Displaying items by tag: Irishbuilt

26th June 2012

Irish-Made Kayaks Star in Connecticut Small Boat Day

#KAYAKING - Irish-built kayaks were the vessels of choice for the third annual Small Boat Day in Groton, Connecticut, as the Mystic River Press reports.

Kayakers of all levels of experience were welcome for the free event on the waters off Esker Point Beach last Saturday, trying out some of 16 different models of sea kayaks provided by Kayak Waveology.

The New England-based sea kayaking school features vessels built in Ireland "to withstand the rigours of the Irish Sea".

The calm waters off Esker Point were no match for those conditions - which, if the novices have anything to say about it, is probably for the best!

Local resident Bill Grady, who has been the driving force behind the small boat event, said it was intended to encourage the public to make use of the "fabulous" resources that make use of the water.

"People don't really take advantage of them. Lots of people from out-of-town know about them," he said.

"It's just neat to play with small boats. You can get on the water very reasonably. It's great fun and a great family activity."

The Mystic River Press has more on the story HERE.

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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.