Embark on a holiday shopping spree with Viking Marine's Christmas Gift Guide!

Whether you're shopping for children, dinghy sailors, boat owners, or anyone else who loves the sea, Viking Marine has meticulously curated options that are sure to bring satisfaction.

Here's a quick breakdown of Viking Marine favourites from each section. Additional products, photos and links can also be found in our PDF Guide.

1. Dinghy Sailors

Dinghy Sailors Section Highlights:

• Rooster All Purpose Boots: All-purpose boots with sole protection and easy zippered opening.
• Optimum Time OS Series Sailing Watch: Iconic “big yellow timer” with easy-to-read display and sync button.
• BR1 Channel Jacket: Coastal jacket with BR1 waterproof technology, double-entry pockets, luminous hood and reflective panels for visibility.

2. Boat Owners

Boat Owners Section Highlights:

• Helly Hansen Scout Wash Bag: Sturdy wash bag with water-resistant membrane and interior mesh pocket.
• Model Boats: All-wooden hulls, cotton sails, and minimal assembly required.
• Channel Clock and Barometer Set: Solid brass set with quartz movement, lunar time tide clock, and bevelled glass.
• Beken and Rick Tomlinson Calendars: 2024 calendars featuring stunning maritime photography.

3. Swimmers

Swimmers Section Highlights:

• Zone 3 Polarised Swim Goggles: Flexible goggles with curved lenses for enhanced vision.
• Long Sleeve Dry Robe: All-weather robe designed for outdoor activities.
• Zone 3 Wetsuits: Agile wetsuit with buoyancy panels and high-stretch shoulder panel.
• Heat Tech Swimming Socks/Gloves: 3.5mm neoprene with titanium lining for cold water insulation.

4. Kids

Kids Section Highlights

• Model Optimist Dinghy: Popular dinghy for young sailors with complete accessories.
• Short Sleeve Dry Robe: Advance short sleeve robe for kids. Available in age 5-9 and 10-14 sizes.
• Junior Pro Lite Rooster Cag: Aquafleece top for young sailors, complete with wrist and waist seals for additional warmth.

5. Stocking Fillers

Stocking Fillers Section Highlights:

• Nautical Tin Mugs: Enamelled tin mugs with cheerful blue and gold designs.
• Rooster Aquafleece Neck Gaiters: Multifunctional accessory for protection and comfort.
• Keyrings: Two options, one featuring the Optimist class symbol or a yacht hull.
• Musto Waterproof EVO Gloves: Touch screen accessible, stretchy and comfortable gloves with a waterproof membrane.

6. Specials

Complete Special Offers Section:

• Ladies Snug 2.0 Jackets: Updated Musto classic with waterproof recycled polyamide and Polartec fleece lining.
• Assorted Boats and Paddleboards: End-of-season sale on boats, paddleboards, and sailing dinghies.
• Spinlock Lifejackets (6D and Vito): Inflatable lifejackets with advanced technology and custom features.
• Dubarry Palma Lightweight Trainer: Super-light trainers for ultimate comfort on deck.
• Musto BR2 and Helly Hansen Skagen Offshore Sets: Highly sought-after offshore sets on sale with excellent protection and breathability.

Each section in our guide, excluding the sales section, categorises products by price range, making it easy to stick within your budget while selecting the perfect gift. Ready to set sail on your gift-giving journey? Simply click on any of the images in Viking Marine's guide to redirect to a link to that product on their website.

Dive into the joy of giving with Viking Marine. Your voyage to the perfect gift starts here!

In the world of eco-conscious choices and sustainability, two local businesses are making waves. Meet Will Byrne, the founder behind Kai Bottle, and Viking Marine, a local supplier dedicated to offering quality marine products. Will's journey into the world of sustainable entrepreneurship, fueled by his passion for sailing, gave rise to Kai Bottle; a brand committed to providing eco-friendly, high-quality water bottles. Recognising the potential of Kai Bottle, Viking Marine stepped up to bring these innovative, environmentally-friendly water bottles to local markets. Join Viking's Paige Hoffman as she sits down for an interview to uncover how these kindred companies are working together to promote sustainability while navigating the challenges of both the open sea and a competitive market.

Paige: So, Will, as the founder of Kai Bottle, can you share with us the origins of your brand and how your personal life and experiences, especially as a sailor, played a role in its inception?

Will: I founded Kai during the COVID pandemic when I needed a new venture to focus on. The Irish market lacked high-quality, sustainable water bottle options, and that's where I saw an opportunity. I observed many people were using low quality or disposable bottles, and I wanted to provide a more eco-friendly solution, one that people loved and actually wanted to use daly. One thing led to another, and within a week I had a thousand bottles on the way from our factory!

As a sailor, I always depend on high-quality drinkware. When I'm out doing ocean races or if I have a long day on the water, I want to have a bottle that's dependable. I want to have ice-cold water if it's a hot day.

This combination of entrepreneurial drive and my personal experiences from sailing led to the creation of Kai Water Bottles.

Paige: You've mentioned sustainability as a core foundation. Can you talk a little bit about the environmentally friendly practices and materials that set your brand apart?

Will: When we went through the design process with our manufacturer, we were given a list of all the different materials we could use. We focused on the most sustainable ones. All of our bottles and cups are made from stainless steel which is taken from recycled offcuts from other manufacturing lines. This way, we're reducing waste from the first source. All the lids are also made from recycled plastic.
Our products are built to last, reducing the need for replacements. We emphasise longevity and reusability.

Some of the Kai eco-friendly, high-quality water bottles stocked at Viking Marine

Paige: Can I ask about the name Kai, how did that come about?

Will: "Kai" means ocean in several Pacific languages, and it resonated with me because the ocean is where I spend most of my life. It's my home, and it captured my imagination. When I was brainstorming names, "Kai" stood out as a perfect fit.

Paige: Viking Marine places a lot of importance on local Irish brands like Kai Bottles. Could you expand on how your connection to the local community and your sailing experience have influenced the development and guiding principles of Kai Bottle?

Will: Local communities are incredibly supportive of homegrown brands. Having the backing of reputable distributors like Viking Marine has been instrumental for our growth. It adds credibility to our name. When people see Kai Bottles at Viking Marine, they think, "If Viking Marine trusts them, I can too." Most of our sales come from the Dublin area because we're a local brand. We've built trust within the community, which has been essential to our growth.

Paige: Can you talk about the design principles and the visual characteristics of Kai water bottles, including the patterns, shapes, and sizes?

Will: We wanted our brand to be fun and appealing. Our colour palette is vibrant, inspired by nature - the greens of the forest, the blues of the ocean, and the yellows of the sun. This inspired our best-selling product, The Funk Bottle, which features a mix-match of shapes and colours. It's fun and attention-grabbing, becoming the signature of our brand. In terms of physical design, a one-litre capacity was essential because it suits long days on the water. We've also introduced half-litre bottles for convenience, they are ideal for dinghy sailors or to put in a car cup holder. What sets us apart is the inclusion of straw lids as standard, unlike our competitors who charge extra for them.

Paige: Where are the water bottles manufactured?

Will: Our bottles are manufactured in an industry leading drinkware factory with a global reputation for quality. Kai Bottles are made in the same factory as the major players in the bottle game. We did this to ensure we were at the forefront of bottle technology. We didn't want to go to a second-rate manufacturer and end up with product defects. We wanted to make sure they had a track record we could trust.

Paige: Can you share any upcoming initiatives or new products from Kai Water Bottles?

Will: We're focusing on streamlining our water bottle line. We'll be introducing a three-tier line this Christmas, including our Steel 1L and 500ML Kai bottles as well as a new product called Kai Lite. Kai Lite is a one-litre water bottle made of high-quality, light and reusable Tritan plastic. In the near future, we plan to launch a Kai Sport range, catering to sports teams and water sports enthusiasts. We're agile and continuously adapt based on feedback from our customers. We'll also be expanding our colour range: People want Leinster Blue and Munster Red, so they're coming. A lot of people have been waiting for these, and I think they'll sell well over Christmas.

Paige: What makes Kai Water bottles unique, and what message do you have for your customers to choose Kai over your competitors?

Will: What sets us apart is that when you choose Kai Water Bottles, you're supporting a local Irish brand with a commitment to community and sustainability. Our goal is to get to the stage where we reinvest in community projects, help community sailing programs, fund charity events, and various other causes. Also, our price point is attractive. We want to make sure people can afford our bottles. We offer customers good products such as a 1L Kai Bottle for €39.99 versus our main competitors who offer a comparable alternative for €59.99 or €69.99. We really try to emphasise the fact that we're affordable as well.

Paige: Finally, could you share a personal anecdote that exemplifies your experience as a sailor and how it has influenced your journey as the founder of Kai Water Bottles?

Will: Sailing has taught me to think quickly, be adaptable, and handle unexpected challenges – skills that have proven invaluable in running a business. Owning a company can be demanding, and you need to respond swiftly to issues, much like in sailing. You don't know what's going to come around the corner. You have a squall come through; something could break on the boat. I think that experience in learning to deal with that has helped me build this brand. The ability to be agile, embrace change, and accept feedback has been crucial in both sailing and entrepreneurship. Sailing and entrepreneurship share many parallels, and the skills I've developed on the water have helped me navigate the business world effectively.

So, if you're looking to make a sustainable choice and embrace the quality offered by Kai Water Bottles, look no further. Viking Marine proudly stocks these eco-friendly, durable bottles, ready to accompany you on your adventures, whether you're a serious sailor or simply seeking a reliable and eco-conscious hydration solution. To get your very own Kai Water Bottle and embark on your journey toward sustainability, click here to place your order and make a positive impact on our planet, one bottle at a time.

Viking Marine of Dun Laoghaire Harbour is proud to announce its latest partnership as the exclusive dealer of PSA (Performance Sailcraft Australia) ILCA dinghies on the island of Ireland.

This exciting collaboration brings the highly anticipated PSA ILCA dinghies to Ireland, offering sailors an opportunity to experience top-tier performance like never before.

The PSA ILCA dinghies are the result of meticulous craftsmanship, drawing on valuable insights from accomplished ILCA/Laser sailors from around the globe.

These boats are widely considered among the best-built ILCA dinghies and not only uphold but elevate the standards set by the PSA Race series.

PSA ILCA dinghies are in stock now at Viking Marine of Dun Laoghaire Harbour and available at an exclusive launch price

The Elite series offered by Viking Marine includes a range of enhancements that will delight ILCA enthusiasts. Key features of the PSA ILCA Elite series include: Composite Upper Mast, a Carbon Tiller and Extension, and Harken rigging.

These Australian-made ILCAs have become a favourite among top-level sailors.

Sailors can choose from a range of options: ILCA 7 (Standard), ILCA 6 (Radial) or ILCA 4 (4.7) configurations. Each variant offers distinct advantages and performance characteristics to cater to sailors of all levels and preferences.

Boats are in stock now and available at an exclusive launch price.

Viking Marine has a longstanding reputation for offering top-quality marine products and services, and this exclusive distribution agreement with PSA reaffirms its commitment to delivering excellence to the sailing community.

The PSA ILCA dinghies are the result of meticulous craftsmanship, drawing on valuable insights from accomplished ILCA/Laser sailors from around the globe

For more information about the PSA ILCA dinghies and to explore the full range of options available, please visit vikingmarine.ie or contact the team at [email protected] or +353 1 280 6654.

Viking Marine is a leading provider of marine chandlery, clothing, and accessories in Ireland. With a passion for sailing and a commitment to delivering top-notch products and services, Viking Marine has been serving the maritime community in Ireland for 35 years.

The recent spell of wet weather may have put a damper on your painting and anti-fouling plans, but the forecast is looking brighter for this Sunday.

And if you’re looking to stock up on the essentials to ready your boat for the new season, Viking Marine in Dun Laoghaire is also open this and every Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm with a wide range of paint and antifoul, cleaning and maintenance products and more besides. Visit VikingMarine.ie to browse the selection.

The Race Management Team from DMYC and the weather combined to get another two races completed in the Viking Marine-sponsored Series 2 Frostbites in Dun Laoghaire Harbour on Sunday. Winds were in the range 7 – 15 knots from the South-East and Race Officer Ian Cutliffe set the fleet a three-lap Olympic course to get proceedings underway. With the wind in this direction, he was able to set a beat across the longest dimension of the harbour and set the weather mark off the bandstand on the East Pier. The gybe mark was inside the end of the East Pier and the leeward mark was in the elbow of the western breakwater and the West Pier.

A delayed departure by the Marine Institute’s brand-new research vessel, “RV Tom Crean” necessitated the flying of a postponement flag and some of the PY fleet mistook the dropping of this flag for the Warning signal, meaning that they had a one-minute jump on the balance of the fleet who knew their timings.

The DMYC Race Management Team set up a course for the Viking Marine DMYC Frostbites in Dun Laoghaire Harbour Photo: Ian Cutliffe

This led to an unusual sight, a Finn mixing it with the Fireballs at the windward mark at the first rounding and a very different leader in the Fireball fleet on the water. Colin Breen (14683) must have really enjoyed the first race because he only relinquished the lead on the water halfway down the first reach of the second triangle. In the pre-race period, ILCA 6-er Sean Craig said it was a very good beat as he hadn’t worked out which side was going to pay.

The 21-boat PY fleet seemed to concur as they spread themselves across the width of the course. Apart from Breen and the Finn, the usual suspects were to be found at the front of this fleet, Messrs Butler, Oram, van Maanen in the Aeros and Colin & Casey, Power & Barry and McKenna & O’Keeffe in the Fireballs.

By the third windward mark, Breen was still leading on the water but the two lady crews were closing in on him, Cariosa Power & Marie Barry (14854) with a slicker spinnaker hoist overtook Breen who then had to watch Louise McKenna & Hermine O’Keeffe (15016) close on him as well.
Power & Barry took the win on the water in 34:32 and the leading Aeros were Stephen Oram (7) in 38:21 and Noel Butler (6) in 39:40. However, on corrected time Oram took the win in 36:01 with Butler and Power/Barry tied at 36:16. Two other boats had finishing times within the 36th minute, McKenna & O’Keeffe at 36:43 and Roy van Maanen at 36:53.

ILCAs7 and 4s start a race at the Viking Marine DMYC Frostbites in Dun Laoghaire Harbour Photo: Ian Cutliffe

Seven ILCAs enjoyed reasonably close racing on the water and were led home by Theo Lyttle, with Niall Cowman and Sean Bowden occupying the podium places. The ILCA 4s, sharing the start line with the 7s saw a 1-2-3 of Kate Flood, Patrick Foley and Grace Gavin.

The ILCA 6s however, were subject to a General Recall for their start before their 26-boat fleet got away. Despite having got out to the race area early, Sean Craig hadn’t seemed to work the beat out to his satisfaction, as at the windward mark for the first time he was down in 5th or 6th place. His situation improved as the race went on and he came home in third, behind Darren Griffin and Pascal Boret, but ahead of Conor Clancy and Peter Williams.

For Race 2, a two-lap windward/leeward mark was set with an offset mark at the windward mark and a leeward gate. It seems this simple course configuration bamboozled quite a few people – people who should know better and others who simply played follow my leader. One ILCA passed within touching distance of the spreader mark on both occasions……. on the wrong side. Ditto, a high placed Aero!! Later, I learned that boats were leaving the gate marks to port!

Fireballs and RS Aeros downwind at the at the Viking Marine DMYC Frostbites in Dun Laoghaire Harbour Photo: Cormac Bradley

In the PY fleet, normal order was restored on the water with Fireballs and Aeros to the fore. While the Fireballs were able to do well on the water, the computation of numbers left them behind the Aeros. However, the theoretical racing was very tight with six boats finishing within a minute – between 20:04 and 20:46 on corrected time; Butler (Aero), Damien Dion (Aero), Sarah Dwyer (Aero), Stephen Oram (Aero), Neil Colin & Margaret Casey (FB 14775) and Stuart Harris (Aero). Louise McKenna led home a trio of lady helms – Louise (9th), Cariosa Power (10th) and Ciara Mulvey (GP 14 11111) with Peter Murphy (11th).

The ILCA 7s and 4s transgressed significantly with respect to the spreader mark so there are lots of NCSs on this fleet’s scorecard, but in terms of finishing positions the 1-2-3 for the full rig was Sean Bowden, Robbie Walker and Roy McKay, while none of the ILCA 4s sailed the correct course.

Part of the Viking Marine DMYC Frostbite fleet in Dun Laoghaire Harbour Photo: Cormac Bradley

The ILCA 6s were much better behaved in the second race, both in terms of starting and mark-rounding. They enjoyed some tight racing at the head of the fleet and there were enough wise heads at the front to take them around the spreader mark. This adherence was diluted further down the pecking order. Conor Clancy improved on his score from Race 1 by jumping two places to second, while Sean Craig finished third again. Ahead of Clancy was Brian Carroll, while behind Craig was Hugh Delap and Peter Williams. The tightness of racing between Clancy and Craig is further reflected by the fact that Clancy now leads Craig by a single point in overall terms, the tightest margin across the four fleets.

Fireballs are having a hot time of it at the Viking Marine DMYC Frostbite series in Dun Laoghaire Harbour. At the first outing on November 6th, competitors faced challenging conditions with extreme gusts in the high twenties coming from unexpected directions, often 30 degrees off the average. This resulted in some capsizes, mostly to windward, in the fresh and chilly conditions.

Neil Colin and Margaret Casey prevailed in race one, closely followed home by Alistair Court and Gordon Syme. Just behind was Frank Miller sailing with crew Dave Coleman whom Miller shanghaied on the slipway. It was Coleman’s first test on trapeze of his new knee and happily, the pair stayed upright around the course so that knee may be tested again. A capsize saw Louise McKenna and Marjo Moonen relegated to fourth in that race. The chasing pack of the nine-boat fleet saw good close racing right down the line.

Franco Cassidy has been out sailing with his young son Hugh, the latter’s first time in a Fireball and on trapeze and the pair are rapidly improving every race.

The SID Fireball was out in the safe hands of Pat McGoldrick with Jos Dornschneider-Elkink, who edged in ahead of Cariosa Power and Marie Barry.

Nick Miller has bought Miller’s previous Fireball Blind Squirrel, and with Cearbhall Daly has raised his game. Glen Fisher is guest helming with Michael Keegan in the latter’s boat and enjoying good competition in the middle of the fleet. Race two on the 6th saw several head for shore as the breeze picked up a notch but in fact the wind eased a little while racing was underway. This race saw Court and Syme prevail over McKenna & Moonen with Miller & Coleman again 3rd. Fisher & Keegan were 4th & McGoldrick & Dornschneider-Elkink 5th with Nick Miller & Daly 6th.

Court/Syme lead Colin/Casey in a Fireball duel at the Viking Marine DMYC Frostbites at Dun Laoghaire Harbour Photo: Pat Kiersey

The following Sunday the forecast was pretty terrible and many expected racing to be cancelled, but in fact conditions in Dun Laoghaire Harbour were quite sailable. While it was windy and sometimes very windy, the wind was far more stable than the previous Sunday. Race officer Cormac Bradley wisely went for one long multiple round race with 6 triangles. Happily, for the Fireballs in winds in the high twenties, the gybe mark was set low and spinnakers could be carried on the reaching legs. Frank Miller and Ed Butler took full advantage and blazed their way around the course leading by a good margin from McKenna & Hermine O’Keeffe, the Cassidys and Fisher & Keegan.

The following Sunday 13th November another terrible forecast turned out to be all too accurate and racing was cancelled without any complaints from competitors! But the Sunday just gone, November 27th, saw the best racing so far of the series.

Eleven Fireballs rocked up for the start line, necessarily a short line set close to the harbour mouth at the West Pier. Race seven of the series was a Windward-Leeward affair in medium winds from the south and southeast. Race officer Cormac Bradley set the windward mark well down the corner of the East pier, making maximum use of the harbour and giving competitors plenty to think about in terms of strategy up the beat. While the better wind was on the left side of the course, shifting and bending wind off the shore provided plenty of opportunity for those going at least some of the way right also. Too far right could lead to disaster and mucky broken wind but equally, too far left could leave competitors out on a limb.

Miller sailing with Fireball chairman Neil Cramer ultimately prevailed in race one, but it was hot and heavy all the way around the course and places changed several times with Court & Syme and McKenna & O’Keeffe leading at different points in the race. The run was especially tricky as decent gusts propelled the chasing boats towards the leaders. Colin & Casey had minor gear failure in that race which left them in 5th to Owen Sinnott & Grattan Donnelly. The chasing pack had close racing all around the course. Race eight saw a four-round Olympic Triangle course signalled but the race team changed that to three rounds as the clock was ticking and the winter sun getting close to diving behind the Dublin Mountains. Again, it was hot and heavy for Fireballs around the course. Miller & Cramer narrowly led around the windward, followed by Court & Syme, McKenna & O’Keeffe and Colin & Casey. Everything changed on the second beat as Colin & Casey banged the left corner and found good breeze to steam in on the port layline. On the run Miller & Cramer managed to nip ahead after a gybe, but that pair lost the lead again on the final beat by going too far left seeking the magic Colin had found previously.

Court & Syme, McKenna and O’Keeffe and Colin & Casey sailed a more conservative middle right course and made the most of a couple of shifts and a few pockets of good breeze to finish in that order and see Miller & Cramer relegated to fourth. Again, the chasing pack had extremely close racing with Power & Barry prevailing over Sinnott and Donnelly, Fisher & Keegan staying just ahead of Colm Breen and son Rory, and Paul ter Horst and son Morris keeping the SID boat of McGoldrick & Dornschneider-Elkink. While Miller & Butler currently hold the overall lead by a very thin margin all bets are off for this winter series.

In light and medium conditions, both Colin & Casey and McKenna & O’Keeffe are deadly, while in all conditions Court & Syme are extremely fast and extremely consistent. What is abundantly clear is that this is shaping up to be one of the most hotly contested winter series for Fireballers in some years.

Being a competitive sailor, I love to compete and especially love a win here and there! And so when I heard that our town had won the best town award from the Academy of Urbanism, I was delighted. We all know the amount of work that has been going on in the town, along the waterfront and everywhere in between to make Dún Laoghaire a great place to live, work and play. (See below for details on the award and judges' report)

As the current chairman of the Dún Laoghaire Business Association (DLBA) I am immensely proud of our town and of the award. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my fellow retailers who collectively bring a wonderful retail mix to the town and to everyone who lives, works and shops in Dún Laoghaire. Without you all, we would have no town, no waterfront, and little impetus to make our town thrive.

Dun Laoghaire Harbour - The Coastal Mobility Cycle Route and Village Public Realm project, connecting urban villages, bathing places, walks and parks along the coast, played a big part in the selection process Photo: Peter Barrow/Simon Coate

The Christmas lights are on and give a great festive feel to the town. Can I encourage you all to shop local and, when shopping online, to look for the .ie sites, so shopping local and reducing those air miles? 
And the government this year have increased the amount that companies can annually gift their staff up to €1000 in Gift Vouchers. Good news for everyone. No better way to gift your team members/employees than a gift voucher from their favourite shop. And if that just so happens to be Viking Marine get your Voucher right here.

Dún Laoghaire DLRCC Cathaoirleach Mary Hanafin receives the winning town award

The Coastal Mobility Cycle Route and Village Public Realm project, connecting urban villages, bathing places, walks and parks along the coast, played a big part in the selection process

The judges were particularly impressed with the energy in the town, the joint leadership from all key stakeholders, the inclusive nature of voluntary and business groups and the willingness to incorporate active travel, landmark buildings like the Lexicon and our natural environment into a vibrant town. The Coastal Mobility Cycle Route and Village public realm project, connecting urban villages, bathing places, walks and parks along the coast, played a big part in the selection process and in our town winning the award.

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council also received a framed copy of a ‘great place’ poem that captures the essence of Dún Laoghaire, written and read by the Academy’s Poet-in-Residence Ian McMillan

The Judges Report detailing why Dún Laoghaire won the Urbanism award makes for interesting reading.

Dun Laoghaire at night as seen from the town's East Pier lighthouse

For the next five weeks, Viking Marine will give 10% off some of our best-selling products when purchased as part of a bundle with a second best-selling item. When paired together, you will get 10% off both.

There are products to cater to all needs, including swimmers, boat owners, dinghy sailors and kids.

We will release the discount codes weekly but keep reading for a sneak peek of what's coming.

There are products to cater to all needs, including swimmers, boat owners, dinghy sailors and kids

Week 1 (21st-27th November inclusive)

Now that the evenings are getting darker, you may need a Nebo Torch, which can be purchased with our best-selling Seago Lifejacket to get 10% off both items. The Seago Lifejacket is one size fits all, making in the perfect jacket for guests aboard.

Week 2 (28th November - 4th December inclusive)

Fancy a new Rooster Aquafleece Cag? Buy any variation of Rooster Aquafleece Cag and pair it with any Rooster Gloves to get 10% off both. This is the ideal combination for both dinghy and yacht sailors who need some TLC.

Week 3 (5th - 11th December inclusive)

For all those hardy winter swimmers, now is the time to bite the bullet and get a pair of gloves and socks. Many of you may decide the water is getting too cold to swim throughout the winter but rest assured, a pair of gloves and socks will sort you out to let you swim longer.

Week 4 (12th - 18th December inclusive)

Our Helly Hansen Rider Vest is one of our best-selling buoyancy aids. This vest provides easy access with a front zip and is suitable for all ages. Pair it with a Rooster Aquafleece Hat to keep warm this winter.

Week 5 (19th - 24th December inclusive) - Stocking Fillers

Buy 2 of our selected stocking fillers to get 10% off. Hurry, as we expect these to sell out for those last-minute shoppers!

We will release the discount codes weekly on our Social Media Pages, so keep your eyes peeled on our Instagram and Facebook @vikingmarine.ie.

Our bundle discounts can be used in-store and online at vikingmarine.ie.

If you're looking for Christmas Present Inspiration, why not check out our Christmas Gift Brochure here?

Still feel like you need some expert advice? Just reach out to our helpful staff on 01 2806654 or [email protected]

From mid-week, the prospects for the Viking Marine-sponsored DMYC Frostbite racing this past Sunday were a source of discussion between Regatta Director Neil Colin and Race Officer Cormac Bradley as XCWeather was suggesting winds in the high teens with gusts in the low thirties from a direction just east of south. On arrival at DMYC, having driven the long way around through Dun Laoghaire to check conditions in the main part of the harbour, it looked more favourable than the forecast had suggested and Neil advised that a walk to the end of the West Pier earlier in the morning had convinced him that racing should proceed. However, the recommended recipe for the day was to have one long race and get the fleet home.

On setting up the committee boat, “Goose”, in the race area, it became apparent that a weather mark would be required about 60m inshore from the bandstand, with a gybe mark set in line with the red lighthouse of the East Pier but 100m inshore from the harbour entrance and a leeward mark in the proximity of the green INSC raft off the western inner breakwater. The advantage of this set-up is that it gives the longest beat available in the harbour.

The wind conditions were brisk in the time period before the starts, with a base wind strength of 18/19 knots and gusts in the low twenties. A reduced fleet took to the water, with the ILCA 6s taking the biggest class honour with ten boats, followed by the PY Class with 9, the ILCA 7s with six and the ILCA 4s with six, a big jump from the previous Sunday when only one ILCA 4 started.

Prompted by the discussion ashore, the RO set the fleet a five-lap Olympic course, the premise being to get the race in and the fleet back ashore in case more inclement weather came in. It appears, post-race, that this may have been a popular decision.

All three starts were clean, with the RO learning the lesson from last week by having a generous start line in place. The preferred option was to take a long starboard hike off the start line before working rightwards towards the RHS of the course. For the PYs, the first to show at the weather mark was the Fireball of Frank Miller & Ed Butler (14915) and theirs was the first spinnaker to show as well. This pair scorched around the course and took the win by a margin of 5:01 from the Aero 6 of Noel Butler who was closely followed until the last gybe mark by the Aero 7 of Stephen Oram. A swim at this gybe mark allowed Butler to get away from Oram. Despite this sizeable gap in time on the water, the handicaps would convert Butler’s 5:01 deficit to a 1:22 advantage and the PY win. Oram finished 5:58 behind Miller & Butler but lost out by only 47 seconds on time to Miller to take third on handicap.

Viking Marine DMYC PY mug winners Frank Miller (left) and Ed Butler (centre) with DMYC Commodore Ian Cutliffe

Of the four Fireballs racing, only two flew spinnaker, Miller/Butler and the new combination of Glen Fisher & Michael Keegan (14676). Frank Cassidy (14934) sailed with his son for the second time in a Frostbites and given the conditions, they did very well, especially as Frank broke a tiller extension during the race. Miller & Butler’s big margin was down to two factors – flying the spinnaker on the reaches……...and staying upright.

Among the ILCAs there was some “tight cluster” racing on the water in the 6s, with Sean Craig leading home from Conor Clancy and Darren Griffin, while the six-boat fleet of 7s saw Gavan Murphy occupy the top step of the podium ahead of Gary O’Hare and Niall Cowman.

Laser Radial mug winner Conor Clancy (left) with DMYC Commodore Ian Cutliffe

And, after a “one-boat, no race” scenario last week in the ILCA 4s, they mustered a six-boat fleet to make sure they had a race this Sunday. Kate Flood led home Sam Legge and Matilda Murray.

Viking Marine Frostbites – hosted by DMYC Round 2 – 13.11.22

Viking Marine Frostbites – hosted by DMYC Round 2 – 13.11.22

In the individual class fleets in PY, Miller & Butler lead the Fireballs with 7pts, a single point ahead of Louise McKenna, who sailed with Hermine O’Keeffe (15016) in Round 2 and Alastair Court & Gordon Syme (15167) (10pts) who were absent. Miller & Butler are sixth overall in PY with 27 points.

A quintet of Aeros led by Butler (4), with Van Mannen (10), Oram (12), Paul Phelan (Aero 7) (14pts) in 2nd to fourth and Sarah O’Dwyer in her Aero 5 (23) occupy the first five places in PY.

On the Wednesday evening before the start of the 2022/23 Frostbites, sponsored by Viking Marine and hosted by Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club, a cursory check of the forecast for the weekend suggested that the opening Sunday might not happen. The predicted winds were in the high teens with gust in the high twenties, from a direction just west of south. However, as the week progressed the forecast became more favourable and, on the day, we were greeted by sunshine and, at least at the DMYC clubhouse, genteel winds.

"Fifty-five boats answered the call for the opening round"

Bringing the committee boat to the main harbour there was a distinct change in the wind strength from the clubhouse assessment and by the time we anchored in the chosen start area a lesser version of the forecast manifested itself. My wind readings ranged from 10 to 22 knots from a mean direction of 210°. In real terms this mean that the breeze was coming off the Dun Laoghaire waterfront which meant a beat across the shorter dimension of the harbour. That precluded the use of a windward-leeward course in my view, so an opening course of three triangles was set.

Before the first race at the Viking Marine Dinghy Frostbites at the Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club, a flag tribute was flown in memory of Ben Mulligan, a Race Officer for the Frostbites in recent seasons who had passed away at the end of October. Photo: Cormac Bradley

An early launched Fireball tested the beat for me, thanks Alastair & Gordon, and also flew spinnaker across the top reach with the gybe mark set in the water early. That assessment persuaded me to drop the gybe mark to leeward. The course configuration saw the weather mark set in line with the Royal Irish Yacht Club, the gybe mark set between the bandstand and the obelisk on the upper East Pier and the leeward mark set in the mouth of the harbour.

Royal St. George's Theo Lyttle - ILCA 7 Winner Race 1 (R), with race Officer Cormac Bradley (L) at the Viking Marine Dinghy Frostbites at the Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club Photo: Frank Miller

Fifty-five boats answered the call for the opening round, split between PYs (24), ILCA 7s (7), ILCA 6s (23) and a solitary ILCA 4. The PY fleet and the combined fleet of ILCA 7s and the solitary ILCA 4 got away cleanly at the first time of asking. However, the ILCA 6s presented the Race Officer (me) with more of a challenge. On the water my first error was that the start line may have been too short – though a 24-boat PY fleet had got away first time. So, the line was lengthened. It took a black flag – far too early in the season – to get them away at the second time of asking. The price they paid was a reduction of the race length from three to two laps!

 The National Yacht Club's Noel Butler – PY Winner Race 2 at the Viking Marine Dinghy Frostbites at the Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club Photo: Frank Miller

With the breeze blustery and coming off a shoreline filled with buildings, the top reach was deemed to “kamikaze” for the spinnaker boats to fly their bags and the philosophy seemed to apply for the second reach as well. Still, there was some fast planing available to everyone.

Royal St. George's Gary O’Hare – ILCA 7 Winner Race 2 at the Viking Marine Dinghy Frostbites at the Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club Photo: Frank Miller

For the second race, the marks were kept in place but the course type was changed to Triangle-Sausage-Triangle. Again, the PY fleet and first ILCA start got away cleanly and again the ILCA 6s needed two attempts and a third attempt was aborted when the class flag hadn’t been raised. At 30 seconds to go the line is clear and even at fifteen seconds, but by this time milestone there is a “clatter” of boats on the aft quarter of the committee boat. But in the final count-down to the start, the fleet just goes and there is wall-to-wall sail hiding the pin from view. A lengthening of the line and moving the pin end upwind didn’t dilute the concentration of boats at the committee boat end! However, given that it was the last start of the day, the ILCA 6s got the full course.

Royal St. George's Sean Craig – ILCA 6 Winner Race 2 at the Viking Marine Dinghy Frostbites at the Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club Photo: Frank Miller

Viking Marine Frostbites – Round 1; 6th November 2022

PY Fleet (24 boats)
Race 1
1. Neil Colin & Margaret Casey, FB 14775*
2. Noel Butler, Aero 6
3. Alastair Court & Gordon Syme, FB 15167
Race 2
1. Noel Butler*
2. Roy van Mannen, Aero 6
3. Stephen Oram, Aero 6

After 2 races.
1. Noel Butler (3)
2. Roy van Mannen (6)
3. Stephen Oram (9)
1st Fireball, Alastair Court & Gordon Syme (12), 5th.
1st Lady, Sarah Dwyer, Aero 5, (17), 9th.

ILCA 7s (8 boats)
Race 1
1. Theo Lyttle*
2. Conor O’Leary
3. Gary O’Hare
Race 2
1. Gary O’Hare*
2. Theo Lyttle
3. Sean Bowden
After 2 races.
1. Theo Lyttle (3)
2. Gary O’Hare (4)
3. Conor O’Leary (8)

ILCA 4s
Only 1 competitor – no race.

ILCA 6s
Race 1
1. Darren Griffin
2. Sean Craig
3. Pascal Boret

Race 2
1. Sean Craig*
2. Darren Griffin
3. Brendan Hughes

After 2 races
1. Sean Craig (3)
2. Darren Griffin (3)
3. John O’ Driscoll (9)
1st Lady, Shirley Gilmore (19), 7th.

*DMYC Frostbite Mug winners on the day – you have to be at the prize-giving to get your Mug.