While most of Cork was partying to all things Jazz on the Bank Holiday Monday writes Darryl Hughes, a small group of Ballycotton and Crosshaven RNLI volunteers - together with partners and friends - enjoyed an afternoon sail on the SY Ilen from Kinsale. Ballycotton is a flank station to Crosshaven, and there is a strong relationship between them. They undertake joint training exercises with Ballycotton's Trent offshore lifeboat complementing Crosshaven's inshore Atlantic 85.
On the "slightly damp" day, Ballycotton RNLI's Clare McCarthy effortlessly kept the Crosshaven RNLI contingent of Darryl Hughes, Conor Barry, Shane McAuliffe and Kline Pennefeather in order. The craic was mighty, and the effort required to sail Ilen - given her absence of winches - promoted teamwork as well as traditional seamanship skills.