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Displaying items by tag: Fairy class

The Fairy class from the Royal North of Ireland fleet at Cultra on Belfast Lough and the River class-based at Strangford Lough YC have raced since 1960 for a special trophy called the Friver Cup.

The Rivers, designed by Alfred Mylne, celebrated their Centenary last year and the Fairy Class was designed by Linton Hope in 1902 for the then-new Royal North of Ireland YC at Cultra on Belfast Lough.

The River Class hosted this year's event, and the boats used were Quoile, Faughan, Roe, Glynn, Strule and Lackagh. Representing the Rivers were Class Captain John McVea, James Nixon and Jack Irwin, and the Fairy class helms were Class Captain David Carlisle along with Jamie Hume and Leah McLeave.

Last Sunday (22nd), the River Class claimed back the Cup from the Fairy Class, sailing two races on windward-leeward courses. The first race saw the Fairy Class ahead on 10 points, to 11 points for the Rivers, and in the second race, the Rivers performed better with eight points to 13 for the Fairy Class. The River Class achieved a 1st, 2nd and a 5th.

Friver Cup (from left) John McVea (River class captain and David Carlisle Fairy class captainFriver Cup (from left) John McVea (River class captain and David Carlisle Fairy class captain

SLYC Commodore Henry Anstey was Race Officer.

Published in Belfast Lough

About Arklow Shipping

Arklow Shipping Limited, one of Ireland's leading shipping companies, has marked over 50 years of operation following its establishment in 1966.

The company, which began with a fleet of seven ships, has grown steadily over the years and now boasts a fleet of 59 vessels.

The company was founded by Captains James Tyrrell, Michael Tyrrell, and Victor Hall, who collaborated to create an umbrella company to operate their ships. This move allowed them to reduce overheads and strengthen their position in the market. The original fleet comprised seven ships, namely Tyrronall, Murell, Marizell, Valzell, Kilbride, River Avoca, and Avondale, all of varying sizes.

The shipping industry in Ireland underwent a significant transformation in the 1960s, with the replacement of traditional auxiliary schooners with modern crafts.

Arklow Shipping was at the forefront of this change, and the founders recognized the need for a new approach to shipping in Ireland. They built a company that could adapt to the changing market demands, and this has been a key factor in the company's continued growth.

Over the years, Arklow Shipping has bought, sold, and built ships, facing the challenges and opportunities that come with operating in the shipping industry. Despite these challenges, the company has remained committed to meeting market demand and providing high-quality services to its clients.

Today, Arklow Shipping is a leading player in the shipping industry, with a strong reputation for reliability and professionalism. The company's success story is a testament to the vision and dedication of its founders, who laid the foundation for a company that has stood the test of time.