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dsc_04310_medium.jpg September League 2009 

 

Schull Harbour Sailing Club was founded in 1977 as a summer sailing club and from its inception it has activately promoted leisure and competitive sailing in Schull. The first commodore was Billy Pope who had sailed in the area from the fifties in his yacht Pendua. He was joined by his brother Teddy in Harbar.

In the early seventies Billy and his crew were instrumental in setting up Cape Clere regatta on the Wednesday before Schull Regatta.

Informal racing took place during the years 75/76 until a small committee drew up the first set of club rules.

The first clubhouse was a caravan, which was parked at the back of the stone beach, close to where the public toilets are now. This was used for many years, until the upgrade of the pier.

The first trophy was presented by Sean Barnett owner of Barnett’s Hotel for a club Fastnet Rock race and is still raced for every July.

The boats in the first race in addition to the Pope brothers were Michael Murphy’s Coral Ballerina, Ronnie Goods Tundercrest, George Dwyer’s Madcap, and Frank Godsons Lyre 11.

Additional boats quickly arrived with Paul Murray and Kit Pearson each purchasing an Offshore 8. Vincent O'Farrell arrived in his Elizabethan and Pat Whelan in his large Moody ketch, Charlene. Myles Ronan moved on from the Flying Fifteens, when he purchased Kiemar, and Al Bird campaigned his GK 24.

James O'Flynn and Tom O'Brien made a regular Saturday trip from Baltimore and Bill Hilliard sailed up from Rossbrin.

The number of races increased annually as each boat owner sponsored a race, and the season now runs from May to September.

A junior racing fleet quickly grew as the large number of member’s kids took to the water, and successful leagues and sail training courses were held over the years.

The club now organizes the successful Calves Week Regatta every August, having taken over the running of the event from the local Regatta Committee, and uses the impressive Fastnet Marine Center as its headquarters.

(Details and image courtesy of Schull Harbour Sailing Club)

 

Schull Harbour Sailing Club, Schull, Co. Cork, or c/o Michael Murphy, Vermont, Grange Road, Douglas, Co Cork. Tel: 021 429 1878, email: [email protected]

Have we got your club details? Click here to get involved

 

Published in Clubs
23rd July 2009

Irish RC Laser Class

Whether you are brand new to sailing, new to model sailing, an old salt, or a championship match-racing sailor, the RC Laser is the boat for you.

Sail almost anywhere – The RC Laser has a 16" keel. So anywhere you find knee-deep water, she will sail. Sail in the ocean, a pond or lake, a river or stream – or in your swimming pool, it makes no difference. The RC Laser sails beautifully in conditions from a zephyr up to 35 knots of wind – no joke!

Pedigree – The RC Laser is the design of world famous sailor and yacht designer Bruce Kirby. Of all his creations, the one-man Laser is the best known. Over 174,000 have been built to date, making the Laser the most popular racing class of all time, and an Olympic Class.

The RC Laser is a quarter scale model of that Laser with certain modifications for model performance – all carefully designed and tested by Bruce Kirby and Jon Elmaleh – another world class sailor.

This means the RC Laser has a pedigree, is proven and tested. It is not a toy designed by a toy company. When you sail this boat, the right things happen. If you make a mistake, it bails you out and keeps on sailing. You don't need to worry about breaking the boat, and you won't be disappointed with how well she sails.

An equal opportunity sailboat – the RC Laser is for kids, for adults, for seniors, even for the physically handicapped. She is the boat of choice for sailing schools and rental fleets because she is practically indestructible and very easy to handle. Plus she is a true one-design for competitive sailors that want to go for the gold.             

RC Laser sailors do have more fun! – it's true. RC Lasers are such reliable boats, you will be sailing when others have their boats ashore for repairs or adjustments. While you sail with the kids, others will be hiding their boat from their kids. Toughness, reliability, simplicity, and all weather capability means more fun!

No add-on expenses – The RC Laser comes complete so there are no hidden expenses. You even get four different color rolls of vinyl tape for your own creative boat markings.

We do offer a few accessories that folks have asked for, like a carrying bag, a folding cradle, and a rechargeable battery system. But the bottom line is, all you really need is 12 AA batteries for your radio control equipment and you are ready to sail right out of the box. Isn't that great?

(The above information courtesy of the Irish RC Laser Class). 

Irish RC Laser Class c/o Roger Bannon, President, Valentia, 36 Castlepark Road, Dalkey, Co. Dublin. Tel: 01 235 1812/087 650 4925, email: [email protected] or [email protected] 

There is a space for Irish boating clubs and racing classes to use as their own bulletin board and forum for announcements and discussion. If you want to see a dedicated forum slot for your club or class, click here 

Published in Classes & Assoc

In March 2009, Afloat's Graham Smith had this to say about the Flying Fifteens: "With the European Championships in Kinsale, it was a big year for the Irish F15 class which represented the bulk of the 56-boat fleet at the south coast venue. Britain’s Steve Goacher won the event with Darren Martin and Simon Murray of Strangford Lough YC the best of the local contingent. Click here for all the latest Flying Fifteen news.

It was a good year for the Whiterock pair who also won the Southern and Northern championships while the SLYC domination was completed with the two other regionals, the Easterns and Westerns, going to clubmates Roger Chamberlain and Brian McKee respectively.

More SLYC success seemed on the cards when the Nationals were held at Whiterock but just to upset the odds, Dave Gorman and Chris Doorly of the National YC stole all the thunder and emerged as the new Irish Champions. Twenty-six boats – up on the previous year – contested the top event from a total national fleet of approximately 160 boats found in 16 clubs and a few other locations around the country.

Next year (2010) is the 40th anniversary of the Dun Laoghaire F15 fleet. National Champion as at March 2009: David Gorman and Chris Doorly, National YC" 

 

A brief history of the Flying Fifteen Fleet within Ireland, courtesy of The Flying Fifteen Association of Ireland

Extracts have been taken from a document called ‘The Dun Laoghaire Flying Fifteen Fleet, The First 25 Years 1970–1995’, written by Peter O'Shea in June 1995. Thanks to Sean Nolan for acquiring a copy for the webmaster.

1948 – Three yachts built in quick succession at the Medina Yacht Yard at Cowes. The class was known as Dainty Ducks and changed to Flying Fifteens with the characteristic fortissimo lettering
 
1949 – The Flying Fifteen Association of Great Britain was formed, first secretary Squadron Leader Charles Nance.
 
1949 – Uffa Fox meets Prince Philip HRH Duke of Edinburgh, they became firm friends and frequently sailed together.
 
1950 – The people of Cowes present Prince Philip with his own Flying Fifteen ‘Coweslip’.
 
1954 – First hulls built from GRP produced in the UK.
 
1962 – Australian Flying Fifteen Association founded in Western Australia with Tally Hobbs as President and G.J. Sassella as secretary.
 
1963 – ‘Ffolly’ (no. 215), brought to Dublin by David Newmark. DBSC (Dublin Bay Sailing Club) agreed to give a start after much negotiation about  seaworthiness of the Flying Fifteen class. Jack Owens crewed on ‘Ffolly’ for the first three years. The hull was a Tormentor hull, which was the Windibank of the day. This is possibly the first Irish Flying Fifteen.

1968 – Irish Flying Fifteen seen moored alongside the Royal Irish Yacht Club. It appeared to be an all timber, varnished boat, with a turtle deck forward. This was built by Albert Foley, in a joinery works in Phibsboro, in the mid 60s, registered as number 1269, and called ‘Squalus’, to join the fleet in 1970, owned by Timothy Orr.

1969 – A summer of heavy winds in Dublin Bay. Arthur Lavery and Teddy (Bryan S.) Ryan spotted a fleet of Flying Fifteens sailing with comparative ease at Dinghy Week in Baltimore, while other classes were struggling in the inner harbour. Teddy Ryan and Arthur Lavery led the campaign to start a class in Dun Laoghaire, a minimum of 7 boats were required for a DBSC start. Teddy Ryan sailed in a ‘Copland’ Fifteen at Kinsale, which was imported by Bill Godkin. Teddy Ryan bought ‘Little Lady’ (no. 1092) at the agreed price of £634, including sails and trailer. Advertisement appeared in the Irish Times. On seeing the ad, Sean Nolan cancelled an order for a Mermaid in favour of a Flying Fifteen.  Bill Godkin was accepting multiple orders for Flying Fifteens.
Inaugural Meeting of the new Flying Fifteen Fleet in Dun Laoghaire was held on 24th September 1969.

1970 – The Flying Fifteen class started in DBSC as a result of Arthur Lavery's interest in the boat. Bryan S. Ryan agreed to front the start-up. They got the initial owners together as per this picture that appeared in the Irish Independent on 8-January-1970.

1970 – Initial eight boats from the Godkin yard were as follows:
‘Little Lady’, number 1092, owned by Teddy Ryan
‘Siobhan’, number 1257, owned by Arthur Lavery
‘Susele’, number 1258, owned by Michael Halpenny
‘Frankie’, number 1259, owned by Ronnie Kavanagh
‘Ffaoilean’, number 1260, owned by Jack Owens
‘Bonnie’, number 1262, owned by Noel O'Hare
‘Nicjac’, number 1263, owned by Sean Nolan
‘Fferocity’, number 1265, owned by Tony Neiland; and
‘Squalus’, number 1296, owned by Timothy Orr

1970 – First DLFF committee was elected:
Captain - Bryan S Ryan
Vice Captain - Noel O'Hare
Treasurer - Ronnie Kavanagh
Record Keeper - Jack Owens
Secretary - Michael Halpenny
The annual subscription was £1.00 (one pound)

1972 – Fleet trophies were presented: ‘Chase Trophy’ presented by Anthony Kenny; and ‘Flying Fifteen Gun’ presented by Michael Halpenny

1972 – Death of Uffa Fox, aged 74 (1898 - 1972).
 
1979 – ‘Mid Week Cup’ presented by Kevin Blake

1980 to 1990 – A decade of development and tightening of tolerances to achieve a Standard Hull shape based on the designs of the British yacht designer Roy Windebank. This decade also saw the introduction of exotic fibres in yacht construction such as carbon fibre, kevlar and honeycomb cores of nomex.
 
1982 – Sinking of ‘Gaffer’ Eric Colin, sailing ‘Gaffer’ (no. 2383), crewed by John McCambridge was racing in May near Dalkey Island, when they broached and filled the boat with water. ‘Gaffer’ could not be bailed out or righted, and just stayed afloat long enough for Eric and John to step aboard a passing cruiser ‘Nuit St. George’. ‘Gaffer’ was never seen again. Tom O'Connor wrote a 24-verse poem about the incident.

1982 – The fleet bank account was opened. Previously fleet money was held by the treasurer, in his/her own bank accounts.

1983 – 6 new boats to the fleet. Jack Roy bought ‘Frankie’, Jerry O'Neill bought 1261 now called ‘Bluebell’. Ray Duggan arrived with 1343 ‘Osprey’. David Algeo arrived with 2130 ‘Folklore II’. Some boats were disqualified from racing due to not meeting the safety standards National Yacht Club invests in an Electric Winch, allowing for the boats to come off the moorings and onto the hard for dry sailing and storage.

1984–1985 – Arrival of the Windibank. The National Yacht Club burnt down in 1984. Also seen was the first appearance of the Windibank hull. ‘Frizby’ (no. 2929) bought by Jack Roy and ‘Mary Foo’ (no. 2924) bought by Jerry O'Neill. ‘An Chuileann’ (no. 2937) owned by Maurice Byrne was bought and listed in 1985. Eric Colin and John McCambridge return to the fleet in ‘Ffootless’ (no. 2619), aptly named by the previous owners of ‘Gaffer’.

1984 – Jack Roy and Mal Nolan came 19th overall in the Worlds held in Kinsale. Dermot Baker, who owned ‘Shillelagh’ (no. 2463) presented the ‘Hells Gate’ trophy for the best boat in Olympic courses.

1985 – Computerised results now available for the Fleet events. Teddy Ryan responsible for introducing the system, with Ward Phillips taking over due to his speciality in computing. Westport SC newly formed, with results showing connections. NYC Regatta very rough, with several boats towed back into the harbour.

1985 – This year marked the sad loss of Noel O'Hare, who had stopped sailing since 1982, but had maintained contact with the fleet. Noel had been awarded title of ‘Mr. Personality of the Fleet’, as well as being a top class sailor. Noel was one of the founder members of the fleet.

1986 – Change of direction, under the Captaincy of Jack ‘Bligh’ Roy, shows introduction of Dry Sailing and Olympic Courses. Training course and lectures were setup and taken very seriously. The day of the ‘light hearted event’ had come to an end. Motivation for doing this was the Irish Championship to be held in the National yacht Club. Gerry Dunleavy and Roger Bannon gave freely of their time for tuning help. records indicate Gerry had been doing this since 1979. Roger Bannon and John Davies sailing in ‘Strange Magic’ (no 3037) won the Irish Championship, with Gerry Dunleavy and David O'Brien in ‘The Real Thing’ (no. 3108) coming in 3rd place. This was the last sailing year for Teddy Ryan, sailing in ‘Little Lady II’ (no, 2292). Teddy wanted to move to something bigger and drier. Heineken sponsored the fleet with £1,700. Roger Bannon's ‘Black Magic’ was exhibited at the boat show

1986 – Hurricane Charlie – 25/26 August 1986 brought Hurricane Charlie to the shores of Ireland. Considerable damage occurred to Dun Laoghaire boats, with 6 Flying Fifteens wrecked on the moorings by loose boats running through them. On the 26th the National Yacht Club slip was littered with bits and pieces of boats.

1986 – Flying Fifteen Association of Ireland (FFAI) was formed, with Jim Rodgers from the North as the first president and Jack Roy as Secretary.

1987 – ‘Ramtaffer trophy’ was presented to the fleet by Roddy and Jill. Roddy had retired from work and was re-locating to Scotland to setup a sailing school. Maurice Byrne (Captain during 1987) threw a Captain's party in his house, of such lavishness, complete with a group of four singers. the incoming captain, Ray Duggan, was seen with a very worried look on his face, and was heard enquiring if the Dubliner's would be expensive to hire for the night.

1987 saw the introduction of the ‘Gold’ and ‘Silver’ fleets. The intention was for a fair division of the spoils at the prize giving's. This did not stop the grumblings for some of the people.

1988 – Ray Duggan, Captain and author of the very witty fleet newsletters. Gerry Dunleavy becomes the British National Champion, sailing on the Clyde in ‘The Real Thing’ (no. 3108). His crew was David O'Brien. He went on to sail in the World Championship and achieved 9th place overall. Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club hosted the East Coast Championship. Bray Flying Fifteen fleet started. Work continues on the plans to bring the 1992 World Championship to Ireland. Michael Horgan chaired a committee. The event was to be run by the National Yacht Club and not the Dun Laoghaire Flying Fifteen fleet. Jack Roy, Mal Nowlan, Paddy Lynch and Martin McCarthy were all heavily involved in planning, publicity, sponsorship and advice.

1990 – Handicap system for Gold/Silver/bronze fleets seemed to work well for championship events.
National Championships held in Westport again, due to the success of the same event the previous year. Heavy weather event was won by Gerry Dunleavy, crewed by Margaret Conway. East Coast Championship, sponsored by Heineken, was another heavy weather event, with Saturday blown out. It also signifies the sinking of another Flying Fifteen in Dublin Bay, by unlike ‘Gaffer’ it was seen again, strewn all over the strand in Sandymount.

1991 – World Championship (in Ireland) just around the corner. Training sessions arranged by special committee under Michael Horgan. Restrictions put in place to avert ‘cheque book’ sailing. Seven qualifying places allocated to Irish Boats

1992 – World Championships held in Ireland. Hosted by the National Yacht Club, the flying fifteen fleet worked hard to organise the event. 75 entrants, some from overseas. Irish National Championships preceded the event.
First Irish boat, sailed by John Lavery (son of Arthur Lavery) came in 20th position. Justin Burke came in 21st position.

1993 – Final introduction of hull measuring templates with reduced tolerances.
 
1993 – SailPower Marine of WA import the Windebank Mould X and commence production.
 
1993 – ‘Ffinally’ (no. 3352), sailed by Eric Cooney and Gabriel Greer, turns turtle in Dublin Bay, when hit by a sudden gust. The mast got stuck in mud, with the keel upright in the air. A passing Glen fired off a flare, alerting the rescue helicopter (already out doing drills) to come and rescue the two boys. Eric and Gabriel were pulled to safety and deposited on the East Pier. A Club launch was hi-jacked and the rescue operation was started. ‘Ffinally’ was discovered, upright, and sailing off on it's own through Dalkey Sound. The boat was sailed back single handed by Eric. The only damage done was a bent mast.

1994 – Death of a much loved Jill Hermon, who sailed with Roddy, and also assisted with fleet social activities.

1995 – 25th Anniversary  of the DLFF fleet. ‘Ffaoilean’ (no. 1260), one of the founding boats still in the fleet. Fleet size is 25 boats. ‘Ffangs’ (no. 3495) is the newest boat, owned by Justin Burke. Gerry Dunleavy has just received a brand new Ovington, unnamed or registered at time of writing.

1997 – 50th Anniversary, celebrated with a World Championships in Cowes, UK.

1998 – Final introduction of keel measurement templates with reduced tolerances.
 
1999 – Twelfth World Championships at Esperance Bay Yacht Club, WA
 
2001 – Flying Fifteen fleets established in South Australia at Goolwa and Adelaide.
 
2006 – Flying Fifteen World Championship held in the National Yacht Club, Dun Laoghaire

Flying Fifteen Association of Ireland

There is a space for Irish boating clubs and racing classes to use as their own bulletin board and forum for announcements and discussion. If you want to see a dedicated forum slot for your club or class, click here

 

Flying Fifteen International

History of the Flying Fifteen

Designed by the legendary Uffa Fox, the 6m (20ft) Flying Fifteen has maintained its reputation as an exciting and competitive two-man racing craft. It provides access to sailing at reasonable prices for men and women from 15 to 75 and beyond.

The most famous Flying Fifteen is “Coweslip” presented to the Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Elizabeth as a wedding present. Uffa Fox and Prince Philip frequently sailed together at Cowes.

The Flying Fifteen has been modernised over the years with Uffa Fox agreeing to changes towards the end of his life to improve the design specification and sail plan. By this time, the class had established itself in a number of countries and when John Calvert-Jones came from Australia and won the UK championships, the stimulus was provided for the move to seek international status. Under the guidance of Tom Ratcliffe, an International Federation of Flying Fifteen Associations was formed by nine countries from four continents. The first world championships were held in Perth, Australia in 1979 and subsequently have alternated between the Northern and Southern hemispheres biennially. The first European Championship took place in Spain in May 2004

(Above history courtesy of Flying Fifteen International website)

 

Published in Classes & Assoc
22nd July 2009

Laser SB3 Ireland

Laser SB3 Ireland is the class association for the largest and newest Irish keelboat class. We have over 90 boats in Galway, Lough Derg, Dunmore East, Cork, Kinsale, Belfast Lough, Howth and Dun Laoghaire. We represent the full spectrum of age, (ranging from 20 to 70+) and skill sets (from Olympians to occasional club sailors) playing at all levels for big trophies throughout the country. We have five regional championships each year and vibrant local racing too.

What about the boat?
It’s as much fun you can have at 16 miles an hour. The SB3 is fast, furious and fun – but surprisingly stable and easy to sail. In the light stuff it sails upwind beautifully and is tactical downwind, in the heavy it’s a beast uphill and a roaring pleasure the other way. It’s truly one design – the best sailors always win, which, perhaps, is not so good for the rest of us – but the fun makes up for it. It’s added value, to most, is that is can be rigged quickly, towed by a normal family car, has a great price point and, finally, it can be both slip and crane launched.

What to do and who to talk to?
If you are interested in getting involved we can help. Contact your local fleet captain from the list on the contact page page and they can organise a test drive, recommend second hand boats and generally tell you all about it. If you’re new, selected members of the class will also help you get started with tips and tricks sessions.

We’ll see you on the water!

Laser SB3 Ireland, c/o Joseph Hughes, Class Chairman, 4 Clanbrassil Terrace, Dublin 8. Tel. 087 747 8883, email: [email protected]

There is a space for Irish boating clubs and racing classes to use as their own bulletin board and forum for announcements and discussion. If you want to see a dedicated forum slot for your club or class, click here

Published in Classes & Assoc
22nd July 2009

IDRA 14 Class Association

idra.jpgFirst raced in 1946 and now fitted with a trapeze and spinnaker, the two-person IDRA 14 remains one of the most popular adult dinghy classes in Dublin Bay. ISA affiliated

# LOA: 14Ft
# SA: 110 SQ. FT
# Spinnaker: 140 SQ FT
# Hull Wt: 325lbs (min) 

 

Afloat's Graham Smith wrote about the IDRA 14 in March 2009: "The same clubs in three locations also actively promote the classic clinker-built IDRA14 and 34 boats continue to enjoy their racing at club and open meeting level. Two boats, built in 1947 and 1950 respectively, rejoined the class in 2008 after remarkable restoration work by their owners.

Despite being a Dublin-based class, it does like to travel and last year saw a dozen boats head to Carlingford for the Northerns where Pat O’Neill and Rick Morris of Clontarf took the title.

Almost twice that number – 65% of the national fleet – were attracted to Sligo for the National Championships where Sutton’s Alan Carr and Aoibhin de Burca took the honours in the Gold Fleet and clubmates Gordon Kelly and Mark Masterson headed the Silver Fleet.

Carr and de Burca also won the October Series and Gerry O’Hanlon and Paul McNally sailed their beautifully re-built Charmain to victory in the IDRA Open at Clontarf. The IDRAs’ sister class in the UK, the Dragonflies, celebrates its 60th anniversary next year and a contingent of the 14s will travel to Suffolk to help mark the occasion. National Champions (2009): Alan Carr and Aobhin de Burca, Sutton DC."

 

IDRA 14 Class Association, IDRA 14 Class Commodore, c/o 126 Ballinteer Close, Dublin 16. Tel: 086 155 8632, email: [email protected]

or

Jennifer Byrne, Secretary, 2 Spencer Villas, Glenageary, Co Dublin. Tel: 01 2802131, email: [email protected]

 

There is a space for Irish boating clubs and racing classes to use as their own bulletin board and forum for announcements and discussion. If you want to see a dedicated forum slot for your club or class, click here

Published in Classes & Assoc
22nd July 2009

Galway Bay Sailing Club

ukoppynats09.jpgLeft: Irish U–12 Squad at UK Optimist Nationals

Galway Bay Sailing Club is based in Renville Oranmore, approximately 7 miles from Galway City. The club is renowned for the warm welcome it extends to its members and visitors alike. It organises and facilitates the racing and sailing of dinghies, cruisers and multihulls for adults and junior members. The club also offers training and instruction to adults, juniors and non-members.

The clubhouse with bar and catering facilities opens on Sundays afternoons and also Tuesday and Wednesday nights from April to September to facilitate the various racing fleets During the remaining months it opens on Sundays for dinghy racing and on Wednesday nights for talks and social events. The club has played host to many successful Regional and National Regattas with racing taking place against the backdrop of beautiful Galway Bay.

Galway Bay Sailing Club (GBSC), Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway

(Details and image courtesy of Galway Bay Sailing Club) 

Have we got your club details? Click here to get involved

Published in Clubs

Spoiled for Choice

There’s no shortage of one-design classes from which to choose and each gives its enthusiasts great competition, fun and camaraderie, writes Graham Smith in this review of the classes. A profile of each active class in Ireland is supplied below; just click on the title link (in bold) or the Class Association link to go directly to the information.

One-design racing is where it all starts. It is, after all, where all the top sailors earned their stripes, battling away for line honours without a thought for a handicapper’s calculator wiping away a hard-fought victory!

Indeed, you could count on less than one hand the number of top Irish sailors who didn’t cut their teeth in a one-design dinghy! Just think of Cudmore, Barrington, Watson, Wilkins, Hennessy and Dix to name a few and you realise that they honed their skills in everything from Enterprises to Lasers and a lot in between.

At present count, there are a little over 30 one-design classes in Ireland, split almost evenly between dinghies and keelboats, a statistic which might raise a few eyebrows. They range from the long-established Mermaids, IDRA14s and Dragons to the newer additions like Fevas, Topaz and RS Elite. They all fill a particular need and give their owners and crews considerable enjoyment.

Many have attracted their World or European Championships to Irish waters over the years and while 2009 is notable for a lack of such events here, the following year will see the Etchells Worlds at Howth and perhaps a few other international regattas too.

In addition to the review, we asked each class to complete a questionnaire giving details of their fleet numbers, whether they were on a growth pattern or holding their own, so we could highlight those ‘on the up’ and those remaining static in terms of numbers. The older traditional designs, as you might imagine, fall into the latter category, although that’s not a negative!

 

CLASS REVIEW  The State of the Classes – League Table (as at February 2009)

S = Static; U = Up/growing

275     Optimist   U

200+   Laser   S

189     Mermaid   S

160     Flying Fifteen   S

130     RS Feva   U

115     Shannon One Design    U

100+   Mirror   S

100+   Topper   U

99       Topaz   U

94       Laser SB3   U

87       GP14   U

85       Squib   S

70       Fireball   S

70       Ruffian   S

60       J24   S

60       Shipman   S

52       Dragon   S

50       RS400/200   S

50       420    U

43       Multihulls    U

42       Dragon    S

40       Water Wags    U

40       Wayfarer    S

34       IDRA14    U

33       Puppeteer    U

28       Etchells    S

27       E-Boat    U

26       Glen    S

25       Enterprise    S

18       Sigma 33    S

18       Howth 17    U

13       RS Elite    U

Published in General

Welcome to the CRYC web site which we hope will be of interest to members and visitors alike. Established in 1864, the CRYC is one of the oldest inland waterway clubs in the British Isles. Located in the centre of Galway City it continues to provide facilities for water-based recreational activity for almost 300 members.

Corrib Rowing & Yachting Club, Earls’ Island, Distillery Road, Newcastle, Galway. Tel: 091 564560, email: [email protected]

(Details courtesy of Corrib Rowing & Yachting Club) 

Have we got your club details? Click here to get involved

Published in Clubs

The North Coast Personal Water Craft (NCPWC) Club is the first Jet ski club and the first RYA Affiliated jetski club in Ireland. It is a non-profit making club ran run by 'jet-skiers' for 'jet-skiers' to ensure the continuation of the sport along the North Coast of Ireland and inland water of the River Bann and Lough Neagh. It was formed at the end of the 2005 by jet skiers.

Our aim is to promote the use of personal watercraft (jet-bikes and jet-skis) along the North Coast of Ireland, the River Bann and Lough Neagh by ensuring that all club members abide to local bye-laws, maritime laws and current legislation. We will allow our members to use our website to arrange 'meets' and social gatherings.

By promoting our sport as being safe and fun we will develop facilities for our members in conjunction with local authorities. We can provide training courses for PWC', thus promoting safety through a qualified RYA instructor.

All members are encouraged to attain a PWC certificate and must hold a valid certificate of insurance at all times prior to using the beach, River Bann or Lough Shore at Antrim for launching personal watercraft.

The North Coast PWC Club has and will continue to work closely with Limavady; Antrim & Coleraine Borough Council’s and will also work with any other organisations or bodies that have a valid interest in the use of Benone Beach, River Bann and Lough Neagh where we are active as a club.

(Details courtesy of North Coast Personal Watercraft Club) 

North Coast Personal Watercraft Club

Have we got your club details? Click here to get involved
 

Published in Clubs
21st July 2009

Heritage Boat Association

The Heritage Boat Association’s aspiration is to protect, promote and celebrate the floating heritage on the inland waterways of Ireland. What's remaining of our Floating Heritage provides us with a direct link to the past and includes both commercial and pleasure craft that plied the inland waterways through the different eras of the canal, lake and river systems.

If you are interested in Irish barges, canal boats, lighters, old wooden boats, steam tugs, steam yachts, sailing barges, historic boats that have ended up on the Irish inland waterways or our work, do contact us.
 
So - what is so interesting about Heritage Boats?

A Heritage Boat is described as being consistent with the provisions of the Heritage Act 1995, to mean a boat over 25 years old which is of significance because of it’s intrinsic construction or because of it’s association with the commercial, cultural, economic, industrial, military, political, social or other history of the country. 

'Celebrating Ireland's Floating Heritage'

Heritage Boat Association  

Published in Organisations
Page 9 of 16

Dun Laoghaire Harbour Information

Dun Laoghaire Harbour is the second port for Dublin and is located on the south shore of Dublin Bay. Marine uses for this 200-year-old man-made harbour have changed over its lifetime. Originally built as a port of refuge for sailing ships entering the narrow channel at Dublin Port, the harbour has had a continuous ferry link with Wales, and this was the principal activity of the harbour until the service stopped in 2015. In all this time, however, one thing has remained constant, and that is the popularity of sailing and boating from the port, making it Ireland's marine leisure capital with a harbour fleet of between 1,200 -1,600 pleasure craft based at the country's largest marina (800 berths) and its four waterfront yacht clubs.

Dun Laoghaire Harbour Bye-Laws

Download the bye-laws on this link here

FAQs

A live stream Dublin Bay webcam showing Dun Laoghaire Harbour entrance and East Pier is here

Dun Laoghaire is a Dublin suburb situated on the south side of Dublin Bay, approximately, 15km from Dublin city centre.

The east and west piers of the harbour are each of 1 kilometre (0.62 miles) long.

The harbour entrance is 232 metres (761 ft) across from East to West Pier.

  • Public Boatyard
  • Public slipway
  • Public Marina

23 clubs, 14 activity providers and eight state-related organisations operate from Dun Laoghaire Harbour that facilitates a full range of sports - Sailing, Rowing, Diving, Windsurfing, Angling, Canoeing, Swimming, Triathlon, Powerboating, Kayaking and Paddleboarding. Participants include members of the public, club members, tourists, disabled, disadvantaged, event competitors, schools, youth groups and college students.

  • Commissioners of Irish Lights
  • Dun Laoghaire Marina
  • MGM Boats & Boatyard
  • Coastguard
  • Naval Service Reserve
  • Royal National Lifeboat Institution
  • Marine Activity Centre
  • Rowing clubs
  • Yachting and Sailing Clubs
  • Sailing Schools
  • Irish Olympic Sailing Team
  • Chandlery & Boat Supply Stores

The east and west granite-built piers of Dun Laoghaire harbour are each of one kilometre (0.62 mi) long and enclose an area of 250 acres (1.0 km2) with the harbour entrance being 232 metres (761 ft) in width.

In 2018, the ownership of the great granite was transferred in its entirety to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council who now operate and manage the harbour. Prior to that, the harbour was operated by The Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company, a state company, dissolved in 2018 under the Ports Act.

  • 1817 - Construction of the East Pier to a design by John Rennie began in 1817 with Earl Whitworth Lord Lieutenant of Ireland laying the first stone.
  • 1820 - Rennie had concerns a single pier would be subject to silting, and by 1820 gained support for the construction of the West pier to begin shortly afterwards. When King George IV left Ireland from the harbour in 1820, Dunleary was renamed Kingstown, a name that was to remain in use for nearly 100 years. The harbour was named the Royal Harbour of George the Fourth which seems not to have remained for so long.
  • 1824 - saw over 3,000 boats shelter in the partially completed harbour, but it also saw the beginning of operations off the North Wall which alleviated many of the issues ships were having accessing Dublin Port.
  • 1826 - Kingstown harbour gained the important mail packet service which at the time was under the stewardship of the Admiralty with a wharf completed on the East Pier in the following year. The service was transferred from Howth whose harbour had suffered from silting and the need for frequent dredging.
  • 1831 - Royal Irish Yacht Club founded
  • 1837 - saw the creation of Victoria Wharf, since renamed St. Michael's Wharf with the D&KR extended and a new terminus created convenient to the wharf.[8] The extended line had cut a chord across the old harbour with the landward pool so created later filled in.
  • 1838 - Royal St George Yacht Club founded
  • 1842 - By this time the largest man-made harbour in Western Europe had been completed with the construction of the East Pier lighthouse.
  • 1855 - The harbour was further enhanced by the completion of Traders Wharf in 1855 and Carlisle Pier in 1856. The mid-1850s also saw the completion of the West Pier lighthouse. The railway was connected to Bray in 1856
  • 1871 - National Yacht Club founded
  • 1884 - Dublin Bay Sailing Club founded
  • 1918 - The Mailboat, “The RMS Leinster” sailed out of Dún Laoghaire with 685 people on board. 22 were post office workers sorting the mail; 70 were crew and the vast majority of the passengers were soldiers returning to the battlefields of World War I. The ship was torpedoed by a German U-boat near the Kish lighthouse killing many of those onboard.
  • 1920 - Kingstown reverted to the name Dún Laoghaire in 1920 and in 1924 the harbour was officially renamed "Dun Laoghaire Harbour"
  • 1944 - a diaphone fog signal was installed at the East Pier
  • 1965 - Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club founded
  • 1968 - The East Pier lighthouse station switched from vapourised paraffin to electricity, and became unmanned. The new candle-power was 226,000
  • 1977- A flying boat landed in Dun Laoghaire Harbour, one of the most unusual visitors
  • 1978 - Irish National Sailing School founded
  • 1934 - saw the Dublin and Kingstown Railway begin operations from their terminus at Westland Row to a terminus at the West Pier which began at the old harbour
  • 2001 - Dun Laoghaire Marina opens with 500 berths
  • 2015 - Ferry services cease bringing to an end a 200-year continuous link with Wales.
  • 2017- Bicentenary celebrations and time capsule laid.
  • 2018 - Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company dissolved, the harbour is transferred into the hands of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council

From East pier to West Pier the waterfront clubs are:

  • National Yacht Club. Read latest NYC news here
  • Royal St. George Yacht Club. Read latest RSTGYC news here
  • Royal Irish Yacht Club. Read latest RIYC news here
  • Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club. Read latest DMYC news here

 

The umbrella organisation that organises weekly racing in summer and winter on Dublin Bay for all the yacht clubs is Dublin Bay Sailing Club. It has no clubhouse of its own but operates through the clubs with two x Committee vessels and a starters hut on the West Pier. Read the latest DBSC news here.

The sailing community is a key stakeholder in Dún Laoghaire. The clubs attract many visitors from home and abroad and attract major international sailing events to the harbour.

 

Dun Laoghaire Regatta

Dun Laoghaire's biennial town regatta was started in 2005 as a joint cooperation by the town's major yacht clubs. It was an immediate success and is now in its eighth edition and has become Ireland's biggest sailing event. The combined club's regatta is held in the first week of July.

  • Attracts 500 boats and more from overseas and around the country
  • Four-day championship involving 2,500 sailors with supporting family and friends
  • Economic study carried out by the Irish Marine Federation estimated the economic value of the 2009 Regatta at €2.5 million

The dates for the 2021 edition of Ireland's biggest sailing event on Dublin Bay is: 8-11 July 2021. More details here

Dun Laoghaire-Dingle Offshore Race

The biennial Dun Laoghaire to Dingle race is a 320-miles race down the East coast of Ireland, across the south coast and into Dingle harbour in County Kerry. The latest news on the Dun Laoghaire to Dingle Race can be found by clicking on the link here. The race is organised by the National Yacht Club.

The 2021 Race will start from the National Yacht Club on Wednesday 9th, June 2021.

Round Ireland Yacht Race

This is a Wicklow Sailing Club race but in 2013 the Garden County Club made an arrangement that sees see entries berthed at the RIYC in Dun Laoghaire Harbour for scrutineering prior to the biennial 704–mile race start off Wicklow harbour. Larger boats have been unable to berth in the confines of Wicklow harbour, a factor WSC believes has restricted the growth of the Round Ireland fleet. 'It means we can now encourage larger boats that have shown an interest in competing but we have been unable to cater for in Wicklow' harbour, WSC Commodore Peter Shearer told Afloat.ie here. The race also holds a pre-ace launch party at the Royal Irish Yacht Club.

Laser Masters World Championship 2018

  • 301 boats from 25 nations

Laser Radial World Championship 2016

  • 436 competitors from 48 nations

ISAF Youth Worlds 2012

  • The Youth Olympics of Sailing run on behalf of World Sailing in 2012.
  • Two-week event attracting 61 nations, 255 boats, 450 volunteers.
  • Generated 9,000 bed nights and valued at €9 million to the local economy.

The Harbour Police are authorised by the company to police the harbour and to enforce and implement bye-laws within the harbour, and all regulations made by the company in relation to the harbour.

There are four ship/ferry berths in Dun Laoghaire:

  • No 1 berth (East Pier)
  • No 2 berth (east side of Carlisle Pier)
  • No 3 berth (west side of Carlisle Pier)
  • No 4 berth  (St, Michaels Wharf)

Berthing facilities for smaller craft exist in the town's 800-berth marina and on swinging moorings.

© Afloat 2020