This year’s National Yacht Club Nippers course at the East Pier at Dun Laoghaire welcomed the largest group of eager children than ever before to the club. Over six weeks in May and June, adventurous 6-8 year olds dipped their toe into sailing, many of them for the first time writes the club's Fiona Staunton.

The NYC Nippers course is based on the Cara na Mara curriculum. Cara na Mara provides a child-centred approach to introducing children to sailing and the marine environment. The programme allows children to discover, explore and practise the skills and knowledge they will need as sailors.

For two hours on a Wednesday evening, the children took turns on the water every week in a range of crafts, Optimists, Fevas, kayaks and paddle boards, either individually or in small groups. And whilst the Nippers spent most of their time on the water, the programme is not just about sailing.

The curriculum also covers safety at sea, sailing skills, weather and the marine environment. Indeed, a favourite with the Nippers is ‘water theory’, as invented by NYC’s brilliant instructors, where children are asked a range of questions about boat handling and safety at sea and the ‘punishment’ for giving a wrong answer is to be pushed off the pontoon…to delighted squeals from each child as it splashes into the water!

The NYC Nippers is a great way of introducing young children to sailing and fostering a love and respect for the sea. It would not be nearly as much fun without NYC’s fantastic instructors or the older children for the NYC’s Junior Section who helmed the various boats and actively encouraged their young friends to have a go. As always, it would not be possible without the parents who volunteered for ‘shore duty’ on the night and Sarah and Henrietta who organised the programme.

A big shout out goes to the Dun Laoghaire fire brigade who provided the star attraction on the last night. Their visit to the NYC gave each Nipper a chance to take the wheel of a real fire engine and turns at sounding the (very loud!) sirens. Now that was an experience that will take some beating!

We hope that many of our 2016 Nippers will return next year to build on their sailing skills and rekindle the friendships they made over the last six weeks.

The National Yacht Club's new initiative to encourage more ladies sailing showed the level of its success with its all female crew entry in the 1720 Europeans held recently on Dublin Bay. The team consisted of a group of mums who either wanted to get back into sailing again after a few years break or those who were completely new to racing but wanted to give it a try. They chartered the club 1720 and trained hard coming up to the event competing in the DBSC newly created Sportsboat class on Tuesday evenings. The event, won by Royal Cork's Anthony O'Leary attracted sailing Olympians and the standard of competition is always extremely high in these fast exciting boats, so it was a steep learning curve for the NYC team. They have had lots of fun along the way with new friendships made and a big sense of achievement when those starts and gybes go just right!

The next plan is to travel further afield and enter the 1720 Nationals in Kinsale later this season. As word has spread the club now also has a ladies boat competing in the clubs RS Venture and aims to expand this further as demand among their members grows. By supporting this Women on the Water project the NYC now has a thriving group of new female sailors.

Last weekend's National Yacht Club regatta on Dublin Bay provided racing for cruisers, keelboats and dinghies across 27 classes. Full results in each class are downloadable below class by class. Check out our photo gallery slideshow by Joe Fallon below too! Next up in the Dubin Bay regatta season is tomorrow's Royal Irish YC regatta.

Running on the same day as the Round Ireland Race from Wicklow, June 18th's National Yacht Club regatta at Dun Laoghaire Harbour incorporates an appropriate Bloomsday theme for its day long festivities. Featuring two races back to back, 22 classes will race on three courses starting from 11.30 am. Ashore, a Midsummer BBQ, a Black Tie ball and regatta prizegiving are pitched as a summer highlight of Dun Laoghaire's waterfront activities. Download the Notice of Race and flyer below. 

Irish boats took a class win and a second in class at this year's Silvers Marine Scottish Series that ended yesterday. The National Yacht Club's John and Brian Hall won IRC Class 2 in an incredibly tight class across the whole weekend. It couldn't have ended any closer with just one point separating the top three boats. See IRC2 results below.The Hall's pulled out all the stops on J109 Something Else to net a second and third which was enough to end the day on top of the table. The Dublin Bay SC boat ended the regatta on equal points with the brilliantly sailed Sloop John T and Iain Thomson, who came into Monday topping the leader board, but who failed to capitalise on their advantage. And we have to also give mention to Christine Murray and Triple Elf who sailed a great regatta to come in third overall. Last year's champion, Fools Gold from Waterford finished eighth from 12.

In IRC Class 3 the very well sailed J/97 Lambay Rules by Stephen Quinn from Howth Yacht Club was second overall to Roddy Angus and Dan Challis who continued their domination of this class securing a first and a second in the day's two races to end the event a point and a half clear of second place. Darge Black McVey and Phoenix took a well deserved third place in the class.

Having a perfect regatta is never easy, and when, you add a regatta as prestigious as Silvers Marine Scottish Series to the mix, it's an almost impossible feat. However, Dara O'Malley and Seaword from Port Edgar Yacht Club achieved just that, taking not just their class win but also lifting the Silvers Marine Scottish Series trophy.

Sailing in the Hunter 707 class Seaword finished the weekend with a near perfect scoreline, so impressing Silvers Marine Scottish Series Event Chairman David Denholm and his committee, that they awarded them the top prize.

Other prizewinners were:

Callum Bell who takes home the Crawford McInnes Trophy for Best Under 25 Helm, sponsored by Hempel Paints.
Hempel Paints Youth Prizes went to: Callum Tait; Jake Miller; Janey Campbell and Tony Fitzgerald.
Rose Bowl awarded to the yacht which in the opinion of the Race Committee has given the best performance in the IRC handIcap classes in the Series – Aurora
The Tarbert Shield awarded to the yacht which, in the opinion of the Race Committee has given the best performance in the CYCA handicap classes in the Series – Thrust
The Anchor Hotel Trophy awarded to the yacht which, in the opinion of the Race Committee has given the best performance of all competitors in the One Design classes in the Series: Seaword
The Lemarac Tankard awarded to the yacht which, in the opinion of the Race Committee has given the best performance of all competitors in the Restricted Sail classes in the Series – Brave
The Sinbad Trophy awarded to the best family yacht, regardless of class or results, as judged by representatives of the organising committee – Chaos
The Causeway Cup awarded to the entry from Ireland which in the opinion of the Race Committee gives the best performance of the IRC classes in the Series (other than the winner of the Sail Scotland Trophy and the Silvers Marine Scottish Series Trophy, if appropriate) – Something Else
The Sail Scotland Trophy awarded to the yacht normally based outwith Scotland which in the opinion of the Race Committee gives the best performance of all yachts in the Series (other than the winner of the Silvers Marine Scottish Series Trophy, if appropriate) – USA208 VXI Ovington Boats
The Silvers Marine Scottish Series Trophy awarded to the yacht which, in the opinion of the Race Committee has given the best performance of all competitors in the Series - Seaword
IRC Class 1 Having sailed a near perfect regatta, Rod Stuart and Bill Ram's Aurora secured a first and second place today to seal victory and end the regatta five points clear of Silvers Marine Scottish Series sponsor Jamie McGarry and Colin Moore's Eala of Rhu. And, with a second and a first today Prime Suspect and Charlie Frize take third spot. This has been a hugely entertaining battle to watch and, going into the final day, there was still all to play for.

CYCA 5 There will be celebrations in Oban Sailing Club tonight as Richard Shellcock and Thrust top the table in CYCA 5. Their first and third today made sure they ended the regatta five points ahead of last year's class winner Alan Dunnet and Valhalla of Ashton. Having a great day out on the water today, taking a second and a first, saw John Corson and Salamander XXII end the regatta in third place.

CYCA Class 8 Well done to David and Karen Parker's Slippi Gin who slid into first place, winning their race today to end the weekend on top. There's been a real battle between Slippi Gin and Brian Robertson's Celtic Spirit who went into the final day leading the table. However, it wasn't their day and, with Owen Mcmanus and Jochr taking a second place, they made sure they ended up where they were last year, in second spot, with Celtic Spirit in third.

CYCA Class 9 Ken Allan and S Shearer's Brave have looked like class champions from the start of the weekend, with a perfect scoreline. They are worthy winners, with Silvers Marine Scottish Series sponsor Boyd Tunnock in Lemarac picking up second and Honey Bee and Iain Cameron in third.

Sigma 33 There were no surprises today in the Sigma 33 class with James Miller and Mayrise holding onto the top spot, ahead of Harper and Robertson's Leaky Roof 2 and Donald McLaren's Sigmatic.

National Sonata One Design Series The first and third places of Douglas Paton and Edgy, were enough to edge their way to victory in the class today. This has been a very exciting class to watch all weekend as B Wiseman and Guy Neville's Virtuoso sailed an equally consistent race. Ross MacNeish and Old School had a good result to take third place overall.

VX One In the end Brian Bennett and Ovington Boats had the upper hand, and securing two first places today go on take the class. Jono Shelley and Abracadabra ran out of magic and will have to be content with a solid second place ahead of the Lead Sled and Neal Piper in third.

Hunter 707 Class winner and Silvers Marine Scottish Series champions Dara O'Malley and Seaword just haven't put a foot wrong this weekend and, with two wins today end the series six points clear of John and Stewart Robertson's Cacciatore who were, in turn, six points clear of Neil McLure's Blue Funk.

Royal Cork's Nick Walsh was the winner of the Irish Laser Master Championships at the National Yacht Club at the weekend. The Crosshaven man beat local Dublin Bay Sailing Club's Dan O'Connell on the tie break rule after both sailors finished on the same nett points of 14 after six races sailed. In third place in a 26–boat fleet was Royal St. George Yacht Club helmsman Sean Craig on 19 points. Paul Ebrill of Wexford Harbour Boat Club was the winner of a five boat Radial fleet. Results are downloadable below. 

This popular event, open to Lasers Sailors aged 35 and over, is now in it's 10th year and firmly positioned as an annual favourite with the class members.

This year the fleet was bouyed by many new faces and a fledgling radial fleet both of which are very positive future signs.

Cork as usual sent a strong contingent, Wexford too was represented, Galway provided some of the new faces and Ballyholme sent a boutique but talented squadron of challengers. From closer to home it was great to see support from Howth YC. The RStG really padded out the numbers with a large showing and local boats also launched from the RIYC, DMYC and Coal Harbour for a total of 35 racing.

Ron Hutchieson was, as usual, officiating shoreside ably assisted at registration by Sandra Moore.

On day 1 a brisk SW'ly met the sailors as they ventured out towards Seapoint. It was looking a lot like a tough day on the bay. Before Race 1 got underway the breeze had moderated a little but the course was still being raked by strong gusts. Choosing which side of the bay to aim for was going to be crucial.

The fleet was very eager to get away and there were two general recalls before PRO Con Murphy unleashed the fleet and let them at it. The inner loop trapezoid course is very popular with the Laser sailors as it provides a good W/L course complete with 2 and a quarter beats alongside a sprinkling of blast reaches thrown in for good measure.

In race 1 Nick Walsh laid down a marker to take the bullet and begin his quest to reclaim the title he lost to Roger O'Gorman in Ballyholme 2015. Nick wasn't having it all his own way and it was a hard fought race with big wind pressure changes and shifts. 'Head out of the boat' was the order of the day. Second was Dan O'Connell and Paul Keane opened his account with a 3rd.

In race 2, David Hillmyer visiting from Sarasota Sailing Squadron in Florida showed great mental reserve to hold his lead to the finish from the marauding pack who were chasing him down after the breeze shut off. Sean Craig scored a handy 2nd while Daragh Sheridan bagged the last podium place. Front runners Dan O'Connell and Nick Walsh had a 6th and 7th respectively.

Race 3 (part #1) was going all the way of Ross O'Leary and Shirley Gilmore in a radial who were launched on the paying side of a huge shift before Con, cruelly perhaps but demonstrating why he is so respected as a PRO, abandoned the race to reset the course. The wind had other ideas and disappeared completely so Con weighed anchor to head into the bay in search of some new pressure. Summer turned into an Autumn gale as a strong line squall found the fleet. When the squall abated Con was able to reset a course and the fleet was quickly off again.

Race 3 (part #2) went to Nick Walsh to put him in the overnight lead. Dan O'Connell was 2nd and Robert Howe began to find his form with a third. Points wise it was very close at the top and a good indicator of things to come.

Saturdays Master Class dinner in the National YC was a perfectly tempered meal. Tired sailors caught up over a delicious meal provided by Louise and her A-Team of helpers.

Sunday morning dawned bright and sunny with a mysterious, light, but very raceable westerly breeze in place of the pessimistic soft forecast. The breeze held nicely for the first race though it was hard going keeping the concentration on the beats and torturous body positions downwind.

Sean Craig revels in the light air and the more twisted the turns in conditions the better. In Race 4 he stamped his mark, and his larger intentions, on the fleet with a convincing win. With Dan again in 2nd and Nick bagging a 3rd the leaderboard was getting tighter and tighter at the top.

Race 5 went to Rob Howe who was on a bit of a charge as he tried to negate a heavy DNF from Saturdays racing. Ross O'Leary popped up in 2nd and Nick posted a 3rd against Dan's 11th.

After race 5 the wind abrubtly but simply shut off! Con, with his usual instinct for detection of the slightest zephyr, upped sticks and set off into the bay in search of breeze. He really should play the lottery as a perfect sea breeze duly arrived as if by magic from 155deg.

His very experienced mark laying team led by Dave Morley were quick to take advantage of the cards they had been dealt and set up a course in record time. And so Race 6 was quickly underway in a sunny glamour 12-14kts, perfect champagne sailing (with a little lightning and thunder across the bay) for the fleets last hurrah.

At the first mark it was neck and neck between O'Connell, Craig, Rice and Keane who all rounded in unison. It was Keane who got a lucky break and the inside berth on the downwind to lead at the bottom. He held the lead for the remainder of the race and despite a strong challenge by O'Connell on the finish line took the bullet. Rob Howe finished in 3rd with Craig in 5th and Nick back in 6th.

As the sailors headed towards the harbour the conversation on the water turned to maths. Incredibly Nick and Dan were tied for 1st on 14 points and 3rd place was a tie three ways between Sean Craig, Rob Howe and Paul Keane on 19. The top slot in the radial too was a tie between Paul Ebrill and Shirley Gilmore.

Ron applied the various countbacks as dictated by the SI's and the leaderboard took on it's final shape. Nick Walsh is again Masters Champion and Paul Ebrill Champion in the radials. The complete and official results can be viewed below

Solo sailor Finn Lynch (20), returned home from the Laser World Championships in Mexico last night to the National Yacht Club and a hero's welcome. The Dun Laoghaire clubhouse was packed to cheer the ground breaking achievemements that saw the U21 Laser world champion claim the single Rio berth ahead of London 2012's James Espey of Belfast. Lynch, originally from Carlow, is a member of The National Yacht Club and is the youngest ever Irish helmsman to qualify for the Olympics. Read more on his qualification victory here. 

View the photo gallery below by Joe Fallon:

Laser sailor Finn Lynch will be given a hero's welcome when he arrives back to the National Yacht Club (NYC) this evening. The Dun Laoghaire club gave its full support to the teen's campaign that ended with Olympic nomination success on Wednesday.

Lynch secured his selection over boat qualifier James Espey (the London 2012 representative) and fellow trialist Fionn Lyden on the final day of the Laser Worlds in Mexico. Lynch was the only sailor to make gold fleet.

David O'Brien in the Irish Times this morning noted the fledgling campaign was only kept afloat by club fundraisers, spearheaded by NYC doyen Carmel Winkelmann. A point also noted on Lynch's Facebook page (below).

Tonight, the NYC is getting ready to hear Finn's story first hand when it toasts both Lynch and his clubmate Annalise Murphy who will both be flyng the NYC ensign in Rio in August.

Lynch will become Ireland's youngest ever Olympic helmsman at age 20, eclipsing Malahide Finn sailor David Burrows who sailed in Sydney 200 aged 22 and Malaide club mate Robert Dix who sailed in Kingston in 1976 aged 23.

Rising star Lynch has had a meteoric rise to his this weeks Olympic place.

Finn Lynch's Road to Rio

2008 Selected for ISA Topper Squad (age 12)
2009 Topper World Championship Silver Medal
2011 Selected ISA Academy
2012 ISAF Youth World Championships Silver Medal
2012 u17 Radial European Champion
2013 u21 Radial World Champion
2013 Radial World Championship Bronze Medal
2014 u19 Laser World Champion
2015 u21 Laser World Championships 4th
2016 Wins Irish nomination trials for Rio Olympics

Dun Laoghaire's National Yacht Club gathered on Saturday to salute top club achievements from 2015. Ten annual awards for outstanding sailing were presented ranging from cruising endeavours to Olympic campaigns.

In cruising, The Township Cup went to Michael and Ann Madsen for a 15–week 2,500 nautical mile cruise to Norway and back. Frank and Gemma Cassidy were awarded The Muglins Cup for their adventurous famly cruise to France on board their Pacific Seacraft, Ocean Blue. 

In the offshore racing category, Liam Shanahan and family were awarded the Boyne Regatta Cup for their ISORA season win plus the Dun Laoghaire to Dingle Race as well as Afloat.ie's Sailor of the Year Award.  

In one design racing, The O'Leary Cup went to Flying Fifteen national champions David Gorman and Chris Doorly.

View a slide show of the 2015 recipients by Joe Fallon below:

Last Friday, the National Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire saw a gathering of NYC members who raced in ISORA in the 1980’s. The dinner was attended by over 40 members and guests, representing the skippers and crew of six boats.
Represented there were:
• “Lightening” – Liam Shanahan Snr
• “Emircedes” – Michael Horgan Snr & Peter Ryan
• “Humphrey Go Kart “- Vincent Farrell
• “Eliminator” - Peter Cullen.
• “Boomerang” – Paul Kirwan
• “Avanti “ - (Brendan Briscoe)

Peter Cullen, Liam Shanahan Snr and Anita Begley

The night was organised by Anita Begley who raced on “Avanti”, owned by the late Brendan Briscoe. Anita also raced on “Emircedes” and “Eliminator”. The dinner was a great social event with amusing anecdotes of taking part in ISORA races being recounted in the many casual after dinner speeches.

Liam Shanahan recounted the fierce competitiveness between “Lightening” and Peter Cullen’s “Eliminator” during races when boats crossed the Irish Sea three times in the race!! Despite the competitiveness during the race, the famous “Spirit of ISORA” was always present when the boats finished.

Present Chairman of ISORA, Peter Ryan, reiterated that is was great to see the keen and constant interest in ISORA by those members who sailed in races over 30 years ago. The memories of those incidents that occurred during and after the races years ago, as recounted by those after dinner speeches, was a testament to the future longevity and success of ISORA.

The evening was such a success that there were suggestions that the dinner could become an annual event and involve all previous skippers and crew who sailed in ISORA in the past.