Irish Sailing is inviting southern cruising skippers to help identify the obstacles facing coastal cruising in Ireland at a meeting in Crosshaven later this month.
The Irish Sailing Cruising and Representation Policy Group (IS CRPG) will hold the meeting at Royal Cork Yacht Club on Saturday, 29 August at 10.30am.
It follows meetings in the east and west of the country and is intended to gather further views before the group finalises a list of priorities for supporting and developing coastal cruising.
Obstacles to Cruising
The group says a "well-researched list of priorities" has already begun to emerge from its earlier discussions, but it wants further input from cruising sailors on both the opportunities and difficulties they encounter around the Irish coast.
One recent case which could provide food for thought is the experience of French cruising skipper Francis Aubertin and his Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 ROZAVEL at Rosslare Harbour in June.
As Afloat reported last week, Aubertin sought overnight shelter at Rosslare after an arduous passage from the Isles of Scilly in strong winds and heavy seas. His request to enter the commercial harbour could not be accommodated, and the yacht was instead directed to an anchorage outside the main harbour.
Rosslare Europort said three passenger ferries were due to depart around the time of the request and that Fisherman's Quay, where visiting recreational craft might otherwise be accommodated, was occupied by fishing vessels sheltering from the weather. The port said the anchorage offered was the safest available option in the circumstances.
The incident raises a wider issue relevant to the Irish Sailing discussions: what facilities and arrangements are available to visiting cruising yachts seeking shelter or an overnight stop at points around the Irish coastline, particularly where commercial ports may be the only substantial harbour available.
Another issue already highlighted by Irish Sailing is the hazard posed by floating and poorly marked fishing gear. As Afloat reported in July, sailors have been urged to report drifting nets, ropes, pot lines and other fishing equipment, with the information being mapped to identify recurring problem areas.
Crosshaven Meeting
The Crosshaven meeting will be hosted by local cruising skippers Séamus Gilroy of Royal Cork Yacht Club and Brian Jolly of Kinsale Yacht Club.
IS CRPG members Nigel Moss and Cormac Mac Donncha, both of Galway Bay Sailing Club, will also contribute.
Current and aspiring cruising skippers are invited to attend and share their experiences, suggestions and ideas.
Those planning to attend are asked to contact Cormac Mac Donncha at [email protected] to assist with numbers.
Skippers elsewhere in Ireland who cannot attend the Crosshaven meeting can also submit their views by email.
