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Sailability Round Ireland – Half Way There as Yachts Berth in Kinsale

2nd July 2015
Sailability Round Ireland – Half Way There as Yachts Berth in Kinsale

#sailability – The yachts going round Ireland flying the flag for Sailability are berthed in Kinsale, the half way mark, where a crew change will take place before heading west continuing to Galway, Killybegs and return to Greencastle on Friday, July 10.

Their journey to date has been a mixed bag of fair winds, gales, thunder and lightning! However, the sun came out in each of the stopovers where they were able to enjoy the hospitality and welcome at the Sailability centre in Carrickfergus, Carlingford and Dun Laoghaire.

A New Boat for Foyle Sailability
In Carrickfergus, Belfast Lough Sailability donated a Squip dinghy to Foyle Sailability. Bob Harwood of BLS, said, 'This was our first dinghy when we started 15 years ago. It helped us to get started and today we now have a fleet of boats which serve our purpose. We are thrilled that Foyle Sailability members took on this Round Ireland challenge to raise awareness of Sailability, and hope that this dinghy will serve them as well as it served us­.

'We are overwhelmed at this very generous gesture and appreciate the welcome we have received here today', said Garry Crothers, skipper of Kind of Blue, and Foyle Sailability member.

Garry, added, 'Our journey so far has been hard going but very enjoyable and meeting Sailability members in each of the centres has been the highlight. The welcome and hospitality we have received has been first class and each of us have made new friends and strong links have been established with other Sailability centres.'

The yachts will depart Kinsale today and continue to Galway.

Published in Sailability
Afloat.ie Team

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Kinsale Yacht Club located in Kinsale, County Cork lies just 120 nautical miles from Wales, 240 from North West France and only 500 from the Galician Coast of North Spain.

Kinsale Yacht Club is only a few minutes walk from every shop, hotel, pub and restaurant in Ireland’s gourmet capital but most significantly it is only 30 km by road from Cork, Ireland’s second city, and between the two lies one the region’s main assets - Cork International Airport - with its daily links to many European capitals.

Club members, of which there are more than 600, race Cruisers, One Design Keelboats and Dinghies.

The club runs inshore and offshore races, has an active cruising scene, a powerboat section and most significantly for any real club, a strong and dynamic junior training programme.

Beyond the club’s own marina is the club house itself and the dinghy park. Within the clubhouse are changing rooms, bar and restaurant all with full wheelchair access. The club’s full-time secretariat, steward and marina manager are there to look after sailing visitors and members alike in a relaxed, informal and fun environment.

The club welcomes new members and has always got room on its members’ yachts for new comers to the sport.