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: RS

28th March 2024

RS Super Series 2024 Wraps up with Big Breeze on the Final Day at Dun Laoghaire

The now annual RS Super Series ran over the winter of 2023/2024, with racing open to the Waszp, RS Neo and RS Aero classes.

Unfortunately, the winds were never quite right for the Waszps, either too windy or not enough wind, so we never saw them out on the race courses for this series. Racing on the last day was held in particularly spicy conditions of 25kts+ last Saturday morning, while most other sailing and racing for that day was postponed or cancelled.

The Super Series format is designed to keep racing simple with a basic format that ensures quality racing with the minimum hassle and extras, like what club racing was in the past, keeping enjoyment levels up for as minimum a fee as possible. Racing is sprint-style races of 15-20 minutes in duration, allowing for up to 5 races a day starting at 945 am and then off the water by 12! This style of racing is perfect for keeping starting and racing skills alive for all sailors over the winter months.

The RS Neos joined the series this year; the Neo is essentially a cross between an Aero and RS Zest training boat. It is an ideal boat to bridge the gap between a training dinghy such as the Zest and a thoroughbred racer like the Aero. The Neo has a rotomolded hull and aluminium foils to give durability, yet it combines this with the carbon fibre rig of an Aero 6, allowing developing sailors to really see the effect of the primary sail controls and how they can affect the tuning of a modern single-handed sail.

In the fleet of 10 Aeros were a mix of 6 and 7-size rigs

In the fleet of 10 Aeros were a mix of 6 and 7-size rigs with the 6 rigs proving to be more and more popular amongst male and female sailors alike due to similar performance to the 7 in lighter winds but less hiking required in the heavy winds, in fact on the last race which was sailed in 25kts plus, Noel Butler sailing a 6 rig was first to the windward mark ahead of Thomas Chaix and Kenny Rumball who were both sailing with the larger 7 rigs but who were having to work much harder to keep the boat powering upwind.

Dedicated RS Aero sailors included head coach of the National Yacht Club Thomas Chaix, who bought his Aero during the series after a few test sails, which led him to commit to a boat due to the simplicity of sail, speed and ergonomics of the boat.

Thomas Chaix was victorious in the oldest boat of the fleet, proving the durability and robustness of the build and design of the Aero. Thomas had an almost perfect scoreline with his 7 rig despite only formally joining the fleet this winter. Noel Butler came in second sailing a 6 rig just ahead of Sarah Dwyer who was also sailing a 6 rig. Full results available below and here

The Aeros have a busy season ahead. The next series, the DBSC series, will kick off soon. The first regional event will be the nationals in Howth Yacht Club on June 15th and 16th.

Thomas Chaix was the RS Aero winner in the INSS RS Super Series and was presented with his prize by Muriel Rumball

RS Sailor Noel Butler

RS Sailor Stephen Oram

RS Sailor Damien Dion

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19th January 2024

Irish RS Dinghy Sailing Calendar Published for 2024

The 2024 Irish RS dinghy calendar has been updated to include five monthly headline events from May to September at two coastal and three inland venues.

At least three of the clubs provide on-site camping facilities to minimise the cost of countrywide campaigning for the dinghy class.

Tails are up in the Irish fleet with the news of three brand new boats arriving at the end of 2023 to join the established fleet of 25 RS200s and more than 40 RS400s in the country.

The season begins on May 4th/5th at a new venue at East Antrim Boat Club for the RS200/400 Northern Championships. New EABC Commodore Chris Dorman has expressed 'special excitement' about having the RS fleet at Larne, where "camping and great hospitality is guaranteed".

Just under a month later, a one-day sprint event on June 8th at Greystones Harbour also doubles as the RS200/400 Eastern Championships. The date has been set especially with those doing exams in mind and an ideal way to hone starting skills before many Irish boats head to France for the international Eurocup from 21-24 June.

From July 6/7th, the second RS Fest at Lough Derg Yacht Club will follow on from last year's success to incorporate the RS Feva, the RS 200/400, and RS Aeros.

The RS200/400s head north for a second time in August for the Irish National Championships at Carrickfergus SC on Belfast Lough for a three-day regatta from 9th to 11th.

Killaloe Sailing Club will host the final event of the year for the RS 200/400 Southerns on September 20/21.

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21st November 2023

RS Super Series Back on this Saturday at Dun Laoghaire Harbour

The RS Super Series is open to all RS boats, and the Waszps is back in action this Saturday, with racing also extended to the RS Neo.

The RS Aeros weren’t able to join the first weekend of the RS Super Series last month, as they were racing their final event of the year at the Eastern’s in Howth Yacht Club.

However, they are back in force this weekend for the Super Series run by RS agent MarineServices.ie

This series has always been well attended by the RS Aero class, with most sailors opting to sail during the winter with their 6 rig, allowing for the generally stronger winds experienced during the winter!

The Aero has proven to be one of the most sailed boats in Dublin Bay, with consistent active sailing in the DBSC summer series, DMYC frostbites and Super Series throughout the winter, proving the flexibility and addictiveness of the little boats.

With their all-carbon rig, the Aero responds well to the primary sail controls, allowing sailors to power and de-power their boats with little effort!

Joining the Aeros on Saturday will be the RS Neo. The Irish National Sailing Club has invested in the ‘baby Aero’ over the last number of years and now boasts a fleet of four boats. The Neo bridges the gap between a learn-to-sail dinghy such as the RS Zest and the lightweight racing Aero!

The Neo uses a durable, roto moulded hull with long-lasting aluminium foils yet has the all-carbon rig from the Aero 6. This allows sailors progressing from training classes to learn about the dynamic sail control that comes with carbon spars without worrying about damaging the lightweight Aero hull…

There are still opportunities to get involved! Marine Services has Aeros available for charter for the series; feel free to drop a mail to [email protected] if you want to get involved…

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9th November 2023

RS Winter Sailing is On Form!

November is here, and although some would call it winter sailing, conjuring images of hats, gloves, rain and all-round miserable sailing conditions, the reality is that the weather this time of the year is perfect for sailing! And not only sailing but RS Sailing, the world's biggest sailboat manufacturer, has something for everybody!

RS21 at the Turkey Shoot

In Dublin, there is the very successful and popular Turkey Shoot series in the run-up to Christmas. Kenny Rumball has swapped his trusty 1720 for the sporty RS21. The 21-footer from RS has already been seen in the bay competing throughout the summer series and in Dun Laoghaire week with some of the other boats that travelled far and wide to race. Kenny and his crew of instructors from the Irish National Sailing & Powerboat School were on form on Sunday. With a nice steady but at times windy Westerly breeze, the team sailed well to finish just behind the 1720s and one or two of the faster J109s. Sharing the same start as the 1720, J80 and SB3 classes, the crew of four were third on the water from that start!

The sporty RS21 dockside after the DBSC Turkey Shoot series on Dublin Bay

Before and after racing, the futuristic RS21 motored on and off its berth silently using its EPropulsion electric pod drive that retracts into the hull to make sailing as seamless and hassle-free as possible while also being caring to the environment. MarineServices.ie also had the all-new EVO series of Propulsion outboard on display in the Royal Irish Yacht Club after racing. If you are interested in trialling an electric outboard or the RS21, don’t hesitate to contact [email protected]

DMYC Frostbites

The DMYC frostbite series cracked off the same Sunday afternoon in a slightly dying westerly wind. A total of 11 RS Aeros are racing, with also 3 RS200s, one more to join by the end of the series! The popular modern Aero was being sailed by crews with a mixture of the 6 and 7 rig, with sailors having to choose their weapon of choice of the series from the start.

RS Aero sailor Noel Butler (left) collects his winner's mug from DMYC Frostbite organiser Neil Colin

Close racing as always from the Aeros, with Noel Butler coming out on top in the PY division in his Aero, with Sarah Dwyer on equal points to Noel in the overalls after two races sailed on the first weekend. A nice gender mixture demonstrating an equal playing field for all sailors in the modern single-hander.

Don’t forget, if you want to try your hand at the RS Aero, don’t hesitate to drop [email protected]

RS400 winter series at the Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club

Meanwhile, in the North of Ireland, the RS400 winter series kicked off at the Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club. A whopping 17 RS400s were on the water, with some returning names to the fold, no doubt buoyed by the UK Championships coming to RNIYC in 2025!

Strong tidal currents resulted in the right of the downwind being advantageous for most of the day, with Ross and Andrew consistently making a nuisance of themselves by sailing high, though they may argue that perhaps everyone else could have sailed faster. A gusty end to the final race did little to unsettle Ross and Andrew, who won the day with a convincing 9-point finish.

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10th October 2023

RS Dinghy and Waszp INSS Super Series to Sets Sail at Dun Laoghaire This November

The RS Sailing Super Series is about to kick off in Dun Laoghaire Harbour, bringing together sailing enthusiasts from various RS classes and the highly popular Waszp class.

With an action-packed schedule, this series promises an exhilarating display of skill, teamwork, and competitive spirit.

Organised by the Irish National Sailing and Powerboat School (INSS), the RS Sailing Super Series is set to take place on the West Pier, offering participants and spectators a captivating view of the races against the sparkling backdrop of the sea.

Waszp sailing at Dun Laoghaire

Mark your calendars for the following dates: November 25th, December 16th, January 27th, February 24th, and March 23rd.

One of the highlights of this series is the multitude of races planned per morning, ensuring an abundance of thrilling moments for both participants and fans. The racing action begins early, with the goal of concluding the races by 12:00 noon, allowing sailors to make the most of the day.

To make things even better, registering for the RS Sailing Super Series is a breeze.

Visit the official event website hosted by the RS Sailing Club and complete your entry online.

This streamlined process ensures a hassle-free experience for participants, enabling them to focus on preparing for the exhilarating races ahead.

The RS Sailing Super Series offers an incredible platform for sailors across various RS classes and the Waszp class to showcase their skills and compete against fellow enthusiasts. From seasoned sailors to up-and-coming talents, this event welcomes participants of all levels, fostering a vibrant environment of camaraderie and healthy competition.

So mark your calendars, sailing enthusiasts, for the RS Sailing Super Series is just around the corner.

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21st September 2023

RS200 and RS400 Dinghy Fleets to Conclude Season at Killaloe Sailing Club on Lough Derg

The Irish RS200/400 fleets return to Lough Derg this month for the year's final event on 23/24 September at Killaloe Sailing Club Co. Clare, and boats are expected to travel from all parts of the country for the Inland Championship.

From the North, Luke McIlwaine/Ryan Wilson and are leading the Travellers Series among the favourites in the 400 and the Hills duo in the RS 200.

Blessington and Greystones SC are expected to supply good numbers from the East Coast.

In the West, Galway and Callaun bring boats to compete with the biggest fleet (12 boats) coming from Killaloe, including 2022 RS400 Inland Champion Govan Berridge/Dave Coleman in their brand new boat.

Entries for the event are still open here for anyone wishing to join the 33-boat fleet.

The NOR, Entry Page, SI's, accommodation/camping info, and Whatsapp Group are all listed on information page here

The Irish RS AGM is to be scheduled in the middle of October and will decide on Irish events for 2024.

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21st May 2023

RS Ireland New Website, RS Fest & New Boat Deals!

RS Ireland, the new trading name for all things RS in Ireland, has rebranded from its parent company MarineServices.ie.

As part of this rebrand, RS Ireland has launched its all-new website, www.rsireland.com; check it out!

The page for the RS Fest is particularly interesting on the website, which outlines the inaugural RS Fest taking place this year in collaboration with Blessington Sailing Club and The Avon Resort.

RS 200s & RS 400s will sail for their National Championships from the 23rd to the 25th of June for their National Championships with the RS Aeros & RS Fevas joining on the 24th and 25th. If there is enough interest, the RS Teras will also join the fun!

RS 200s & RS 400s will sail for their National Championships from the 23rd to the 25th of June for their National Championships

With racing held across two courses led by a top race committee, including race officer Michael Tyrell backed up by extra resources from the Irish National Sailing & Powerboat School.

RS Ireland will be on site every day with spare parts, and a repair team to keep the fleet on the water no matter what.

RS Fevas are part of the RS Fest line up at Blessington Sailing Club and The Avon Resort

For sailors interested in stepping into any of the classes, RS Ireland has a number of charter boats available. These will be listed on the website in the coming days. To register interest in chartering one of these boats, please do not hesitate to contact [email protected]

Post-sailing entertainment will take place in the Avon resort and food area. RS Ireland will host a raffle with attractive prizes for every class, including sails, covers and much more!

For those interested in getting on the water this year in any RS boat, RS Ireland currently has a stock of new and used boats for all prominent classes in Ireland, including Aeros, 200s, 400s, Teras & Fevas! In fact we have a very limited offer of new Fevas for under €7k, including VAT!

Please contact [email protected] for more information.

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14th March 2023

Inaugural Irish RS Fest Announced for Blessington Lake

It’s happening, the inaugural RS Fest, a fun action-packed weekend for RS racing classes!

RS Sailing Ireland in collaboration with Blessington Sailing Club and The Avon resort, are bringing back fun, family-orientated sailing events with activities and entertainment for all the family. From the 23rd to the 25th of June, multiple RS classes will race on the beautiful Blessington Lakes in County Wicklow, incorporating sailors of all genders and ages. The RS 200s & 400s will race on the 23rd to form their National Championships. The RS Fevas will also have their National Championships, however, they will only race on the 24th and 25th. RS Aeros and RS Teras will race on the 24th and 25th to form part of their regional calendar.

For a sneak preview, this is what we are basing the event from;

In a cohesive effort to recognise entertainment and fun for all the family, The Avon will be offering entertainment packages for all family members. Kayaking, SUPing and bicycle hire all feature from the nearby resort. There are enviable bicycle greenways around the lake, ensuring plenty of options for non-sailors who may be accompanying the RS sailors to the event.

Avon will also cater for post-racing entertainment and food in their food court at the inaugural RS Fest on Blessington Lakes in County Wicklow in June

Avon will also cater for post-racing entertainment & food in their food court, which should have some new additions this year in time for the event. Think freshly cooked wood-fired Pizzas, succulent Burgers and fresh salads!

The 2022 RS Aero Worlds Photo: Bob Stawicki Photography

For any young or old sailors who may be interested in taking to the water for the first time, RS Sailing Ireland will have some of their demo fleet on locations including the RS Tera, RS Neo and RS Zest for new sailors to try their hand at the sport and test out the latest models from RS.

For those sailors looking to sample new boats and classes or to minimise travel hassle, RS Sailing Ireland will have many charter boats available.

RS Fevas, RS Aeros & RS Teras will all be available for charter for the event.

Stay tuned for the Notice of Race and Charter pricing which will be released soon on the all new RSIreland.com website and on the RSSailing.club entry platform.

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20th September 2022

RS200s and RS400 Dinghies Head for Killaloe Sailing Club and Season Finale

In a year that Ireland has hosted the 505, GP14, Fireball, SB20 World championships, some of the other classes have had a quieter year.

However, the RS fleet has seen some resurgence with boats changing hands quickly already in late summer/autumn with sailors joining fleet for first time and some coming back to join the fleet after a year or two away.

Why sail RS? RS is a forward-thinking sailboat manufacturer, the boats are light, fast and fun, sure to put a smile on your face and a thrill for sailing.

The RS Aero has transformed the game while RS200 numbers thrive as youth/lighter teams come through with as many as 180 boats at UK Nats in Hayling Island August-2022.

The RS400 is the original "modern classic" RS boat. It has a wide weight range that combines power & speed with an asymmetric at an affordable price! Just take a look at this video from RS400 Nationals this year (in champagne conditions in Ballyholme.

The RS fleet is scheduled to have the final event of the year 8/9 October in the brand new clubhouse of Killaloe SC, Co. Clare for the RS200/400 Inlands. The club already has an established RS fleet, with many more coming from strongholds of Greystones, Blessington and across Northern Ireland expected to travel.

Signup is available for the inlands for anyone thinking of coming, NOR, Entry Page, SIs and Whatsapp Group, all listed on the page with some suggestions for places to stay while Camping etc will be available at the club.

For those not yet with a boat but interested in joining the class, there is a Crew Union Facebook page below (anyone interested can join) and Class website here and the Irish RS200 / RS400 Dinghy Crews' Union (Facebook page)

The AGM is to be scheduled at the end of October and will decide Irish events for 2023.

Already confirmed for 2023 is RS400 Eurocup is the epic venue of Torbole, Lake Garda 29 May-2nd June and UK Nationals Mounts Bay SC 31st July-4th Aug with the same event strongly rumoured to be coming back to Northern Ireland in 2025.

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23rd August 2022

Successful Ballyholme RS Nationals Attracts Strong Young Sailor Element on Belfast Lough

The RS event comprising the National Championship for RS200s and RS400s and the Northerns for RS Fevas, 2000s and Aeros at Ballyholme YC last weekend was judged an outstanding success, particularly in that it attracted many younger sailors and some of the prizes were awarded for that participation.

As Afloat reported previously, over the three days, conditions varied wildly with winds mostly in the south but with fickle strengths from 20 knots to very light and, in that direction, mostly manageable seas.

Race Officers were Aidan Pounder from the host club and Sheela Lewis of County Antrim YC on the north shore of Belfast Lough.

The biggest fleet was the RS400s and here it was the event organiser Bob Espey with Richard McCullough who topped the 18-strong entry with seven wins in the nine races.

David Fletcher and Ryan Smith were the RS 2000 winners Photo: Simon McIlwaine

Second were Mikey Ferguson and Phillip Adams from BYC who also won the Mug of the Week prize for (it was said) having chilled out too long on the Friday morning and missed the first race. The Greystones pair, Conor Galligan and Evan Smith were third.

The decisive winners in the RS200 fleet were Joycelyn Hill and Jenny Lewis from County Antrim YC and runners up were Alex and Martin Roe from Galway City SC who made the five-hour journey to be there. The Roes tell me that their Club is relatively new and right in the heart of the City and that’s where the RS Westerns will be held on 17th and 18th September.

County Antrim YC's Joycelyn Hill and Jenny Lewis were RS 200 winners Photo: Simon McIlwaine

Local man Liam Glynn dominated the Aeros with a string of firsts and second overall was Howth sailor Daragh Sheridan with five-second places and a third as discard.

Daragh Sheridan (3187) from Howth RS Aero runner up and John Simms (Ballyholme YC)

The interest in the Feva class at Ballyholme has grown dramatically this season and some of the Club boats have been rented and some are privately owned.

Feva racing Photo: Simon McIlwaine

Originally the Club rented to the youngsters to encourage the class, and some of them were keen enough to buy boats of their own which freed up the rentals. Winners here were Ross and Ellie Nolan from Royal North of Ireland YC, who also took the family prize, with the Ridout family in second and third.

Matthew and Peter Ridout, runners up in the Feva class Photo: Simon McIlwaine

The runners up were Matthew and ten-year-old Peter and third Emily and Annabel. Glynis Ridout explained how the Feva class is organised “In the RS Feva fleet, we welcome family team combinations of say, parent and child as we know how much a young sailor’s confidence can be boosted by this experience.

RS Feva Northern Champions Annabel (left) and Emily Ridout with organiser Bob Espey Photo: Rachel Nixon