A rare Olympic-class Flying Dutchman dinghy, similar to the one in which Ireland claimed a sailing silver in 1980, is being offered for free to an enthusiastic sailor.
Tom McLaughlin, master RIB builder at Red Bay Boats and keen Flying Dutchman sailor, is giving away his navy-hulled boat, Nice'n'n Juicky, due to lack of time on the water.
“This is a great chance for someone ready to keep her sailing,” said McLaughlin, who sails regularly in Cushendall Bay.
'Dusty but solid' - Nice 'n' Juicy requires a new home
The Flying Dutchman, designed by Uus Van Essen and Conrad Gülcher in 1951, remains a popular class known for its speed and technical challenge. It was an Olympic class from 1960 to 1992 and gained a loyal following before the 49er skiff entered the scene.
The vessel, stored in the Red Bay Boats boatshed, needs a mast and some minor attention, but McLaughlin describes her as “dusty but solid.” He insists the new owner must promise to keep her sailing.
Contact Tom by email: [email protected]
