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Displaying items by tag: Mini 650

With a target of this season's 220 nautical mile French Solo Trophée Map race, Dublin Bay offshore sailor Mark O'Connor has launched a Mini 650 campaign.

The 23-year-old UCD engineering student has entry into the 2023 Mini Transat as the main aim of his solo move.

A regular crewman racing on Chris Power Smith's J122 Aurelia in the ISORA Series, O'Connor learned to sail in the National Yacht Club junior section where is he is now an active member of the East Pier club's U25 section.

Mark O'Connor's new boat is an American built Pogo 2 type Mini 650, hull number 840Mark O'Connor's boat is a Pogo 2 type Mini 650, hull number 840 that is now on the water in Dublin Bay

O'Connor's boat is an American built Pogo 2 type Mini 650, hull number 840. It was purchased in Barcelona and transported to France before travelling by ferry to Dublin.

O'Connor plans to work on 'learning the boat' and how to sail it, before competing in the mini regatta series with the aim of qualifying for the Mini Transat.

O'Connor's Mini 650 on her way to DublinThe new NYC-based Mini 650 on her way to Dublin

Published in Solo Sailing
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#solosailing – It seems there's nothing a helicopter can't handle in terms of recovery, even in a worst case scenario like the one above.This successful salvage lift of a Pogo 2 Mini 6.50 was completed at Bovisands beach on the east side of Plymouth Sound in Devon, England. That's a 430 kilogram keel too! 

Published in Solo Sailing
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About Foyle Port

Foyle Port, located in the North West region of Northern Ireland, is estimated to handle around 2 million tonnes of cargo per year, with a trade value of approximately £1 billion. The port plays a crucial role in facilitating the import of essential agri-products, supporting around 20,000 farms in the region, as well as various local business sectors such as fuel/oil and construction industries. The organisation supports an estimated 1000 direct and indirect jobs.

Originally located in the bustling heart of Derry City, the Commissioners relocated the port to its current deep-water location at Lisahally in 1993. The terminal boasts an impressive 440 metres of quay and can accommodate large vessels of up to 62,000 DWT. Foyle Port is primarily a bulk port and a significant importer of essential commodities such as oil, coal, animal feed, fertiliser, and plywood, all of which are vital for the North West rural region.

Since 2003, the organisation has experienced significant growth, doubling both turnover and profit and attracting approximately £100 million of inward investment to the region. This investment has supported projects, including a fertiliser plant, an oil tank farm, and a biomass power station.

Established by Act of Parliament in 1854, the Londonderry Port & Harbour Commissioners is an independent statutory authority with a duty to develop, maintain and operate to the highest standards of efficiency, financial prudence, environmental awareness, safety, and security. The Port is independent of the Government and is self-financing. All financial surpluses are reinvested in the business for the benefit of future generations of stakeholders.