Irish Sailing President Officially Opens New Kilrush Marina Training Centre

28th November 2019

Irish Sailing President Jack Roy (left) raises the IS Training Centre flag at KIlrush Marina watched by Training Centre Principal and Marina Manager Simon McGibney

Irish Sailing President Jack Roy officially opened the Kilrush Marina Training Centre on the Shannon Estuary in County Clare last Sunday.

“This is another great addition to the Clare region and an addition to the services provided at Kilrush Marina”, explained Training Centre Principal and Marina Manager Simon McGibney.

“We are delighted to be a recognised Irish Sailing Training Centre and look forward to providing courses in Powerboat, Shorebased Navigation and Keelboat instruction.”

Irish Sailing President Jack Roy has always been an advocate for shore-based courses giving a sound foundation in navigation and the large attendance at the official opening heard from Jack Roy of the importance of these foundations in emergency situations.

Jack also complimented Kilrush Marina for the boost it has given to sailing in the estuary in recent times, supporting local sailing club events and bringing new visitors cruising up and down the estuary. The attendance at the opening was from the general public, local businesses, local sailing clubs including the Royal Western Yacht Club of Ireland and Cullaun Sailing Club, members of the local RNLI, and junior and senior members of the local currach club who had been out training that morning in the marina.

Local councillor Mr Ian Lynch stated, “it’s great to see the marina bringing more courses to the maritime town which in turn brings more activity to the area”.

Kilrush Marina Training Centre also provides VHF and First Aid courses. For further information on Kilrush Marina Irish Sailing courses check out www.kilrushmarina.ie

Published in ISA, Shannon Estuary

Published in ISA

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Irish Sailing

The Irish Sailing Association, also known as Irish Sailing, is the national governing body for sailing, powerboating and windsurfing in Ireland.

Founded in 1945 as the Irish Dinghy Racing Association, it became the Irish Yachting Association in 1964 and the Irish Sailing Association in 1992.

Irish Sailing is a Member National Authority (MNA) of World Sailing and a member of the Olympic Federation of Ireland.

The Association is governed by a volunteer board, elected by the member clubs. Policy Groups provide the link with members and stakeholders while advising the Board on specialist areas. There is a professional administration and performance staff, based at the headquarters in Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin.

Core functions include the regulation of sailing education, administering racing and selection of Irish sailors for international competition. It is the body recognised by the Olympic Federation of Ireland for nominating Irish qualified sailors to be considered for selection to represent Ireland at the Olympic Games. Irish sailors have medalled twice at the Olympics – David Wilkins and Jamie Wikinson at the 1980 games, and Annalise Murphy at the 2016 games.

The Association, through its network of clubs and centres, offers curriculum-based training in the various sailing, windsurfing and powerboating disciplines. Irish Sailing qualifications are recognised by Irish and European Authorities. Most prominent of these are the Yachtmaster and the International Certificate of Competency.

It runs the annual All-Ireland Championships (formerly the Helmsman’s Championship) for senior and junior sailors.

The Association has been led by leading lights in the sailing and business communities. These include Douglas Heard, Clayton Love Junior, John Burke and Robert Dix.

Close to 100 sailors have represented Ireland at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Membership of Irish Sailing is either by direct application or through membership of an affiliated organisation. The annual membership fee ranges from €75 for families, down to €20 for Seniors and Juniors.