What is the Naval Service?

The Naval Service is the Irish State's principal seagoing agency with "a general responsibility to meet contingent and actual maritime defence requirements". It is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles.

Where is the Naval Service based?

The Naval Service is based in Ringaskiddy, Cork harbour, with headquarters in the Defence Forces headquarters in Dublin.

What does the Naval Service do?

The Naval Service provides the maritime component of the Irish State's defence capabilities and is the State's principal seagoing agency. It "protects Ireland's interests at and from the sea, including lines of communication, fisheries and offshore resources" within the Irish exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The Naval Service operates jointly with the Army and Air Corps as part of the Irish defence forces.

When was the Naval Service formed?

The Naval Service was established in 1946, replacing the Marine and Coastwatching Service set up in 1939. It had replaced the Coastal and Marine Service, the State's first marine service after independence, which was disbanded after a year. Its only ship was the Muirchú, formerly the British armed steam yacht Helga, which had been used by the Royal Navy to shell Dublin during the 1916 Rising. In 1938, Britain handed over the three "treaty" ports of Cork harbour, Bere haven and Lough Swilly.

How many ships are in the Naval Service?

The Naval Service has nine ships - one Helicopter Patrol Vessel (HPV), three Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV), two Large Patrol Vessel (LPV) and two Coastal Patrol Vessels (CPV). Each vessel is equipped with State of the art machinery, weapons, communications and navigation systems.

What are the Irish Navy ship's names?

The ships' names are prefaced with the title of Irish ship or "long Éireannach" (LE). The older ships bear Irish female names - LÉ Eithne, LÉ Orla, LÉ Ciara, LÉ Roisín, and LÉ Niamh. The newer ships, named after male Irish literary figures, are LÉ Samuel Beckett, LÉ James Joyce, LÉ William Butler Yeats and LÉ George Bernard Shaw.

Are Irish Naval Service ships armed?

Yes. The 76mm Oto Melara medium calibre naval armament is the most powerful weapon in the Naval Services arsenal. The 76mm is "capable of engaging naval targets at a range of up to 17km with a high level of precision, ensuring that the Naval Service can maintain a range advantage over all close-range naval armaments and man-portable weapon systems", according to the Defence Forces.

How is the fleet managed and maintained?

The Fleet Operational Readiness Standards and Training (FORST) unit is responsible for the coordination of the fleet needs. Ships are maintained at the Mechanical Engineering and Naval Dockyard Unit at Ringaskiddy, Cork harbour.

Who is the head of the Irish Naval Service?

The Flag Officer Commanding Naval Service (FOCNS) is Commodore Michael Malone. The head of the Defence Forces is a former Naval Service flag officer, now Vice-Admiral Mark Mellett – appointed in 2015 and the first Naval Service flag officer to hold this senior position. The Flag Officer oversees Naval Operations Command, which is tasked with the conduct of all operations afloat and ashore by the Naval Service including the operations of Naval Service ships. The Naval Operations Command is split into different sections, including Operations HQ and Intelligence and Fishery Section.

What is the Intelligence and Fishery Section of the Irish Naval Service?

The Intelligence and Fishery Section is responsible for Naval Intelligence, the Specialist Navigation centre, the Fishery Protection supervisory and information centre, and the Naval Computer Centre. The Naval Intelligence Cell is responsible for the collection, collation and dissemination of naval intelligence. The Navigation Cell is the naval centre for navigational expertise.

What is the Fishery Monitoring Centre?

The Fishery Monitoring Centre provides for fishery data collection, collation, analysis and dissemination to the Naval Service and client agencies, including the State's Sea Fisheries Protection Agency. The centre also supervises fishery efforts in the Irish EEZ and provides data for the enhanced effectiveness of fishery protection operations, as part of the EU Common Fisheries Policy. The Naval Computer Centre provides information technology (IT) support service to the Naval Service ashore and afloat.

How are shore operations managed?

This headquarters includes specific responsibility for the Executive/Operations Branch duties. The Naval Service Operations Room is a coordination centre for all NS current Operations. The Naval Service Reserve Staff Officer is responsible for the supervision, regulation and training of the reserve. The Diving section is responsible for all aspects of Naval diving and the provision of a diving service to the Naval Service and client agencies. The Ops Security Section is responsible for the coordination of base security and the coordination of all shore-based security parties operating away from the Naval base. The Naval Base Comcen is responsible for the running of a communications service. Boat transport is under the control of Harbour Master Naval Base, who is responsible for the supervision of berthage at the Naval Base and the provision of a boat service, including the civilian manned ferry service from Haulbowline.

Does the Naval Service undertake overseas missions?

Naval Service ships have undertaken trade and supply missions abroad, and personnel have served as peacekeepers with the United Nations. In 2015, Naval Service ships were sent on rotation to rescue migrants in the Mediterranean as part of a bi-lateral arrangement with Italy, known as Operation Pontus. Naval Service and Army medical staff rescued some 18,000 migrants, either pulling people from the sea or taking them off small boats, which were often close to capsizing having been towed into open water and abandoned by smugglers. Irish ships then became deployed as part of EU operations in the Mediterranean, but this ended in March 2019 amid rising anti-immigrant sentiment in the EU.

How can I join the Irish Naval Service?

Essentially, you have to be Irish, young (less than 32), in good physical and mental health and with normal vision. You must be above 5'2″, and your weight should be in keeping with your age.

Are there women in the Naval Service?

Yes, women have been recruited since 1995. One of the first two female cadets, Roberta O'Brien from the Glen of Aherlow in Co Tipperary, became its first female commander in September 2020. Sub Lieutenant Tahlia Britton from Donegal also became the first female diver in the navy's history in the summer of 2020.

What is a Naval Service Officer cadet?

A naval cadet enlists for a cadetship to become an officer in the Defence Forces. After successfully completing training at the Naval Service College, a cadet is commissioned into the officer ranks of the Naval Service as a Ensign or Sub Lieutenant.

What training is involved in becoming a Naval Service officer cadet?

A cadet trains for approximately two years duration divided into different stages. The first year is spent in military training at the Naval Base in Haulbowline, Cork. The second-year follows a course set by the National Maritime College of Ireland course. At the end of the second year and on completion of exams, and a sea term, the cadets will be qualified for the award of a commission in the Permanent Defence Force as Ensign.

What qualifications are required to become a cadet?

A cadet trains for approximately two years duration divided into different stages. The first year is spent in military training at the Naval Base in Haulbowline, Cork. The second-year follows a course set by the National Maritime College of Ireland course. At the end of the second year and on completion of exams, and a sea term, the cadets will be qualified for the award of a commission in the Permanent Defence Force as Ensign. The Defence Forces say it is looking for people who have "the ability to plan, prioritise and organise", to "carefully analyse problems, in order to generate appropriate solutions, who have "clear, concise and effective communication skills", and the ability to "motivate others and work with a team". More information is on the 2020 Qualifications Information Leaflet.

When can I apply to become a Naval Service cadet?

When you are 18 years of age or over and under 26 years of age on the date mentioned in the notice for the current competition, the officer cadet competition is held annually and is the only way for potential candidates to join the Defence Forces to become a Naval Service officer. Candidates undergo psychometric and fitness testing, an interview and a medical exam.

Where is the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI)?

The NMCI was built beside the Naval Service base at Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, and was the first third-level college in Ireland to be built under the Government's Public-Private Partnership scheme. The public partners are the Naval Service and Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) and the private partner is Focus Education.

What is a Naval Service recruit?

A Naval Service recruit enlists for general service in the "Other Ranks" of the Defence Forces. After successfully completing the initial recruit training course, a recruit passes out as an Ordinary Seaman and will then go onto their branch training course before becoming qualified as an Able Body sailor in the Naval Service.

What qualifications are required to become a Naval Service recruit?

No formal education qualifications are required to join the Defence Forces as a recruit. You need to satisfy the interview board and the recruiting officer that you possess a sufficient standard of education for service in the Defence Forces.

What training is involved in becoming a Naval Service recruit?

Recruit training is 18 weeks in duration and is designed to "develop a physically fit, disciplined and motivated person using basic military and naval skills" to "prepare them for further training in the service. Recruits are instilled with the Naval Service ethos and the values of "courage, respect, integrity and loyalty".

What is a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) career training?

On the progression up through the various ranks, an Able Rate will have to complete a number of career courses to provide them with training to develop their skills in a number of areas, such as leadership and management, administration and naval/military skills. The first of these courses is the Naval Service Potential NCO course, followed by the Naval Service Standard NCO course and the Naval Service senior NCO course. This course qualifies successful candidates of Petty officer (or Senior Petty Officer) rank to fill the rank of Chief Petty Officer upwards. The successful candidate may also complete and graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership, Management and Naval Studies in partnership with Cork Institute of Technology.

What is pay like in the Naval Service?

Pay has long been an issue for just the Naval Service, at just over 1,000 personnel. Cadets and recruits are required to join the single public service pension scheme, which is a defined benefit scheme, based on career-average earnings. For current rates of pay, see the Department of Defence website

Displaying items by tag: 420

19th April 2024

Irish Team Selected From Six Clubs for the 2024 International 420 Open European Championships

The Irish 420 Dinghy Class Association announces the pairings to represent Ireland at the 2024 Open International 420 European Championships.

Unlike some other youth boats, the 420 Worlds and Junior Europeans are closed events due to the sheer numbers of boats that would enter from several nations around the world. This means that sailors need to be selected to represent Ireland at these events. When a world championship is held in the southern hemisphere, as in Brazil in January 2024, a complementary Open Championship is held in the northern hemisphere. Open events do not have an age limit but the same qualification criteria apply.

Competing at the recent Waterman Kelly Irish Sailing Youth Nationals 2024, hosted at the Royal Cork Yacht Club, was the primary basis for team selection. With four places on the 2024 International 420 team on offer, competition was intense for the opportunity to represent Ireland at the summer 420 International European events.

The crews selected were as follows:-

Max Sweetman and Fionn Lynch Clubs: Wexford Harbour Boat and Tennis Club / Waterford Harbour Sailing Club
Cora McNaughton and Sean Cronin Clubs: Blessington Sailing Club / Malahide Yacht Club
Caoimhe Corkery and Lucy Moynan Club: Kinsale Yacht Club
Isha Duggan and Tommy Hiras: Club: Royal Cork Yacht Club

The 2024 Open International 420 European Championship will take place in the charming coastal town of Portorož, Slovenia this July. With six days of racing, the Ireland team will have a chance to compete against top double-handed sailors from around the world.

Behind every successful team stands a dedicated coaching staff which will be led by seasoned sailor Graeme Grant and experienced 420 campaigner Cara McDowell. Their aim is to help the team further master the nuances of their high-performance two-person dinghies. From Wexford to Kinsale, six clubs across the country are represented, showing the growing interest in the International 420 being a recognition that it is well suited for Irish conditions.

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17th February 2024

Blessington Sailing Club 420 Duo are Munster Champions at Kinsale Harbour (Photo Gallery)

Blessington Sailing Club's Cora McNaughton and Sean Cronin emerged as the victorious duo, clinching the top spot with a lead of four points in the 420 Munster Championships held at Kinsale Yacht Club on Saturday.

The championships, which attracted a fleet of 20 boats, were largely youth-based and were raced over six races with one discard on Friday and Saturday. The competitors had undergone intensive mid-term coaching sessions at the West Cork harbour in preparation for the event.

The 420 Munster Championships held at Kinsale Yacht Club attracted a fleet of 20 boats Photo: Bob Bateman

Second place was secured by Waterford Harbour Sailing Club's Max Sweetman and Fionn Lynch, who finished the championship with nine points. Galway Bay Sailing Club's Sean Lemonnier and Killian Mathieu had to settle for third place with a score of 16.

The races were held in some challenging conditions with heavy rain squalls, but the participants navigated the quad courses set by Kinsale Principal Race Officer John Stallard with great skill and precision.

Overall, it was a thrilling and competitive event that showcased the best sailing talent from across eight Irish yacht clubs.

420 Munster Championships held at Kinsale Yacht Club Photo Gallery by Bob Bateman

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12th February 2024

Kinsale Yacht Club Hosts Annual Irish 420 Dinghy Spring Training

Kinsale Yacht Club is again hosting the annual Craftinsure Irish International 420 Dinghy Spring Training, marking the start of a new sailing season for the fleet.

The event started on Monday, 12th February and will conclude with the 420 Munster Championships scheduled for Friday and Saturday, 16th and 17th February.

With 20 boats in attendance, the sailors are ready to focus on practical training and improvement. Coaching is led by Graham Grant, supported by Cara McDowell, Daniel Thompson, Aly O'Sullivan, and Jack McDowell. The training promises four days of intensive coaching for the fleet. The coaching team boasts a wealth of experience, ensuring that the participants receive guidance rooted in the nuances of this high-performance two-person dinghy.

Throughout the week, sailors will focus on refining their rigging and boat-handling skills while setting goals for the upcoming season. The coaching plan is geared towards tangible improvement, ensuring a solid foundation for competitive sailing.

Après sailing activities include the annual sailor and parent dinner, followed by nautically themed activities, which will be a great way to bring the 420 sailing community together.

Organised by the Irish 420 Association, the Kinsale training is an open invitation to all 420 sailors, regardless of their level of experience

The 420 Munster Championships, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, 16th and 17th February, have already seen 18 boats enter and promise to be a very competitive affair. Spectators can watch from Charles and James forts, offering a scenic view of the racing action.

Organised by the Irish 420 Association, the Kinsale training is an open invitation to all 420 sailors, regardless of their level of experience. The class looks forward to welcoming sailors, coaches, and parents to this practical and focused event. Everyone is looking forward to fair weather and a successful week of training and sailing for all participants.

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8th November 2023

Sweetman & Lynch Take 420 Ulster Championship At Lough Ree Yacht Club

Navigating November weather can be a stern test for regional championship events, yet the 420 dinghy fleet returned to Lough Ree Yacht Club on Ireland's inland waters for the second consecutive weekend, where they were met with ideal 420 sailing conditions. With fifteen boats competing in what was traditionally a poorly attended end-of-season event, the 420 fleet is showing a resurgence of interest.

Lough Ree also hosted the 420 fleet over the previous bank holiday week for their annual late autumn three-day intensive training camp meticulously overseen by Graeme Grant and supported by Cara McDowell and a team of experienced 420 coaches. The forty-two participating sailors had the opportunity to perfect their processes and chart a winter training and boat work plan with the coaches.

During the intervening week, the initial weather forecast was ominous, but thankfully, Lough Ree was spared Storm Ciaran. As the sailors gathered on Saturday morning, they were met with a direct north wind and waves coursing down Lough Ree. These conditions led to competitive races and a fair share of capsizes for the silver fleet in the squalls. Race officer Garrett Leech organised three races on an Olympic triangle course, with Cora McNaughton (BSC) and Sean Cronin (MYC) leading with two race wins over Sean Lemonnier and Killian Mathieu (GBSC) at the end of racing on Saturday.

Sunday brought steadier winds, calmer waters, sunshine, and showers. After three more races, the Waterford Harbour duo of Max Sweetman and Fionn Lynch moved from third place overnight, taking three bullets to win Gold Fleet and the new Ulster Bowl Trophy. Cora McNaughton (Blessington Sailing Club) and Sean Cronin (Malahide Yacht Club) took second place, and Sean Lemonier and Killian Mathieu (Galway Bay Sailing Club) finished third.

Max Sweetman and Fionn Lynch were the Gold Fleet winners of the 420 Ulster Championships held at Lough Ree Yacht Club

Cora McNaughton and Sean Cronin were second in Gold Fleet at the 2023 420 Ulster Championships held at Lough Ree Yacht Club

Sean Lemonnier and Killian Mathieu of Galway Bay Sailing Club were third in Gold Fleet at the 2023 420 Ulster Championships held at Lough Ree Yacht Club

The Silver Fleet category was a hotly contested affair between the eleven boats and the new Royal Cork YC pairing of Isha Duggan and Tommy Hiras, holding off Galway Bay SC Eoin Morrin and Owen Cosgrave by two points overnight but pulling clear on Sunday with two fourths to take the Silver Fleet Bowl. Kinsale YC / Royal Cork YCs Caoimhe Corkery and Lucy Moynan were second, and Eoin Morrin and Owen Cosgrave took the third spot.

Isha Duggan and Tommy Hiras of Royal Cork were winners of the silver fleet of the 2023 420 Ulster Championships held at Lough Ree Yacht Club

Caoimhe Corkery and Lucy Moynan of KYC/RCYC were second in the silver fleet of the 2023 420 Ulster Championships held at Lough Ree Yacht Club

Eoin Morrin and Owen Cosgrove of GBSC were third in the silver fleet of the 2023 420 Ulster Championships held at Lough Ree Yacht Club

"Lough Ree Yacht Club were superb hosts, sincere thanks to the volunteers on and off the water: said 420 President Martina Whyte.

It was great to witness an influx of new sailors joining the fleet, and coaching and racing are underway for all 420 regions throughout the country for the winter season. To echo the words of Seamus Heaney, “If we winter this one out, we can summer anywhere.” Exciting times for the 420 fleet in the season ahead, she added.

The next event on the 420 Calendar is the Munster Championships, with training at Kinsale Yacht Club during the February mid-term school holiday.

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25th October 2023

20 Boat Line Up for Halloween 420 Training Camp at Lough Ree Yacht Club

The 420 fleet will gather in Lough Ree Yacht Club this bank holiday weekend for the annual late autumn three-day intensive training camp under the watchful eye of Graeme Grant and supported by Cara McDowell and a team of experienced 420 coaches who are all ex 420 sailors themselves.

Lough Ree Yacht Club is a popular choice for this event, with teams travelling from Malahide, Waterford, Royal Cork, Kinsale, and three Galway clubs (Cumann Seoltóireachta an Spidéil, Galway City, and Galway Bay Sailing Clubs) joining local Lough Ree sailors. The club offers great facilities and even camping options for those feeling adventurous at this time of year.

The sheltered lake setting will provide plenty of opportunities for sailors to stretch their skills, and the coaching team has designed a comprehensive training schedule to support sailors at all levels in developing their skills.

The coaches will be working with each team to help them implement a winter training plan to be match-ready for the Training week and Munster Championship in Kinsale in February 2024 and Youth Nationals later in the Spring.

Although intense, beyond the training, there's time for sailors and their parents to connect with those from other clubs and enjoy some off-water activities. There's even talk of watching the Rugby World Cup final, with friendly competition among New Zealand and South African sailors amongst the fleet adding to the banter.

The 420 Class Association organises the LRYC training weekend, and it is open training for all 420 sailors regardless of their level of experience in the boat. The main goal is to provide quality training to the sailors and support the 420 Class Coaches to learn new techniques to take back to their clubs.

'Ulster' Championship

After the training weekend, the 420 "Ulster" Championship takes place on the following weekend (November 4th and 5th), also at Lough Ree Yacht Club, reducing the environmental impact of moving boats around the country.

The 420 Class Association and the team at Lough Ree Yacht Club is excited to welcome as many sailors as possible to these two weekends of 420 action.

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21st August 2023

McNaughton and Cronin Clinch Victory at 2023 420 National Championships at Dunmore East

Waterford Harbour was the host of the 2023 International 420 National Championships alongside the Fireball National Championships. Despite weather predictions, eighteen competitive International 420 teams converged in Dunmore East, with several new pairings joining the ranks after a bustling summer season. The event was held from August 18 and 19, and the sailors had to overcome several challenges that included rough sea conditions and excessive wind speeds.

Race Officer Michael Conway overcame the challenge of fast approaching weather system run off one windward leeward race while conditions allowed on Friday. Disturbed sea conditions and excessive windspeeds sent the fleet ashore after one race. The sailors were advised to lower their masts in preparation for an anticipated stormy evening. Boats were quickly secured – masts down, wheels off, and hulls firmly tied down. The decision to cancel Saturday's races due to persistent rough sea conditions was met with little surprise.

Sunday dawned with classic Dunmore East conditions, large rolling waves and 13-20 knot breeze in brilliant sunshine, elements that showcase the 420 boat speed and agility in wind and wave. Race Officer Michael Conway and his team charted an Olympic triangle course, leading to three intense races.

Cora McNaughton and Sean Cronin rebounded from an early setback – a black flag disqualification in the first race – to clinch the National title. Consistent sailing from Galway Bay Sailing Club's Sean Lemonier and Killian Mathieu earned them a solid second place, just two points shy of the leaders. Malahide duo, Kate Campion and Amalie Soffee, secured the third spot and claimed the Lyttle Trophy as the top female pairing for the third year in a row.

Second in the 2023 International 420 National Championships Gold Fleet were Sean Lemonier and Killian Mathieu from Galway Bay Sailing Club

Kate Campion and Amalie Soffee, Third in Gold Fleet and the top female pairing at the 2023 International 420 National Championships

In the Silver Fleet category, local duo Christopher Plant and Max Passberger secured first place. Pierce and Phelim Hanley from Kinsale Yacht Club claimed second place, while Isabelle Passberger and Sarah Clooney took home the third spot. Cora McNaughton will now represent the 420 Class at the upcoming Irish Sailing Junior Champions' Cup 2023 scheduled for late September in Schull.

First in Silver fleet at the 420 National Championships were Christopher Plant and Max Passberger Waterford Harbour Sailing Club

Second in Silver fleet at the 420 National Championships were Pierce and Phelim Hanley from Kinsale Yacht Club

Third in Silver fleet at the 420 National Championships were Isabelle Passberger and Sarah Clooney, Waterford Harbour Sailing Club

Race Organiser Mark Kettle, 420 Organisers Fiona Passberger and Ceara Sweetman, staff, and volunteers were appreciated for their tireless efforts in organizing an outstanding event both on and off the water. The 420 Class extends its appreciation to the Waterford Harbour Sailing Club and the local community for their unprecedented support and provision of a safe haven for sailors and their families when initial camping plans were disrupted by adverse conditions.

The next event on the 420 Calendar will be the Ulster Championships and Mid-term training during the October Bank and Mid-term holiday.

The 2023 International 420 National Championships was a success, with the sailors showcasing their talents despite the challenges.

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25th July 2023

Malahide Yacht Club's Campion and Soffee Take Gold at 420 Leinster Championships on Lough Derg

The picturesque waters of Lough Derg came alive as Killaloe Sailing Club hosted the inaugural joint event of the 420 Leinster Championships and the Fireball Munsters. The weekend proved to be a resounding success, with fourteen 420s and fifteen Fireballs taking to the water. This Lough Derg venue also proved a lovely introduction for the new young 420 sailors to experience their first regatta, and the camaraderie and support among the participants created an encouraging and inspiring atmosphere throughout the event.

Overcoming a less-than-ideal forecast of light airs and rain, race officer Liam Maloney displayed expertise and perseverance, delivering one race on Saturday in a fickle breeze using an Olympic triangle course. Sunday dawned again with a decent enough breeze, but when the competitors got to the starting area, that had vaporised. However, the sailors' patience was duly rewarded when a very decent northerly wind, between twelve to seventeen knots, set the stage for three thrilling and closely-contested races on a windward-leeward course.

Kate Campion and Amalie Soffee from Malahide Yacht Club claimed the gold, while Max Sweetman from Waterford Harbour Sailing Club and Roisin Mitchell Ward from Galway Bay Sailing Club secured a close second position. Sean Lemonier and Killian Mathieu, also from Galway Bay Sailing Club, secured the third spot.

2nd in gold fleet at the 420 Leinster Championships were Roisin Mitchell Ward and Max Sweetman with John Callanan, Commodore of Killaloe Sailing Club Second in gold fleet at the 420 Leinster Championships were Roisin Mitchell Ward and Max Sweetman with John Callanan, Commodore of Killaloe Sailing Club

3rd in Gold fleet gold fleet at the 420 Leinster Championships were Killian Mathieu and Sean Lemonier Third in Gold fleet gold fleet at the 420 Leinster Championships were Killian Mathieu and Sean Lemmonier

Sarah Whyte from Lough Ree Yacht Club and Keelan Darby from Howth Yacht Club took home the honours in the Silver Fleet, while Eoin Morrin and Owen Cosgrave, both from Galway Bay Sailing Club, narrowly missed out on countback, in second. Charlie Donald and James Harvey of Cumann Seoltoireachta an Spideal claimed the third.

First in Silver fleet at the 420 Leinster Championships were Keelan Darby (HYC) and Sarah Whyte (LRYC)

Second in Silver fleet at the 420 Leinster Championships were Eoin Morrin and Owen Cosgrave both GBSC

Third in Silver fleet at the 420 Leinster Championships were Charlie Donald and James Harvey of Cumann Seoltoireachta an Spideal

The hospitality of John Callanan, Commodore of Killaloe Sailing Club, and the dedicated team of volunteers was second to none. Their warm welcome, hospitality and excellent facilities not only catered to the needs of the sailors but also accommodated a plethora of tents and camper vans, adding a delightful social aspect to the weekend.

The upcoming 420 National Championship at Waterford Harbour Sailing Club, scheduled for 18th to 20th August, promises more excitement as it welcomes the 420 fleet and the Fireball fleet again.

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21st July 2023

420s and Fireball Dinghies Race for Leinster and Munster Honours at Killaloe Sailing Club

An inaugural joint event will see the Fireball Munster Championship and International 420 Leinster Championships 2023 come together on the waters of lower Lough Derg.

Over 30 double-handed performance dinghies, including Fireballs and International 420s, are expected from July 22 to 23.

Jim Ryan, the Commodore of Killaloe Sailing Club, emphasised the significance of this occasion, saying, "We're excited to witness the Fireball and 420 fleets together on the same waters and warmly welcome sailors to this scenic part of Co Clare for a great weekend of sailing. Plenty of space for camping and motor homes which makes Killaloe sailing club a low-cost venue for regattas. Wishing everyone all the best of luck on the water.”

Fireball Class Association chairman Neil Cramer warmly welcomed the joint hosting event by Killaloe SC in its new club premises on Lough Derg. "This is a perfect match of classes, representing a win-win for all involved. For clubs it makes perfect sense to host compatible classes together for logistical and economic reasons and is the way forward for sustainable regattas in Ireland. Fireballers are delighted once again to visit Killaloe SC for their penultimate regional event of the year and of particular interest this weekend is the large crop of younger sailors competing in Fireballs."

"Plenty of space for camping and motor homes which makes Killaloe sailing club a low-cost venue for regattas"

The 420 class has been a stepping stone for many young sailors, with several transitioning to compete in the Fireball category during their college years and beyond. Notably, Cara McDowell, Daniel Thompson, Henry Thompson and Hugo Mika, all 420 class coaches, will be participating in the Fireball races this weekend, a testament to the symbiotic relationship between the two classes.

The 420 class - a stepping stone for the Fireballs

Martina Whyte, the President of the Irish 420 Association, expressed her gratitude towards Killaloe Sailing Club and Race Officer Liam Maloney (LDYC) for hosting this event. She shared her excitement, looking forward to thrilling tactical racing and the opportunity to renew sailing acquaintances with their Fireball counterparts. Alongside the sailors familiar with the Shannon waters from Lough Ree Yacht Club, a fleet of sailors from 420 strongholds in Galway, Spiddal, Malahide, Kinsale, and Waterford are expected to compete. This event also serves as a warm-up for the upcoming 420 and Fireball National Championships, again to be jointly hosted in Waterford Harbour, scheduled for August.

The regatta will kick off on Saturday, July 22, with the first gun firing just after noon. Commodore Jim Ryan extended a warm invitation to all sailing enthusiasts and spectators to come and watch the racing.

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420

26th June 2023

Champagne Sailing For 420 Connacht Championships Hosted by Cumann Seoltóireachta an Spidéil

In “champagne” sailing conditions, Max Sweetman of Waterford Harbour SC and Roisin Mitchell Ward of Galway Bay SC (GBSC) took gold at the 420 class Connacht sailing championships off An Spidéal, Co Galway, over the weekend.

Sweetman and Mitchell Ward will be competing in the Junior European 420 Championships in Poland, taking their skills honed in the Atlantic to the Baltic Sea.

Sean Lemonier and Killian Mathieu, both of GBSC, came second in the gold fleet, followed by club mates Robert Donnelly and Ella Wilkinson in third place.

Ava McCarthy and James Malone, both of Galway City SC, were first in the silver fleet, while Sarah Whyte (Lough Ree YC) and Amelia O’Donnell (Malahide YC) were second in silver.

Arthur Kelly and Malachy Kinsella, both GBSC, took third in the silver fleet.

Charlie Donald and James Harvey of host club, Cumann Seoltóireachta an Spidéil (CSS), were just a discard score away from a gong in the silver fleet.

The fleet of 12 entrants initially launched in challenging south-westerly winds off the beach at An Spidéil's Sean Céibh on Saturday, but the wind went westerly and provided for ideal racing over the two days.

Seven races in all were run by race officer Stephen O’Gorman, assisted by Mark White.

Gordon Davies, also on the committee boat, ran an off-water tuition session on sailing etiquette, rules of racing and how to behave in the protest room.

It was followed by a highly successful barbeque hosted by club commodore Eoin Ó Conghaíle, Collette Ó Conghaíle and a CSS club team, with music by Sadhbh Laila Riggott and Kate Ó Conghaíle.

CSS sailors Kate O Conghaile and Sadhbh Laila Riggott providing music at the 420 Connacht Championship barbeque

Race marks were provided by Tiernan O’Brien and liquid support for the barbeque was provided by An Spidéil’s Park Hotel.

Irish 420 Association president Martina Whyte expressed delight at the running of the regatta by a CSS shore and on-water team.

She paid tribute to all the sailors on “great close racing and sportsmanship on and off the water”.

She also paid tribute to CSS for “hosting a fantastic event, champagne sailing and superb hospitality” and thanked Gordon Davies for “generously sharing his vast knowledge and experience on and off water”.

420 Class Silver Fleet Connacht Sailing Championships - Top Three

3rd in the silver fleet at the 420 class Connacht sailing championships off An Spidéal, Co Galway, were Arthur Kelly (GBSC) and Malachy Kinsella (GBSC) with CSS commodore Eoin Ó Conghaíle who presented the prizes to the top crews in the gold and silver fleets (above and below)

2nd in the silver fleet at the 420 class Connacht sailing championships off An Spidéal, Co Galway were Sarah Whyte (LRYC) and Amelia O Donnell (MYC)

1st in the silver fleet at the 420 class Connacht sailing championships off An Spidéal, Co Galway were Ava McCarthy (GCSC) and James Malone (GCSC)

420 Class Gold Fleet Connacht Sailing Championships - Top Three

3rd in the Gold fleet at the 420 class Connacht sailing championships off An Spidéal, Co Galway, were Robert Donnelly (GBSC) and Ella Wilkinson (GBSC)

2nd in the Gold fleet at the 420 class Connacht sailing championships off An Spidéal, Co Galway were Sean Lemonier and Killian Mathieu, both of GBSC

1st in the gold fleet and 420 Connaught Champions off An Spidéal, Co Galway were Max Sweetman (WHSC) and Roisin Mitchell Ward (GBSC)

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21st June 2023

Strong 420 Fleet for Connacht Championships off An Spidéil, Galway This Weekend

A fleet of 420 dinghies will take to north Galway Bay off An Spidéal for the Connacht sailing championships this weekend (June 24/25).

The 420 dinghy is an open double-handed class, and many of the sailors are teenagers who then progress in other classes and up to Olympic level of competition.

Hosting the two-day event is Cumann Seoltóireachta an Spidéil (CSS), the local sailing club.

Irish 420 Association president Martina Whyte says that the class is “delighted to be invited back to (CSS), one of the oldest 420 specialist sailing clubs in the country and following in
the tradition of 420s along the west coast of Ireland”.

“Our last visit was in 2017, and our sailors are delighted to be returning to the west coast,” Whyte says.

The event “provides a unique opportunity for our young sailors to experience the Atlantic waves and, of course, the famous post-sailing BBQ”.

She says that the 420 class “teaches sailors how to sail in an environment of partnership which is a significant element in their development as a sailor (and as a person)”.

The 420 class association provides a series of annual domestic competitions and open-class coaching to encourage sailors to develop their skills.

In conjunction with the racing at An Spidéíl, Gordon Davies will give a talk on sailing etiquette, rules of racing and how to behave in the protest room.

“One of the aims of the class is to promote a high standard of sailing and racing whilst upholding fair and sportsmanlike conduct both on and off the water. We are looking forward to his words of wisdom,” Whyte says.

The local fleet 420s will be out in force and augmented by a travelling fleet from the other Connacht clubs, Galway Bay Sailing, Galway City Sailing Club and Lough Ree Yacht Club.

Whyte says that boats from Malahide Yacht Club and Waterford Harbour Sailing Club have also entered, so the event will truly be a national affair. She has paid tribute to race officer Stephen O’Gorman and the CSS team for hosting the event.

CSS commodore Eoin Ó Conghaíle said the club is “very excited to host the 420 Connacht Championships, kicking off just after 11 am on Saturday, June 24”.

“It should be a wonderful spectacle on the waters off An Spidéil pier, and all are welcome to come and watch and support the sailors”, Ó Conghaíle said.

Published in 420

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