It is now a quarter of a century since Moonduster was last seen sailing away from Crosshaven, taking with her a level of emotional attachment that few boats can match. But for all those who knew her and what she meant, there are now many more in the Irish sailing community who simply don’t, or know of her only in the ranks of near mythology.
Yet these “Moonduster Don’t Knows” have already created successful and often be-medalled sailing careers – locally, nationally and internationally – despite not even being born when Moonduster left. So it is understandable that there’s some bewilderment about the fact that a 45-year-old boat’s subsequent existence abroad, and the challenge of trying to restore her to pristine Crosshaven Condition, seems to be causing much concern. So much so, in fact, that a Friends of Moonduster Facebook page came into being on July 25th 2010, and currently has a dedicated membership at the 850 mark.
Denis Doyle, the human half of the charismatic Doyler/Duster team.
CHARISMATIC INCARNATION
In her first charismatic incarnation between 1981 and 2001, Denis Doyle’s fabulous Crosshaven-built Frers 51 Moonduster had the rare advantage of being maintained under cover each winter by the people who had built her in Crosshaven Boatyard, and understood the complexities of her multi-skin hull construction which combined two layers of diagonal highest quality timber, with a layer of carbon fibre in its midst, and an outer skin of horizontally-planked classic wood.
The talented team in Crosshaven Boatyard (which was long owned by Denis Doyle) had persuaded German Frers to let them have the use of only the most basic – though precise – hull and rig plan, and it was boat-engineering genius Richard Leonard of the yard’s staff – and a member of a historic boat-building family – who planned and finalised the details, with the result being a work of functional art.
ONE VERY SPECIAL BOAT
From the moment she first sailed in May 1981, it was evident that this was one very special boat which produced an almost other-worldly effect on the feelings and loyalties of her crew. And as her range of international races increased, her presence enhanced every event and place with which she was involved.
Time constraints meant that Moonduster’s first races were the Admiral’s Cup Team Selection Trials of May 1981, when the crew had barely started to learn how to tune the mast for running in a fresh breeze. Photo: W M Nixon
An English acquaintance fondly remembers his first Fastnet Race, in which he sailed as a paying trainee crew on a schoolship BH 41. Making their way to windward down a murky Solent, they became aware of a golden-hulled presence closing from astern. The BH 41 being no slouch, her skipper was determined that this boat was not going to get past them easily. But the golden one simply started sheets a little, drove through their lee like a rocket, and was soon disappearing into the murk on their weather bow.
“What on earth was that?” demanded our friend, expecting a furious response from the skipper.
“That?” the skipper replied, with an enchanted expression on his weatherbeaten face, “That was Moonduster. You’ll learn a lot about her in this offshore racing game. And it’s all good”.
Her beautifully-varnished hull meant that you noticed her as Moonduster worked her way up through the fleet.
ALL GOOD AT HOME AND ABROAD
It was all good at home and abroad. The 1980-inaugurated Round Ireland Race from Wicklow was secured as a biennial classic when Moonduster turned up for the second race in 1982. Denis & Mary Doyle became revered figures in Wicklow at most stagings of the Round Ireland thereafter, as Mary was a genius at sussing out the best boat-convenient accommodation in town, and Denis was a passionate believer in supporting the local economy of the ports hosting events he raced, large and small alike.
Thus he was a Wicklow legend when he arrived back with Moonduster for the 1984 Round Ireland, and the legend entered the areas of mythology, with Moonduster’s weather for the race so perfect that her 1984 time established an open record that stood until big multi-hulls started chipping at it in 1986, while her mono-hull record stood until 1998, beaten by a much larger boat.
Beyond Ireland’s shores, Moonduster did 11 Fastnets in the Denis Doyle ownership, but was also found – with continuing success – competing in events as far away as the Sardinia Cup. As for areas in between, I can remember going into the Monte Real YC in Bayona in Galicia in 1995, and while a moderately lengthy list of Commodores was displayed on the Officers’ Board, there were only two Honorary Members – Denis Doyle and his good friend Juan Carlos.
CREW PANEL MINIMUM OF THIRTY
To campaign Moonduster, The Doyler needed to maintain a crew panel of at least 30, and thus the larger Moonduster Community was such that when Donal McClement organised a Gala Dinner in the 1990s to celebrate The Duster and The Doyler and all that they had achieved and meant to people, more than 300 people feasted at the Carrigaline Court Hotel.
Moonduster’s all-conquering Round Ireland Race crew of 1984 with Denis Doyle at the wheel include (left to right) Joxer O’Brien, John Bourke (standing), Neil Love, Dave Harte, John Mulcahy, Neil Hegarty and Donal McClement with (foreground) Grattan Roberts and Brendan Fogarty Photo: Wicklow SC
Denis’s friendships were widespread, many and varied, as was seen at his funeral in Carrigaline in the Autumn of 2001. He had died at the age of 81, after completing the last of his very many Fastnets aboard Moonduster a month earlier in August.
END OF CROSSHAVEN’S MOONDUSTER AGE
It was undoubtedly the end of an era, but for Crosshaven it was also the end of the Moonduster Age. For although some talked of setting up a Moonduster Trust to keep her in Cork and continuing to function in her proven role as a serious local, national and international campaigner while also being an unofficial sail training vessel, others realised that without the huge psychological presence of Denis Doyle, it simply wouldn’t work. Some went so far as to suggest that she should be sold away – well away – on condition of her unmistakable hull being painted white, and her name changed.
Either way, as Moonduster rested, gathering dust in the shed where she had been built, those involved found themselves between a rock and a hard place. So it was a relief in 2022 when a young Norwegian, with resources from a maritime family background in the harbour of Trondheim at 63.43 degrees north, took Moonduster to his home port with the best of intentions to maintain her to top standards at the heart of a sea school venture.
When the going was still good – Moonduster in her early days at Trondheim. With her excellent steering, one of Moonduster’s great attractions is the feeling of exerting full control – even when short-handed – over something so beautifully powerful.
THINGS GO WELL AT FIRST
Things went very well at first, with Moonduster getting an upgrade which included the ageing Perkins diesel being replaced by a Yanmar. But then the local resources and interest in that very northerly port of Trondheim fell away, and Afloat.ie started receiving photos from Irish boats cruising the Norwegian coast and being shocked by happening upon Moonduster at the rough quay in Trondheim in a poor shape.
It soon became evident that the “Moonduster Enchantment” still had a continuing effect on those who had sailed on her, while the fact of being accepted on her crew in the days of The Doyler often seemed to make for a fascinating life in later adulthood.
THE KEY PEOPLE
Determined characters like Spanish-resident Derek Holden got re-involved, but at the moment the key figures are Norwegian Tom Solberg and John Kavanagh (56), originally of Kinsale and trained as an accountant, but now Estonia-resident and engaged in enterprises as diverse as raising Hereford cattle there for export, while also working in techy companies in Estonia and Norway.
Another passion is an interest in offbeat restoration projects – for two years, it was the island-secluded Lambay Castle on Lambay for Alex Baring. Since 2014, however, it has been Moonduster, and here is his story, written at home in Estonia:
Moonduster with John Kavanagh in her crew shortly after the start of the 1995 Dun Laoghaire to Dingle Race, in which she won line honours and overall. Photo: Afloat.ie
HOW JOHN KAVANAGH BECAME ENRAPTURED WITH MOONDUSTER
Picking up my pen on this stormy winter's night with a blizzard outside, I sit by the fireside and write my account of the Moonduster story thus far. I set my mind back to the 1980s when, as a young boy, I was infatuated by the Ocean and the great world of IOR racing.
As a Flying Fifteen sailor in Kinsale, I longed to race offshore, I dreamt of the Round Ireland Race, The Fastnet and Whitbread Round the World Race. Paintings of the great J-Class Yachts may have adorned the walls of our home, but different among them was one special yacht, the famous 'Moonduster'.
It brings to memory how I finally met with the legendary Denis Doyle. Racing in Kinsale with the equally famous Conor Doyle aboard his beloved Dragon 'Elsa', Moonduster powered into and through the harbour like none other. I exclaimed that this was the most beautiful racing yacht I have ever seen.
MEETING DENIS DOYLE
Conor advised that Denis Doyle was his uncle, and we were dining together that evening at the Kinsale Yacht Club. Over dinner I was in awe at the stories of the wonderful Moonduster and the veteran sailor Denis Doyle. By the end of the evening I had acquired some Dutch courage, and asked if I could have a spin on Moonduster sometime. I was met with the answer:
“We don't take passengers, but if you wish you can try out for the crew. Be at Crosshaven Boatyard on Saturday at 12 noon”.
It took a two hour bus trip to be there, and the following ten years were the best sailing days of my life. Multiple Round Ireland Races and Fastnet Races, and Cowes Week Regattas every year, The Armada Cup Race to San Sebastian, Tall Ships Races (she won overall in the 1998 Vigo–Dublin Tall Ships Race) and too many memories to mention. This was to be a friendship and a love of sailing that I carry to this day.
Sadly, in 2001 our dear friend and skipper Denis Doyle passed away, and our beloved Moonduster was sold to Norwegian investors in 2002. She left Irish waters, some would say: “Never to return”.
FIRST TEN YEARS IN NORWAY GO WELL
The first ten years in Norway she was managed and cared for by Tor Bertil Stimo, who bought her in Ireland, and subsequently organised the ownership of Moonduster through the limited liability company: Moonduster AS. During the first 2–3 years, Moonduster underwent substantial refurbishment, including a complete sanding and new varnish on the hull. She was also fitted with a new engine; a Yanmar 125, replacing the old Perkins that had run its course.
Superstars together back in the day: Moonduster and the Ron Holland-designed Imp (George Radley) racing in squally weather off Cork. Photo: Robert Bateman
DETERIORATION
Over a ten year period, Moonduster AS had various groups of owners making an effort to operate and maintain her, but eventually, the interest faded and she started to deteriorate. One of the long time owners; Tom Solberg, was left with paying the company's bills, insurance, and so on. He was also left with the insurmountable task of bringing Moonduster back to her former glory, and thus trying to arrange for new, active owners getting involved with the company, for the purpose of maintaining and operating Moonduster.
Even Moonduster’s quality materials and construction could not withstand all the assaults of several northern Norway winters.
Thankfully Tom and I became good friends over the past few years, and we have had the same goal in mind, to bring Moonduster back to life. In 2024, Tom and I agreed that the time was right to restore Moonduster and so it began.
ALMOST OVERWHELMED
In June 2024, my better half Mari-Liis booked me a ticket to Trondheim to see if Moonduster could be saved or I should stop talking about it. On arrival I must say I was almost overwhelmed by her condition as we lifted her onshore... there must have been 500kgs of mussels on the keel and the decks, running rigging etc were akin to something from 'Pirates of the Caribbean'.
It was a miserable wet Friday evening in Trondheim, there was none of the beauty or glory that once adorned Moonduster. Just a dark and gloomy hull. Stepping aboard, her interior was damp and dreary, nothing of her former past. Tears fell down my cheeks as I thought she was beyond repair.
The interior of Moonduster in her glory days – despite being an austere racing machine, she projected an aura of stylish comfort below.
MEETING AGAIN AFTER THIRTY YEARS
Anyway, we lifted her ashore. We powerwashed all of the hull and she looked a bit better. In the midst of it all, an old crew mate arrived in the form of Derek Holden. He didn't even recognise me, covered in muck and all of 30 years later and older. Derek had an obsessive love of Moonduster, but even though we had been in contact throughout the years, we had not seen each other for 30 years.
We set to work on the yacht, and it was as if the 'Old Girl' knew. This was no ordinary yacht, after all she was designed and built by the best of her generation, German Frers and of course Crosshaven Boatyard.
The colour had faded almost completely from the weight-saving cockpit structures
LIFE RETURNS
A couple of days and the wonderful Moonduster started to come back to life, a little bit of love from those who really cared. Tom, Derek and I worked tirelessly to bring The Queen of the Seas back to life. Days became weeks and months. Winter 24–25 came, and it's a Nordic one. Not for the fainthearted.
Yet by the Spring of 2025, Moonduster really was coming back to life. Dreams of the Fastnet were on the agenda, and the yacht we once knew was becoming herself again. Inside, the yacht was also taking shape, freshly painted she was a comfortable yacht to accommodate her crew once again.
Steady man: Tom Stolberg demonstrating the old Norwegian saying that there’s no such thing as bad weather, it’s only inadequate clothing.
REMEMBERING ABSENT FRIENDS
We spent many evenings onboard chatting about old times, thinking of the many super days in all weathers racing together and the absent friends that once sat onboard. The waft of pipe smoke over the chart table as Navigator Barney Goulding plotted a course and updated the crew of our progress.
The wonderful aroma of a Winston Churchill Cigar as Denis Doyle shared a joke or two amongst friends. The time capsule was intact. The spirit of those wonderful days and nights was in every plank of Moonduster.
Back at that mighty wheel – John Kavanagh at sea aboard Moonduster
NEAR DISASTER
But in July 2025, while sitting at her berth in Trondheim Channel, disaster struck. The Munkholmen Passenger ferry, carrying 100 passengers and being driven by an unlicensed skipper, crashed through the side of Moonduster's hull, causing extreme damage.
We were quickly notified by the Harbour Authorities, and Tom Solberg went to remediate the damage. I subsequently travelled to Trondheim, and with the assistance of Tom we set about rescuing the yacht.
Over the coming months we remediated the damage in a temporary but effective style, and decided that the best way forward was to take her “Into the West”, to Skarsvaag Boat Yard, the best boatyard in Norway. To get there, I set about repairing the hull and making ready for the 10 to 15 hour sail west, and by October we had made the necessary arrangements.
Mahogany of the standard used in Moonduster is now vanishingly rare, but they managed to source this vital consignment for the restoration job.
STORM AMY STRIKES
Then came October 3rd/4th 2025, and Storm ‘Amy’ struck Norway. I was asleep onboard Moonduster, and she was lifted by every gust and the torrential rain lashed down on her deck. I could not sleep, and prayed for the morning in the hope that the weather would subside.
It eventually did, but winter was fast approaching, and Tom and I decided we needed to sail her west to Hitra before the weather worsened for the three most severe winter months. But in the week leading up to the 17th of October, the weather got worse day by day. So we waited. And a narrow weather window opened.
The consignment of replacement teak needed for Moonduster’s re-birth.
BRIEF WEATHER WINDOW
8am on 17th of October with sails and fuel onboard, a warm stew on the hob, Tom and I set sail for Hitra. The morning was blissful as we left Trondheim, sunshine on our faces and a calm fjord.
This didn't last too long, the wind strengthened with every moment, a strong swell and bitterly cold nip in the air as the first snows of winter adorned the mountains either side of the fjord. Tom and I settled down for the long trip to Hitra, and were enjoying a nice cup of tea and a sandwich until the deteriorating conditions reasserted themselves and our welcome snack was washed away by an icy rogue wave.
SUBLIME SCENERY, WAYWARD WEATHER
Beautiful scenery was the order of the day as we sailed further west towards the open sea, while thunderstorms, dark clouds, sunshine and snow showers were intermittent. We’d all seasons in a matter of hours.
Moonduster was majestic as always as her powerful hull graced its way through the waves. Even with the breach in her side, her repair didn't allow a drop of water inside.
In support, her engine and hydraulics working flawlessly every step of the way, testament to the weeks of hard work and preparation. Tom and Derek had meticulously ensured that everything was mechanically perfect, as you don’t want to be found in difficulty in the unforgiving outer fjords.
While the fjord in Norway can be a lonely place, its scenery is absolutely stunning, so much like the West of Ireland. So much like a scene from Tolkien. Unbelievable beauty. And something I had not experienced since a Round Ireland Race on Moonduster all those years ago.
REINFORCING THE MEANING OF MOONDUSTER
Sailing Moonduster from Trondheim to Hitra with Tom Solberg, I realised that Moonduster means so much to so many people. She has been a part of Irish and international sailing for over 40 years, yet she has spent over 20 years of that life in Norway. But she has not changed, she is wonderful.
She is now in a warm shed for winter where Tom, Derek and I will ensure that she will be finally restored to her former glory. Now into 2026, we look forward to continuing the story. The restoration picks up pace as the team lay out a packed schedule for the weeks and months that follow.
MARK MANSFIELD ON THE STRENGTH
Mark Mansfield of Quantum Sails, one of the old crew on the Admiral’s Cup Team 1981 and well known Olympian who doubled as the “Junior Junior” on the great Moonduster, has pledged his allegiance to the crown and will work alongside our team to bring her back to full racing life.
International sailor Mark Mansfield will be bringing the Quantum Sail expertise to the campaign.
We also hear that her friends at The Royal Cork Yacht Club are awaiting news of her progress with Donal McClement and Neil Kennifick keeping in touch. Perhaps she will have a homecoming visit in the near future with her beautiful spinnaker overshadowing Roches Point once again. Moonduster is coming home.
And so this tale, worthy of a Norse Saga (continues W M Nixon), will see Moonduster manifesting her powerful yet gentle presence in Crosshaven once again. Enough years have now elapsed since the great Denis Doyle went from among us to ensure the return of Moonduster can now be a matter of joy. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who have made this possible, and have so generously shared their story with us.
