This year Foynes Yacht Club combined their annual Commodore’s with an ISA Try Sailing event, with turned out to be a huge success. For the ISA Try Sailing event spearheaded by ICRA Commodore Simon McGibney whose new mantra is “more bums on boats”, Foynes Yacht Club held an open day with the option of four activities – a morning of dinghy sailing or kayaking and in the afternoon cruiser sailing or cruiser racing.
The uptake on the activities was significant with thirty-eight people out on the water in the morning, twenty-seven of those new to sailing. The remaining eleven were club members, particularly juniors, who went out on dinghies or kayaks with the new sailors.
In the afternoon the Foynes Yacht Club organised cruiser sailing or cruiser racing. Over sixty people went out on the water with forty-two of those experiencing sailing for the first time. Conditions for the day were a big help, the rain held off for most of the day and winds of 14kt-18kts meant it was exciting enough for beginners.
Commodore James McCormack, who over the course of the day himself took out many of the new sailors, was delighted with the turnout and the buzz created around the club. He thanked the members who helped out during the day; on safety boats, dinghies, kayaks and skippers who welcomed the ISA Try Sailing participants on their boats throughout the day. The club concluded the day with a complementary BBQ for everyone involved. Many of the people who took part today went away with enthusiasm for more sailing – and that’s what we want from a Try Sailing Day!
Simon McGibney said “this was a huge success from which the club will benefit for a long time to come, this could not be achieved without the massive support from boat owners and members.”
Joe Hynes from Shanagolden Co. Limerick and member of Estuary Rugby Club, first time out cruiser racing was quoted “thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience, the club & facilities first class, being a novice sailor was well look after by club members and highly recommends it for anyone interested in getting on the water.”
Topaz sailors at Foynes Yacht Club
Published in Shannon Estuary
Published in
Shannon Estuary
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