The Cruising Groups in several clubs are an expanding world unto themselves. It's only when a couple of the leading ones get together afloat, as they did in a muster at Lambay last weekend (27th July) in the form of the CGs from both the National Yacht Club and Howth YC, that the rest of the sailing community can get a real measure of this contented "Force for the Good" bubbling quietly away in their midst.
The fleet of 33 modern boats anchored serenely in the Lambay sunshine – with some groups rafting up – spoke volumes. It was the personal project of former Howth YC Commodore Gerry O'Neill, a former HYC Cruising Group Captain, and now Admiral of Cruising Group Armadas. But even the ever-optimistic Admiral O'Neill was pleasantly surprised to find 33 boats – substantial ones among them - gathering off the Nose of Howth at 11:00 hrs in Saturday's sunshine as the NYC fleet - led by Andrew Collins – joined with their Howth fellow-enthusiasts to take the fair wind and strong favourable flood tide north to Lambay.
A clear satellite image reveals that the unspoilt Fingal island of Lambay has the advantage of offering sheltered anchorage to suit any wind direction. Although the little private harbour on the west coast dries and none of the anchorages is secure in all winds, Afloat.ie can personally report peaceful overnights in southerlies in Swallow Cove on the North Coast (most folk use the more utilitarian name of Saltpan Bay), and Seal Hole in the southeast cliffs when the wind was determinedly in the Nor'west
THE INSIDE STORY
Gary Daibhis of the Howth CG was the Logmeister, and he tells the tale here:
The NYC Armada departed Dun Laoghaire at 09.00, setting to rendezvous with the HYC Armada at the Nose of Howth at 11.00. The two Armada joined and set sail for Lambay. There was a Southerly Breeze and sunshine and maybe threats of showers in the distance, but they were well over the land and the rising tide pushed the boats gently north.
Rare bird among many gannets: Vincent Gaffney's almost-unique Laser 28 Alliance in solitary splendour beside the newest gannetry on the East Coast of Ireland at Swallow Cove/Saltpans Bay, while experiencing the unexpected colours Lambay can serve up in High Summer. Photo: CGs
The fleet of 33 boats sailed up the west side of Lambay Island, admiring the Island scenery in the clear sunshine. They rounded the Tayleur Buoy off Lambay's northwest point, and headed South East into Saltpan Bay (aka Swallow Cove – Ed.) on the north coast of beautiful Lambay Island. What a spectacular place to anchor. High cliffs shelter from the southerly wind, the bay was flat calm. There is good holding anchorage to within 5 meters of the sheer cliff. It was not long before the entire fleet had anchored, and the hunger and thirst of the crews were soon quenched: time for lunch.
Part of the fleet of 33 that mustered at Lambay – the variety ensured it was a Boat Show Afloat
WALLABIES AND PUFFINS SIGHTED
While lunch was being served, the wildlife of Lambay put on a fascinating display. Lambay Wallabies were viewing from the cliff tops, seals were foraging from the sea, flocks of sea birds with their young were putting on a display, Gannets were plunging from heights, Razor Bills and Guillemots were dipping under the boats. Gulls of many species were wheeling and screeching in a loud cacophony. Luck was with one of the boats, the crew saw a pair of beautiful Puffins, showing off their colourful beaks.
After lunch, the weather and the clear sea was an attraction. Brave crew of some of the boats took to swimming. "Happy Squeals" could be heard at Rockabill lighthouse. Then as the afternoon wore on it was time to catch the south flow of the tide. The rattle of windlasses and anchor chains could be heard as the boats got underway and headed for HYC.
These cruising women are tough. Photo: CGs
A special reception and meal had been arranged for the combined cruising groups in the Howth YC dining room, where the warm mood of sailorly camaraderie was kept going with with welcome beverages and good food.
Susan Kavanagh, Cruising Group Captain of HYC invited Gerry O'Neill, Admiral of HYC Armadas and Andrew Collins, Admiral of NYC Armadas to exchange pennants. Gerry thanked everybody for making the day a wonderful success, and hoped that this would become an annual event in both clubs, receiving a warm response from Andrew Collins.
The exchange of colours with (left to right) Gerry O'Neill (HYC), Susan Kavanagh (Captain, HYC Cruising Group) and Andrew Collins, (Admiral NYC Armadas)
