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: cruiser

18th September 2011

Lough Derg Lifeboat Uses Salvage Pumps to Save Cruiser on Rocks

Last night, Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat, Toshiba Wave Warrior, was requested by Valentia Coast Guard to go to the assistance of 1 person, on board a 33ft cruiser on rocks after suffering engine failure, and which was now taking on considerable amounts of water. Mathew Gallagher, skipper of Aftermath was standing by, but was unable to get close to the casualty.

At 17.54hrs the lifeboat, with helm Eleanor Hooker, Colin Knight and Ger Egan was launched. The lifeboat carried its salvage pump, and in addition, Lifeboat Operations Manager, Charles Stanley-Smith made contact with Fergal Kerney, Lifeboat Deputy Launching Authority, who agreed to take a second salvage pump to Portumna by road.

At 18.15hrs the lifeboat was alongside the casualty vessel which was listing to port and on rocks. There were two persons on board (the skipper has been joined by a friend, a marine mechanic). The lifeboat transferred an RNLI crew member and the salvage pump to the casualty vessel and the lifeboat salvage pump was immediately put to work. The cruiser Aftermath met Fergal Kerney and took him to the scene. At 18.21hrs the lifeboat transferred the second salvage pump to the casualty vessel, set up a tow and held off head to weather.

At 19.25, (it was now dusk) and with two pumps running, the vessel was not floated. At 19.34hrs, RNLI Lifeboat helm agreed one last attempt to float the vessel before taking all persons off. Eamon Egan, Marine Engineer, brought a third, larger pump to the vessel from Portumna. At 19:45hrs, when the boat was not floated with three pumps running, the lifeboat made the decision to take all persons off and advised Valentia Coast Guard of same. At 20.15hrs, the two persons from the casualty vessel were transferred onto Aftermath, who had offered to take them back to Portumna. The owner will attempt to refloat his vessel in daylight tomorrow. The lifeboat returned to station and was ready for service again at 21.10hrs.

Published in RNLI Lifeboats

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8th September 2011

Two Rescued from Cruiser on Lough Derg

Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat went to the assistance of two persons on board a 35ft cruiser that had run aground as it tried to assist another cruiser in distress yesterday.

At 12.24hrs September 7 Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat launched, following a request by Valentia Coast Guard to assist a vessel aground close to Terryglass Harbour at the Northern end of Lough Derg. The lifeboat, with helm Johnny Hoare, Ger Egan and David Moore on board, was alongside the casualty vessel at 12.51hrs. Winds were West Southwest, Force 4 gusting 5, with frequent squally showers reducing visibility.

The vessel was aground very close to the shore and the two persons on board were safe and unharmed. Two other passengers had walked to shore and made their way by road to Terryglass Harbour. The vessel had got into difficulties after it had gone to the assistance of another cruiser; this other vessel had made it's way to safe water and was tied alongside at Terryglass Harbour when the lifeboat arrived on scene. The vessel was taken off the rocks at 13.25hrs, she had suffered a lot of damage to her props but was not holed. With an RNLI crew member on board the vessel was towed to Terryglass and was tied alongside at 13.50hrs.

The lifeboat returned to station was ready for service again at 14.35hrs. Helm Johnny Hoare said that he was "pleased with the progress of the rescue considering the conditions on the lake and the position of the boat in very rocky water".

Published in RNLI Lifeboats

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5th September 2011

Irish Boats for Sale - A 21 footer for €2,500 and a 26 footer for €6,000

A 21-foot sailing cruiser for €2,500? A vandalised 26-footer for six grand? Both of these boats are on Afloat's boats for sale site and worth a peek, if not a call to either of the south coast brokerages.

Kerry's O'Sullivan Marine are offering a 1973 Bowman 26 with long keel. Ideal for coastal sailing. The yacht was in good condition, however, due to some malicious damage being done, it is now in need to a major clean up and repairs, especially to the electrics and navigation instruments, which have to be replaced. On the positive side, the engine - a Yanmar 20hp (2GM20), sails, rigging and upholstery are in good condition and with some tlc this boat could shine again! €5,950 and she's yours. Here she is.

Crosshaven Boatyard say the 21-foot Varianta K3 is a sweet boat to sail and is ideal for someone that is looking for a classic. We've double checked the price just to be sure and yes she's on the market for €2,450, an affordable way of getting you on the water and possibly a great project for this Winter? Check her out here.

Published in Boat Sales

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29th August 2011

Racing Update: World Team Racing, Lasers, Fevas, Fireballs, DBSC, Cruiser Challenge

All the weekend sailing news is wrapped up in a number of posts on Afloat.ie this morning: Schull Welcomes World Team Racers, Espey Wins Lasers, Local Sailor Takes Radials at Lough Derg Nationals, Howth Juniors Win 19-Boat Greystones Feva Event, Royal Cork Celebrates 2011 with 'At Home' Regatta, Supernova to the Fore in DBSC Cruiser Challenge Event, McCartin and Kinsella are New Irish Fireball Champions, Kenefick Steers Chimp to Overall Win at Half Ton Classic Cup, Cork Week Changes Dates for 2012.

Published in Racing

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25th August 2011

Supernova to Contest MGM Sponsored DBSC Cruiser Challenge

July's Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta Boat of the week, Supernova, will be in action again this weekend in the Cruisers III East Coast championships. The annual fixture is being raced as part of tomorrow's DBSC Cruiser Challenge sponsored by MGM boats, Dún Laoghaire.

Entries for the Challenge stand at 70 to date and remain open for the three day event run by Dublin Bay Sailing Club.

The DBSC Cruiser Challenge is open to Cruisers 0, 1, 2 and 3, Sigma 33s and 31.7s, who will also compete for their national championships during the event.

supernova

VDLR Champion Supernova is in action again on Dublin Bay tomorrow

Pat Shannon, vice-commodore of DBSC, says that as well as boats from the main Dún Laoghaire waterfront clubs, DBSC has invited boats from Howth, England and the Isle of Man to compete. "Last year we had 80 boats and we expect something similar. We're running it over the UK bank holiday so we might get those boats," says Pat. DBSC also welcomes Cruisers 3 to the event, who are taking part for the first time. (The Cruiser Challenge will also incorporate this year's Cruisers 3 East Coast Championships.)

This year the National Yacht Club is the host club for the event. Hal Bleakley is the race officer on committee boat, MacLir, and Henry Leonard is race officer on Spirit Of The Irish. NYC sailing manager Olivier Prouvier will coordinate activities on the water.

The organisers also plan plenty of fun after racing, with live music and barbecues in the NYC and a party for the 31.7 nationals in the National Yacht Club on Saturday night.

The main organisers are DBSC commodore Tony Fox, vice-commodore Pat Shannon, rear-commodore Chris Moore and honorary secretary Donal O'Sullivan, assisted by a team of around 28 volunteers. "We're always very grateful to the volunteers, they're the greatest resource we have," says Pat. "We have all the equipment, the greatest resource is the people who help out."

Pat adds that there are great prizes this year – half model yachts, made by Marine Model Makers of Wicklow. "They are very special, so it's worth entering," he says.

The entry fee for each boat is €105 with a reduced fee of €80 for entries received before 12th August.

Published in DBSC

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24th August 2011

Bavaria 33 HT Motor Cruiser With Big Price Reduction

With a normal retail price well in excess of €250,000 O'Sullivan's marine of Tralee have just added a Bavaria 33 HT Sports Cruiser to the Afloat Boats for Sale site with a final price reduction on this Demo model. 'Going, going for - €125,0000 ex Vat' says the Kerry Yacht Broker. Check out the full listing on the boat here.

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Published in Boat Sales

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10th July 2011

Supernova is Overall Winner of Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta

Local success is being toasted in Dun Laoghaire tonight following the Volvo Dun Laoghaire regatta prizegiving this afternoon.

SCROLL DOWN FOR PRIZEGIVING PHOTOS by Gareth Craig.

The bulk of the major trophies were divided among sailors from the waterfront Dublin Bay yacht clubs or Howth at the end of four days of racing today.

The major overall prize went to the Class III IRC winner Supernova who produced three wins and three second places in a 38 boat fleet, the biggest class of the regatta. More on Supernova HERE.

supernova

The quarter tonner Supernova - Shining brightly on Dublin Bay

The biennial regatta is being hailed an enormous success both afloat and ashore as a combined fleet of 420 boats raced over nine courses and a range of conditions since racing began last Thursday from full gale to flat calm.

Supernova won but only after the third tie-break was applied against arch rival Hard on Port (Flor O'Driscoll). Both boats had equal points plus three wins and two second places apiece. Both had also discarded a second place and so the class, and the 2011 title, was decided on countback and who won the last race.

The cruisers zero IRC winner, in the biggest turn out of the class this year is Alan Chambers and Norbert Reilly's Crazy Horse. Steven Cowie's Beneteau 40, Zephyr from Royal Gourock was 4 points behind the Howth winner with the Dufour 42 Grand Cru from Clyde Cruising club three points further adrift.

In Cruiser one IRC the prize went to the National Yacht Club's Something Else (John & Brian Hall & Sue McDonnell). Second was Scotland's Carmen II (Paul Scutt/ Alan Jeffrey) and third Bengal Magic (John Moorehead/ Chris Ferres)

In class two Howth's Impetous lifted the IRC trophy from a fleet of 21. Second was Sligo traveller Conor Ronan sailing Ruthless, a Corby 25,
Third was the half tonner King One (David Cullen) from Howth.

In the one designs class champions prevailed in the SB3, the Sigma and the Flying fifteen classes.

In a new departure for the event Kitesurfing was added to the slate and the sport was showcased yesterday off Seapoint. Francios Colussi won the demonstration event.

The next Dun Laoghaire regatta is scheduled for early July 2013

The full breakdown of overall results is below.

Overall results VDLR 2011 (provisional and subject to protest)

OVERALL WINNER – Supernova (Sybil MacCormack/Ken Lawless/Pat Shannon),

IRC CLASS 0 - 1. Crazy Horse (Chambers/Reilly), 2. Elf Too (Christina Murray) 3. Grand Cru II (Jamie McGarry)

IRC CLASS 1 1. Something Else (John & Brian Hall & Sue McDonnell 2. Carmen II (Paul Scutt/ Alan Jeffrey) 3. Bengal Magic (John Moorehead/ Chris Ferres)

IRC CLASS 2 - 1. Impetuous (Fergal Noonan/Robert Chambers) 2. Ruthless (Conor Ronan), 3. King One (David Cullen)

IRC CLASS 3 - 1. Supernova (Sybil MacCormack/Ken Lawless/Pat Shannon), 2. Hard on Port (Flor O'Driscoll), 3. Scandal (Brian McDowell)

NON SPINNAKER 1 - 1. Tsunami (Vincent Farrell), 2. Lula Belle (Liam Coyne), 3. Persistance (Charles Broadhead/Jerry Collins/Ian Stuart)

NON SPINNAKER 2 - 1. Bite the Bullet (Colm Bermingham), 2. Voyager (Joe Carton), 3. Arwen (Philip O'Dwyer)

NON SPINNAKER DBSC CUP - ) 1. Arwen (Philip O'Dwyer), 3.Eden Park (Liam Farmer) 3. Nauti-Gal (John and Jason Crawford)

J109 - 1. Joker 2 (John Maybury) 2. Storm (Pat Kelly), 3. Jedi (Barratt/Austin/McGuinness)

J80 WELSH/IRISH CUP- 1. Ireland 1 (Geoff O'Donoghue), 2. Ireland 2 (Stephen Doherty), 3. Wales 1 (Kieron Iniman)

LASER SB3- 1. Sharkbait (Ben Duncan/Brian Moran), 2. TBC Aidan O'Connell, 3. BoMChickaWahWah (John O'Driscoll)

BENETEAU 31.7 1. Twister (Fletcher/Byers/Fair), 2. Flying Machine (Conor & Donal O'Gallagher),3. 30 Something (Kavanagh/Jones/Gaffney/Lubliner)

SIGMA 33 - 1.White Mischief (Tim Goodbody), 2. Popje (Ted McCourt), 3. Gwili Two (Dermot Clarke and Paddy Maguire)

RUFFIAN 23- . 1. Diane 2 (Alan Claffey) 2. Ruff Nuff (Derek & Carol Mitchell), 3. Ruff n'Ready (Cullen/Brown/Kirwan)

SHIPMAN- 1.Curraglass (John Masterson), 2. Whiterock (Henry M Robinson), 3. Lulu (Bob & Tom Galvin)

GLEN - 1. Glenluce (Donal &Richard O'Connor), 2. Pterodactyl (Roderick & David McCaffrey) 3 .Glenmarissa (Frank Elmes/Wilf Higgins)

FLYING 15- 1. Hy5ive (David Gorman), 2. The Gruffalo (Keith Poole) 3. Deranged (Alan Green)

DRAGON- 1.Phantom (Peter Bowring/David Williams), 2. Jaguar (Martin Byrne), 3. Susele (Michael Halpenny)

MERMAID - 1. Tiller Girl (Jonathon O'Rourke), 2. Endeavour (Roger Bannon), 3. Dolphin (James O'Toole)

SQUIB - 1. Toy for the Boys (Peter Wallace), 2. Femme Fatale (Joe O'Byrne/Vincent Delaney), 3. Perfection (Jill Fleming) (PROTEST PENDING THAT AFFECTS SECOND AND THIRD)

WATER WAG - 1. Little Tern (J Ross-Murphy) 2. Tortoise (William & Linda Prentice) 3. Molly (Cathy McAleavey)

WAYFARER- 1. Black Pear (David Wade) 2. Hofreki (Trevor Fisher) 3. Devil's Advocate (Richard Hartley)

FIREBALL- 1. El Rey Del Fuego (Francis Rowan) 3. Moon Monkey (Diana Kissane) 3. Lets Get Messy (Andy Boyle/Barry Hurley),

IDRA 14- 1. Delos II (Patrick O Neill) 2. Dunmoanin (Frank Hamilton), 3. Chaos (Julie Ascoop/Heather Keenan)

HOWTH 17- 1. Oona (Peter Courtney) 2. Aura (Ian Malcolm) 3. Leila (Roddy Cooper)

LASER RADIAL - 1. Pump It (Luke Murphy) 2. No Name (Declan Kickham), 3. No Name (Eoin Foley)

LASER STANDARD - 1. Fossa Too (Will Nesbitt), 2. No Name (Francis Barry) 3. Buster 3 (Garry O'Hare)

KITE BOARDERS 1. Francios Colussi 2. Jade O'Connor 3. Colm Murphy

Published in Volvo Regatta

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26th June 2011

Lough Derg Lifeboat Tows Cruiser to Safety

On Saturday evening June 25, Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat, Toshiba Wave Warrior, towed a vessel and its skipper to safety, after it grounded on rocks, off Scarriff Bay on Lough Derg.

At 19.26hrs, Saturday June 25, Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat was requested to launch by Valentia Coast Guard, to assist a person whose vessel had grounded on rocks west of the Scilly Islands, in Scarriff Bay on Lough Derg. The lifeboat with helm Eleanor Hooker, Peter Clarke and Colin Knight on board, launched at 19.40hrs. Winds were southerly, Force 3, visibility was good. The lifeboat was alongside the casualty vessel, a 32ft cruiser, at 19.58hrs.

The person on board, senior but with a lifetime of boating experience, was quite unsettled by his experience, having misread his location. He was reassured by the lifeboat crew. After a thorough examination of the vessel, which was not holed, it was taken off the rocks and into safe water. With a crew member on board, the casualty vessel was taken under an alongside tow, via Scarriff Bay, up the Scarriff river in County Clare to his mooring. The vessel was tied safely alongside at 21.20hrs.

The lifeboat returned to station and was ready for service again at 21.40hrs.

Published in RNLI Lifeboats

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17th June 2011

ICRA Nationals Day One - Photos from Cork Harbour

Anthony O'Leary's Ker 39 has got off to the perfect start in today's ICRA National Championships taking a double win in the top class of the 65-boat event at Crosshaven. Second to Antix is the Corby 37, Impetuous skippered by Richard Fildes. Third is Conor Phelan's Jump Juice, another Ker design from the host club, Royal Cork.

Winds from the North West freshened during the day.

Full IRC results and photos below.

The 17-boat IRC class one division is lead by J109s with Pat Kelly's Howth entry Storm leading local sistership Jelly Baby (Ian Nagle) by four points after two races. Third is Dublin Bay's Aztec III, an A35 design sailed by Peter Beamish of the Royal Irish Yacht Club.

In class two, West coast champion Disaray, a Dehler 34 from Foynes Yacht Club and skippered by Simon McGibney has worked out a one point advantage over Brian Goggin's Allure, a Corby 25 from Kinsale. Full IRC results below:

blackfun

The Kiwis round the weather mark of their first race in Ireland. Photo By Bob Bateman. Scroll down for 17 more pics from today's Cork harbour ICRA racing below.

IRC ZERO

Series Place	Sail No	E	Boat	Type of Boat	Owner	Club	Handicap	Series Points	Race 1	Race 2
1	IRL3939	E	Antix	Ker 39	Anthony O'Leary	RCYC	1.129	2	1	1
2	GBR7737R		Impetuous	Corby 37	Richard Fildes	SCYC	1.091	5	2	3
3	IRL2007	E	Jump Juice	Ker	Conor Phelan	RCYC	1.105	7	5	2
4	IRL2003	E	Gloves Off	Corby 38	Kieran Twomey	RCYC	1.115	8	3	5
5	IRL9852	E	Crazy Horse	Mills 36	Chambers/Reilly	HYC	1.085	8	4	4
6	IRL1281	E	Aquelina/W	J122	James & Sheila Tyrrell	Arklow SC	1.083	18	9	9
6	IRL7111		WoW/W	J111	George Sisk	RIYC/RCYC		18	9	9
6	IRL36000		Roxy 6/W	Corby 36	Robert Davies	RCYC		18	9	9

IRC ONE

Series Place	Sail No	E	Boat	Type of Boat	Owner	Club	Handicap	Series Points	Race 1	Race 2
1	IRL1141	E	Storm	J109	Pat Kelly	RSC/HYC	1.019	3	1	2
2	IRL9609	E	Jelly Baby	J109	Ian Nagle & Paul O'Malley	RCYC	1.029	7	2	5
3	IRL29832	E	Aztec	A35	Peter Beamish	RIYC	1.034	8	7	1
4	IRL13500	E	D-tox	X-35	Donal O'Leary	RCYC	1.048	8	5	3
5	IRL811	E	Raptor	MILLS 30CR	Denis Hewitt	RIYC	1.025	8	4	4
6	IRL17200	E	Antix Beag	1720 (modified)	Robert O'Leary	RCYC	1.005	11	3	8
7	IRL6695	E	Eos	X362 Sport	David Scott	KYC	1.022	18	6	12
8	IRL3709	E	Axiom	X37	Michael O'Neill	RIYC	1.035	19	13	6
9	IRL6021	E	Ellida	X332	Ria Lyden	RCYC	0.986	19	10	9
10	IRL8109	E	Jetstream	J109	Peter Redden	RIYC	1.028	20	9	11
11	IRL892	E	Tux	X332	Mary O'Keeffe	RCYC	0.981	21	11	10
12	IRL3323	E	Dexterity	X332	Alan McEneff (Team Foynes)	Foynes YC	0.984	24	12	12
13	IRL8991	E	Exhale	X362 Sport	Derry Good	RCYC	1.025	26	8	18
14	IRL7290	E	Felix	X332	Michael & Gretta Wallace	RCYC	0.981	27	14	13
15	IRL2382	E	Xerxes/W	IMX38	LD O'Neill	RIYC	1.046	36	18	18
15	IRL3307	E	Rockabill IV/W	Corby33	Paul O'Higgins	RIYC/NYC	1.044	36	18	18
15	IRL9834	E	True Pennance	Projection 35	Colman Garvey/Martin Darrer	RCYC	1.022	36	18	18

IRC TWO

Series Place	Sail No	E	Boat	Type of Boat	Owner	Club	Handicap	Series Points	Race 1	Race 2
1	IRL487	E	Disaray	Dehler 34 Optima 101	Raymond McGibney	Foynes YC	0.929	5	3	2
2	IRL2506	E	Allure	Corby 25	Brian Goggin	Kinsale YC	0.936	6	2	4
3	GBR7525R	E	Thundebird	Corby 25	Denis Coleman	RCYC	0.941	7	4	3
4	IRL16859	E	Bad Company	Sunfast 32	Desmond / Ivers / Deasy	RCYC	0.939	8	7	1
5	IRL2525	E	Yanks $ ffrancs	Corby 25	Vincent O'Shea	RCYC	0.936	8	1	7
6	IRL7495	E	Maximus	X302	Paddy Kyne	HYC/WHSC	0.930	13	8	5
7	IRL26026	E	Ruthless	Corby 26	Conor Ronan	Sligo YC	0.953	15	6	9
8	GBR9896	E	Magnet	MG335	Kieran & Liz O'Brien	RCYC	0.944	16	5	11
9	IRL2010	E	Alpaca	First 31.7	Paul & Deirdre Tingle	RCYC	0.957	19	11	8
10	IRL9732	E	Wicked	Sunfast 32	Mark Mendel	RCYC	0.940	19	9	10
11	IRL3492	E	Big Deal	Dehler	Derek Dillon	Foynes YC	0.925	22	10	12
12	IRL1022	E	Aramis	Contessa 33	Pat Vaughan	RCYC	0.929	25	12	13
13	IRL4170	E	Slack Alice	GK Westerley	Shane Statham	WHSC	0.951	26	20	6
14	IRL6676	E	Y-Knot	First 32s5	Barrett/Conlon	RCYC	0.933	33	13	20
15	IRL222		Zoom/W	Dehler DB1	Nicola & Stuart Harris	WHSC		40	20	20
15	IRL1649	E	Caesium	Beneteau 31.7	Shaun & Kathy Doran	Ballyholme YC	0.951	40	20	20
15	IRL1972	E	No Excuse/W	X302	Ted Crosbie	RCYC	0.931	40	20	20
15	IRL2706	E	Kodachi	Corby 27	Denis Ellis	Cove SC	0.959	40	20	20
15	IRL8094	E	King One/W	Half Tonner	Dave Cullen	Howth YC	0.951	40	20	20

IRC THREE

Series Place	Sail No	E	Boat	Type of Boat	Owner	Club	Handicap	Series Points	Race 1	Race 2	Race 3
1	IRL999999	E	Tiger	Quarter ton	Neil& george Kenefick/James O brien	RCYC	0.902	3	1	1	1
2	IRL3087	E	Anchor Challenge	Quarter ton	Eamonn Rohan	KYC	0.912	8	3	2	3
3	NZL3311	E	Blackfun	Quarter Ton	Jamie McDowell	Royal Port Nicholson YC	0.908	9	2	3	4
4	IRL1771	E	Shillelagh	Blazer 23 (Kirby)	John Twomey	KYC	0.868	13	4	7	2
5	IRL9600	E	Impacunious	Hunter Impala	Edward Rice	RCYC	0.888	16	6	5	5
6	GRB1479R		Flashheart	Quarter Ton	Mike Webb & Tom Bailey	King Queen YC	0.893	18	5	6	7
7	IRL78	E	No-Gnomes	Nicholson 33Mod	Leonard Donnery	RCYC	0.910	20	7	4	9
8	IRL9538	E	Running Wild	Hunter Impala OOD	Sullivan Brothers	RCYC	0.890	25	11	8	6
9	IRL9564	E	Whyte Knight	Impala OOD	Fergus Coughlan	Cove SC	0.890	26	9	9	8
10	IRL4794	E	Junebug	J24	Sarah Hyde/Annette Foley	RCYC	0.889	28	8	10	10
11	IRL9591	E	Prometheus	Impala OOD	Paul Murray	RCYC	0.888	33	10	12	11
12	IRL9577	E	Bedlam	Impala	David Doyle	Cove Sailing Club	0.890	39	12	11	16
13	I8709		Cri-Cri/W	Jezequel 116	Paul Colton	RIYC	0.905	48	16	16	16
13	IRL400	E	Jaguar/W	J24	Gary Fort	Tralee Bay SC	0.889	48	16	16	16
13	IRL4206	E	Powder Monkey/W	Sigma 33	Liam Lynch	Tralee Bay SC	0.909	48	16	16	16

IRC FOUR

Series Place	Sail No	E	Boat	Type of Boat	Owner	Club	Handicap	Series Points	Race 1	Race 2	Race 3
1	GBR9625R	E	Sundancer	Dynamo 25	Alan Mulcahy	KYC	0.841	4	2	1	1
2	172	E	Granny Knot	Westerley GK24	Michael Sexton	KYC	0.830	5	1	2	2
3	IRL7156	E	Gaelic Kiwi	GK 24FR	Kevin O'Connor	Cove SC	0.854	12	4	4	4

ECHO and White Sail results to follow

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15th June 2011

Windy Start Expected for Friday's ICRA Nationals

While there may be a reduced entry of 65 boats there is no mistaking the quality of the fleet lined up in Crosshaven for what promises to be a windy start to the ICRA Nationals at Royal Cork Yacht Club on Friday.

In Class 0 Local boats Antix, Anthony O'Leary; Jump Juice, Conor Phelan and Gloves off Kieran Twomey will be challenged By George Sisk's new Wow, Norbert Reilly's Crazy Horse and Richard Fides Welsh entry Impetuous which is a former Blondie.

Class 1 sees a fine Class where last years Echo winner Ian Nagle's Jelly Baby will be challenged by sister ship Peter Reddin's Jetstream Denis Hewitt and friends on Raptor and likes of Donal O Leary's D Tox.

Class 2 will see a battle between Corby 25s; Vinny O' Shea's Yanks and Franks, Brian Goggin's new Allure and Denis Coleman's Thunderbird.These will be tested by likes of Conor Rohan's Ruthless, Shane Statham's Slack Alice Kieran and Liz O Brien's Magnet and Desmond Ivers Deasy combo on Bad Company.

Class 3 has a backbone this year of state of the art Quarter Tonners. ICRA are welcoming Black Fun Jamie Mc Dowell all the way from New Zealand where he will be challenged by Neil Kenefick's Tiger, Eamon Rohan's Anchor Challenge who will be up against Leonard Donnery's No Knomes, John Twomey's Blazer 23 Shilelagh and Sullivan Brothers in Running Wild. Fergus Coughlan's White Knight from Cobh will also challenge.

blackfun_keel

New Zealand yacht Black Fun, complete with torpodeo keel, has arrived in Crosshaven for Friday's Cruiser National Championships. Photo: Bob Bateman

First time Class 4 will see Kevin O Connor's Gaelic Kiwi take on likes of Alan Carroll's Sundancer and Michael Sexton' Granny Knot.

The Non Spinnaker Corinthian Cup sees a fine fleet where Billy and Hilary Duane's Expression will compete against Clive Doherty's Phaeton Bill O Mahony's Julia B and Seamus Gilroy's Split Point.

John Downing's Samba and Conor O Donovan's Extension will also be in contention.

Day Prize Sponsors Dubarry have come up with the innovative idea that each crew on the winning boats in IRC and Echo each day will receive a prize in reward for their efforts.

Two styles of Dubarry sailing hats and custom sailing socks will be included in this effort to recognise crews and offer variety each day.

The Royal Cork have laid on high standard racing on the water under Race Officers Peter Crowley and Richard Leonard and crews will be warmly welcomed ashore to a carnival type atmosphere with music and casual food on the go immediately after racing.

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