There is satisfaction in being associated with a good news story about sailing, so the latest step in the Rankin dinghy development, which we have followed for four years on the Afloat website is the announcement that the revived, restored and re-energised fleet is to hold “the inaugural Rankin Worlds.”
They will be part of the ‘Cork Dinghy Fest’ in Cork Harbour in September.
The aim of the “Dinghy Fest” is to inject more fun into dinghy sailing, as Organiser Alex Barry told Afloat when plans for its third running were announced, with an on “keeping dinghy sailing classes alive,” by reaching out to all classes to take part and by encouraging young sailors.
"The classic fleet will be part of the ‘Cork Dinghy Fest’ in Cork Harbour in September"
He approached the Rankin Dinghy Class which has responded enthusiastically, “after all it is the dinghy class of the harbour,” Conor English, one of the leaders of the Rankin revival told me, putting emphasis on it being THE Cork Harbour dinghy class, with its historical association with boat-building in Cobh.
Planned in the schedule for the “Dinghy Fest,” are the National 18s National Championships; the Irish Multihull Nationals; the RS 200, 400 and Feva Southerns, the Mirror Southerns and the 29er Southerns. To these the Rankin ‘Worlds’ have been added.
Dinghy sailors have often told me that “friendship” is a key to keeping sailing classes going. That is well represented in the Rankin revival. Up to six of Rankins are racing weekly in Cove Sailing Club events and the Class says there are owners of the boats also in Dungarvan, Ardmore, Kinsale and Baltimore.
There is also a Rankin in Monkstown with the Barry family and Dinghy Fest Organiser, Alex, is an All-Ireland Sailing Champion and a member of both the RCYC and Monkstown Bay SC.
I have sailed a Rankin, from Cobh to Crosshaven (!) as the photos show! After years out of dinghies and finding it easier to board a cruiser (!) it was an interesting experience!
The Rankins will race at the Dinghy Fest gathering on the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, September 14 and 15. Conor English tells me on my Podcast how the ‘Worlds’ have come about.
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST BELOW