The success of the Under 25 team sailing the club J24 ’Kinsailor’ is one of the many successes highlighted in the annual Class reports at Kinsale Yacht Club which, like many clubs, had to deal with the occasional ravages the weather patterns made on sailing programmes during the 2023 season.
The success of the club’s Sailability Programme which won the Cork Sports Partnership Active Community Award is another achievement noted as are the achievements of Cian McCarthy and Sam Hunt sailing Cinnamon Girl successfully in several events and Conor Doyle’s participation in the Middle Sea Race, as well as Tony and Alice Kingston’s 2,000-mile trip from Lanzarote to Barbados on Shindig. 2023 Sydney Hobart Race, with Cian and Sam will be sailing in the Sydney Hobart Christmas Race
CRUISER RACING and WHITESAILS
Good, successful season for club boats and members racing in various events, including the Fastnet. A successful Sovereigns Cup and club racing events and another busy year in Whitesail with good numbers in the fleet. The club wold like to expand its Race Officers numbers. Expressions of interest from anyone who would like to get involved in race management are welcome.
Racing at Kinsale Yacht Club's Spring League Photo: Bob Bateman
TOPPERS
A year of outstanding sailing, despite occasional disruptions from the weather. The hunt for boats continued and resulted in new sailors joining the fleet. We are always happy to see new faces and see sailors move from one club fleet to another as they develop in their sailing careers. This year we welcomed some Optimist sailors who had grown out of their boats and joined us in the Toppers, as well as others who are new to the sport.
Likewise, some topper sailors have moved into other boats, including 420, where they will harvest their skills and progress further. The season kicks off again at the end of January, with the Frostbites.
SQUIBS
The weather affected the September series with only one race possible. But good interest in the fleet and looking forward to a new venue for class racing in Baltimore next year.
Kinsale Yacht Commodore Matthias Hellstern welcomed Maeve Cotter as Regatta Director for the Dragon Gold Cup in 2024
DRAGONS
Whilst the fleet were poor for club racing this season, that didn’t seem to impact the performance at a national level. Whilst the boats are now all put to bed for the Winter, Maeve Cotter and her organising team are busily preparing for the Gold Cup next September. Already confirming their intention to race are crews from some 20 nations.
SAILABILITY
Despite the unseasonably weather experienced this year there were 21 days on the water this season during the season. Our fleet increased also when we received delivery of the new Whally Boat kindly sponsored by Cork Sports Partnership.This Boat has become very popular with people due to its ease of access It is great to have such a modern fleet for our members enjoyment. We have increased membership again with several enquiries already for 2024.
420 dinghies are launched at the Kinsale Harbour slipway for the class Munster Championships hosted by Kinsale Yacht Club Photo: Bob Bateman
420s
The fleet continues to grow in popularity at KYC with 10+ sailors training and racing on a regular basis across 4 boats. Two club boats have been leased throughout the year, with a waiting list in place for thespring 2024 term. Sailors who have leased for 1 term are seeking to purchase their own boats. Looking forward to more boats in 2024.
OPTIMISTS
The Christmas regatta signals the end of the season. 2023 was an eventful year for the KYC Optimist fleet. Sailors move on to other Classes, as is the norm and there continues to be new interest for the season ahead. KYC sailors are joining the IODAI development squads for 2024
