George Harold “Hal” Bleakley, a long-time figure in Dublin Bay sailing and marina management, has died peacefully at home on 11 November 2025.
He was the loving husband of Jane, father of Penny and of the late Michael, and devoted grandfather of Andrew, Emily, Emma, Jessica and Harvey.
He is also remembered as father-in-law to Brendan and Andrea, and by his extended family and many friends.
A Thanksgiving Service, following a private cremation, will take place on Friday, 14 November at 3 pm in Christ Church, Park Road, Dun Laoghaire.
Those unable to attend in person can follow the Service online here
Hal was closely associated with Dublin Bay Sailing Club (DBSC) and retired in 2014 after a lifetime of service to yacht racing.
He stood down that year after his final day as Race Officer in the club’s 130th season of racing on Dublin Bay.
He served on the DBSC officer board and was a former Commodore of the club.
From a sailing family, he was strongly linked with the Mermaid dinghy class, which became his main racing focus.
He married Jane Daniel, daughter of Mermaid stalwart Ken Daniel, and the couple left their wedding ceremony through an arch of Mermaid spinnaker poles formed by leading helmsmen.
Hal and Jane raced Mermaids enthusiastically for many years and won the John B Kearney Cup in 1990.
They later presented the Daniel Perpetual Memorial Trophy for the best overall result across regattas at the National Yacht Club, Royal St George Yacht Club, Royal Irish Yacht Club, Wexford, Skerries, Foynes, Clontarf and Rush.
His technical knowledge was widely used in the Mermaid fleet, especially in measurement for length and weight.
His calm presence on committee boats led to increasing demand for his services as a Race Officer.
Away from the water, Hal worked in Ireland’s aviation industry from 1959 to 2000 in technical management and administration.
He later became the first manager of Dun Laoghaire Marina when it opened in 2001.
Under his management, the marina expanded from 275 berths in 2001 to 820 berths by 2007.
In 2008, Dun Laoghaire Marina received five Gold Anchor awards from the Yacht Harbour Association.
Within the marine industry, Hal was a founder member and chairman of the Irish Marina Operators Association.
He also served as a board member of the Irish Marine Federation.
In sea safety, he acted as Launching Authority for the Dun Laoghaire RNLI lifeboat, one of the busiest lifeboat stations in the country.
Tributes from the sailing community have described his impact on the sport.
“To Jane, Penny and family. Sincerest condolences on Hal’s death. He was always a true gentleman and is a huge loss to sailing. May he rest in Peace. Fair winds and following seas,” wrote Mermid sailors Jonathan and Carol O’Rourke.
“Hilary and I would like to offer our condolences on the sad passing of Hal. May he now rest in peace. The sailing world will miss him,” said former DBSC Commodore Fintan Cairns.
He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends and the wider sailing and marina communities.
