatJohn Minnis's Archambault A35 Final Call II Photo: Afloat

Likewise, the Scottish Series running from 26th – 29th May, usually attracts several entries from N Ireland, and so far, the word is that at least two will make the trip to Tarbert at the end of May. But only one Sigma 33 will take on the Scottish fleet as it seems that only Paul (Sigma 33 Northern class Captain) and Emma Prentice will compete in Squawk. He initially thought that about five Sigma 33s from Belfast Lough would enter. And after he gets Kip Regatta under his belt, John Minnis in the Archambault A35 Final Call II will include the Scottish Series as part of his 2023 campaign.

Published in Scottish Series

Dun Laoghaire Baths Renovation

Afloat has been reporting on the new plans for the publically owned Dun Laoghaire Baths site located at the back of the East Pier since 2011 when plans for its development first went on display by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council. 

Foreshore consent was applied for in 2013.

Last used 30 years ago as the 'Rainbow Rapids' before falling into dereliction – the new site does not include a public pool.

The refurbished Dun Laoghaire Baths include the existing Baths Pavilion for use as artist workspaces, a gallery café and for the provision of public toilet facilities. 

Work finally got underway at Dún Laoghaire on the €9 million redevelopments of the old Dún Laoghaire Baths site in June 2018 under a contract with SIAC-Mantovani.

The works have removed dilapidated structures to the rear of the Pavilion to permit the creation of a new route and landscaping that will connect the walkway at Newtownsmith to both the East Pier and the Peoples Park. 

Original saltwater pools have been filled in and new enhanced facilities for swimming and greater access to the water’s edge by means of a short jetty have also been provided.

The works included the delivery of rock armour to protect the new buildings from storm damage especially during easterly gales. 

It hasn't all been plain sailing during the construction phase with plastic fibres used in construction washing into the sea in November 2018

Work continues on the project in Spring 2020 with the new pier structure clearly visible from the shoreline.

A plinth at the end of the pier will be used to mount a statue of Roger Casement, a former Sandycove resident and Irish nationalist.