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National Yacht Club Celebrates Sailing Excellence at Awards

23rd February 2025
At the National Yacht Club 2024 Awards ceremony on Saturday night (February 22nd), The Wild Geese Trophy was awarded to an overseas member for the best racing performance. This year's recipient was ILCA champion Mark Lyttle (right) and presented by Adam Winkelmann
At the National Yacht Club 2024 Awards ceremony on Saturday night (February 22nd), The Wild Geese Trophy was awarded to an overseas member for the best racing performance. This year's recipient was ILCA champion Mark Lyttle (right) and presented by Adam Winkelmann Credit: Michael Chester

The National Yacht Club's annual Sailing Awards Dinner was held at Dun Laoghaire Harbour on Saturday night (February 22nd)

The East Pier club was filled with applause and cheers as its sailing stars were recognised for their remarkable achievements in 2024.

The club's Commodore, Peter Sherry, awarded the prizes to the deserving recipients, including international yachtsmen and women, Olympians, youth sailors, cruising sailors, and volunteer administrators.

National Yacht Club Sailing Secretary Susan Spain was the Master of Ceremonies at the 2024 Sailing Awards Dinner Photo: Michael ChesterNational Yacht Club Sailing Secretary Susan Spain was the Master of Ceremonies at the 2024 Sailing Awards Dinner Photo: Michael Chester

The event presented 13 awards for outstanding sailing achievements plus a range of Commodore's Commendations.

13 National Yacht Club awards for outstanding sailing achievements plus Commodore's Commendations.Photo: Michael Chester13 National Yacht Club awards for outstanding sailing achievements plus Commodore's Commendations.Photo: Michael Chester 

National Yacht Club Sailing Secretary Susan Spain was the Master of Ceremonies.

The Boyne Regatta Cup – for best performance in offshore racing of the year

Tom Dolan 

For winning La Solitaire du Figaro, renowned as the toughest single-handed multi-stage offshore sailing race in the world. He is just the third overseas sailor ever, to put his name on the list of winners of this most challenging of solo one-design races.

The Boyne Regatta Cup (1870) is awarded to the Members who achieved the best performance in offshore racing of the year. This year, it went to Tom Dolan, with Gerry Jones accepting it on his behalf at the National Yacht Club Prize Giving 2025. Photo: Michael ChesterThe Boyne Regatta Cup (1870) is awarded to the Members who achieved the best performance in offshore racing of the year. This year, it went to Tom Dolan, with Gerry Jones accepting it on his behalf at the National Yacht Club Prize Giving 2024. Photo: Michael Chester

The O’Leary Cup – for best performance of the year in one designs

Chris Johnston and the crew of ‘Prospect’

For winning the Beneteau 31.7 Thursday and Saturday scratch overall division in DBSC and winning the class National Championships.

The O’Leary Cup (1945) The O’Leary Cup was awarded to the Member who achieved the best performance of the year this year in one designs it went to Chris Johnston and the crew of “Prospect” presented by Ann Kirwan at the National Yacht Club Prize giving 2025 Photo: Michael ChesterThe O’Leary Cup (1945) The O’Leary Cup is awarded to the Member who achieved the best performance of the year this year in one designs it went to Chris Johnston and the crew of “Prospect” presented by Ann Kirwan at the National Yacht Club Prize giving 2024 Photo: Michael Chester

The Edward Yacht Club Trophy – for best performance of the year in dinghies, Mermaids or Flying Fifteens

Shane MacCarthy

For winning, with the help of his crew, Hugh McNally, the Flying Fifteen Nationals (Dunmore Easterns), Easterns (NYC), Westerns (Chonamara) and Southerns (Lough Derg). Having missed many races in DBSC, Shane and Hugh did not feature overall but only scored 1st and only 2 second places in all the races they took part in.

National Yacht Club Commodore Peter Sherry presents Shane MacCarthy (L) and Hugh McNally (R) with the winners' trophies and prizes for the East Coast Flying Fifteen Championships last SeptemberNational Yacht Club Commodore Peter Sherry presents Shane MacCarthy (L) and Hugh McNally (R) with the winners' trophies and prizes for the East Coast Flying Fifteen Championships last September

John Byrne Memorial Trophy – for the greatest contribution to sailing in NYC during the year

Andrew Collins

For working tirelessly spearheading the introduction of new solutions, including WiFi, card access, point of sale, and membership information, plus a new accounting package providing us with the best of systems. On the water, Andrew provided his beautiful boat, Christo, for committee boat use at a number of events.

The John Byrne Memorial Trophy (1989) was awarded to the member who achieved the greatest contribution to sailing in the NYC during the year and it went to Andrew Collins Photo: Michael Chester The John Byrne Memorial Trophy (1989) was awarded to the member who achieved the greatest contribution to sailing in the NYC during the year and it went to Andrew Collins Photo: Michael Chester 

The Winkelmann Trophy – for Cadet(s) of the year

William Walsh & Eoin Byrne

For topping the table in the Irish 29er-year ranking and competing at several Eurocups, worlds and Europeans Championships. William and Eoin were also runner-up at the Eurocup finals in Lake Garda.

The Winkelmann Trophy (2003) is awarded to the Cadet member who has had the finest sailing achievement of the year it goes to Eoin Byrne and Willian Walsh at the National Yacht Club Prize giving 2025 Photo: Michael ChesterThe Winkelmann Trophy (2003) is awarded to the Cadet member who has had the finest sailing achievement of the year it went to Eoin Byrne and Willian Walsh at the National Yacht Club Prize giving 2025 Photo: Michael Chester

The Greystones 1892 Regatta Cup – for the team who represented the club with distinction

Tom Shanahan and the Crew of J109 ‘Ruth’

For winning the Irish Sea Offshore Racing Championship’s coveted Wolf’s Head trophy (overall winner of the Offshore Series) and the NYC/RCYC Kingstown to Queenstown Race on “Ruth”.

The Greystones 1892 Regatta Cup is awarded to the member who best represented the club at a team event during the year it went to Tom Shanahan and the crew of J109 “Ruth” Tom Shanahan, Jack Gleeson P.J.Flynn, Hugh Perrette, Heather Spain, and Jeannie Wenham at the National Yacht Club Prize giving 2024 Photo: Michael ChesterThe Greystones 1892 Regatta Cup is awarded to the member who best represented the club at a team event during the year it went to Tom Shanahan and the crew of J109 “Ruth” Tom Shanahan, Jack Gleeson P.J.Flynn, Hugh Perrette, Heather Spain, and Jeannie Wenham at the National Yacht Club Prize giving 2024 Photo: Michael Chester

The Paul Murphy Cup – for the sailing management volunteer of the year

Ross Gorman

For organising the Topper Southerns and finding a substantial sponsorship to help deliver a memorable event for all competitors, volunteers and parents alike.

The Paul Murphy Cup is awarded to the club’s Race Management Volunteer who contributed the most to the highest standard of race and event management at the club. At the National Yacht Club Prize Giving 2024, the recipient was Ross Gorman, with Thomas Chaix accepting it in his absence from Ruth Murphy. Photo: Michael ChesterThe Paul Murphy Cup is awarded to the club’s Race Management Volunteer who contributed the most to the highest standard of race and event management at the club. At the National Yacht Club Prize Giving 2024, the recipient was Ross Gorman, with Thomas Chaix accepting it in his absence from Ruth Murphy. Photo: Michael Chester

The Township Cup – for the best cruise of the year

Aodan Bourke and Ritchie Whyte

For sailing his boat “Why Knot (IE)”, an Amel Super Maramu ketch, together with co-owner Ritchie Whyte, from Greece, Spain, Canaries, Antigua, the Caribbean, through the Panama Canal, across the Pacific, culminating in French Polynesia. They bought their boat specifically for the trip and spent two years preparing the boat.

The Township Cup is awarded to the club’s members who achieved the best cruise of the year—Aodan Bourke & Richard Whyte—at the National Yacht Club Prize Giving 2024. Photo: Michael ChesterThe Township Cup is awarded to the club’s members who achieved the best cruise of the year—Aodan Bourke & Richard Whyte—at the National Yacht Club Prize Giving 2024. Photo: Michael Chester

The Muglins Cup – for the most interesting family cruise

Michael and Anne Madsen

For their shakedown cruise when, they collected their “new” boat from Copenhagen, which they brought home to Dun Laoghaire via the Kiel Canal.

The Muglins Cup is awarded for the most interesting family cruise of the year—Anne and Michael Madsen—at the National Yacht Club Prize Giving 2024. Photo: Michael ChesterThe Muglins Cup is awarded for the most interesting family cruise of the year—Anne and Michael Madsen—at the National Yacht Club Prize Giving 2024. Photo: Michael Chester

Martin Crotty Trophy Award – for a younger member who shows sailing endeavour

Nicole Hemeryck

For helming Johnny Treanor’s J122 ‘Valentina’ to an incredibly victorious season, including Coastal Class Champion at Volvo Cork Week, winning the overall Cork Week Trophy for the week’s best performance and winning the Class 0 division at the Unio ICRA Nationals.

The Martin Crotty Cup is awarded to a younger member who showed outstanding sailing endeavour. The recipient this year was Nicole Hemeryck at the National Yacht Club Prize Giving 2024. Photo: Michael ChesterThe Martin Crotty Cup is awarded to a younger member who showed outstanding sailing endeavour. The recipient this year was Nicole Hemeryck at the National Yacht Club Prize Giving 2024. Photo: Michael Chester

The Wild Geese Trophy – for The Overseas member who achieves the best performance in racing or distinguishes himself/herself in sailing

Mark Lyttle

For his 3rd place overall in the ILCA 7 Grand Masters class at the ILCA Worlds Championships at the Adelaide Sailing Club in Australia, Mark inspires other young sailors and is a fantastic ambassador for NYC.

The Sue McDonnell Trophy – for the female club member who has contributed most to the advancement of women in sailing

Lauren O’Callaghan

Her enthusiasm, attitude, and acting as a role model encouraged young girls from Nippers to be Optimists and 29ers whilst launching her 49erFX Olympic campaign as a member of the Irish Sailing development squad.

The Sue McDonnell Trophy (2019) is awarded to a female club member who contributed the most to the advancement of women in sailing. The recipient this year was Lauren O’Callaghan, presented by Ross McDonnell at the National Yacht Club Prize Giving 2024. Photo: Michael ChesterThe Sue McDonnell Trophy (2019) is awarded to a female club member who contributed the most to the advancement of women in sailing. The recipient this year was Lauren O’Callaghan, presented by Ross McDonnell at the National Yacht Club Prize Giving 2024. Photo: Michael Chester

The Totterdell Trophy – for the member who has contributed most to promoting and developing the Laser class in the club

Charlie Keating

For being the most active Laser sailor in the club in 2024, being a member of the Irish ILCA 6 Academy and competing at the Europeans, securing a gold fleet finish (best of the Irish entries). Charlie also finished 3rd overall in the national rankings 2024. He is now making a move to the Full rig in order to prepare for the U21 Worlds this summer.

The Totterdell Trophy (2020) is awarded to a club member who contributed the most to promoting and developing the Laser class in the club. The recipient this year was Charlie Keating, presented by Ross McDonnell at the National Yacht Club Prize Giving 2024. Photo: Michael ChesterThe Totterdell Trophy (2020) is awarded to a club member who contributed the most to promoting and developing the Laser class in the club. The recipient this year was Charlie Keating, presented by Ross McDonnell at the National Yacht Club Prize Giving 2024. Photo: Michael Chester

The Commodore’s Cup

Finn Lynch

For finishing eighth in the men’s dinghy medal race at the Paris Olympic Games and 10th place overall. His overall 10th position was one better than that of Mark Lyttle in Atlanta in 1996, making it the best Irish male single-handed Olympic sailing result. Finn says he “wants one more crack” at the Games with his eyes on Los Angeles in 2028.

The Commodore’s Award went to Olympian Finn Lynch his brother Rory accepted it in his place as he’s away sailing Photo: Michael ChesterThe Commodore’s Award went to Olympian Finn Lynch his brother Rory accepted it in his place as he’s away sailing Photo: Michael Chester

NYC Commodore’s Commendations 2024

Commodore’s Commendations were awarded to Rodney Regan, Rebecca Hall, David Turner, Sandra Moore, Aisling Murphy, Michael McCambridge, Meindert de Vreeze, and Lorcan Balfe at the National Yacht Club Prize giving 2025 Photo: Michael ChesterCommodore’s Commendations were awarded to Rodney Regan, Rebecca Hall, David Turner, Sandra Moore, Aisling Murphy, Michael McCambridge, Meindert de Vreeze, and Lorcan Balfe at the National Yacht Club Prize giving 2025 Photo: Michael Chester

Noel Butler was awarded a Commodore’s Commendation at the National Yacht Club Prize Giving 2024 Photo: Michael ChesterNoel Butler was awarded a Commodore’s Commendation at the National Yacht Club Prize Giving 2024 Photo: Michael Chester

John Leahy was awarded a Commodore’s Commendation at the National Yacht Club Prize Giving 2024 Photo: Michael ChesterJohn Leahy was awarded a Commodore’s Commendation at the National Yacht Club Prize Giving 2024 Photo: Michael Chester

Louise Dwyer was awarded a Commodore’s Commendation at the National Yacht Club Prize Giving 2024 Photo: Michael ChesterLouise Dwyer was awarded a Commodore’s Commendation at the National Yacht Club Prize Giving 2024 Photo: Michael Chester

Gerry Jones was awarded a Commodore’s Commendation at the National Yacht Club Prize Giving 2024 Photo: Michael ChesterGerry Jones was awarded a Commodore’s Commendation at the National Yacht Club Prize Giving 2024 Photo: Michael Chester

Hugh Cassidy was awarded a Commodore’s Commendation at the National Yacht Club Prize Giving 2024 Photo: Michael ChesterHugh Cassidy was awarded a Commodore’s Commendation at the National Yacht Club Prize Giving 2024 Photo: Michael Chester

Published in National YC
Published in National YC
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The home club of Laser Radial Olympic Silver medalist Annalise Murphy, the National Yacht Club is a lot more besides. It is also the spiritual home of the offshore sailing body ISORA, the Dun Laoghaire to Dingle Race and the biggest Flying Fifteen fleet in Ireland. Founded on a loyal membership, the National Yacht Club at the East Pier in Dun Laoghaire on Dublin Bay enjoys a family ethos and a strong fellowship in a relaxed atmosphere of support and friendship through sailing.

Bathing in the gentle waterfront ambience of Dun Laoghaire on the edge of South County Dublin, the National Yacht Club has graced the waters of the Irish Sea and far beyond for more than a century and in 2020 celebrates its sesquicentennial.  

The club is particularly active in dinghy and keelboat one-design racing and has hosted three World Championships in recent years including the Flying Fifteen Worlds in 2003, 2019 and the SB3 Worlds in 2008. The ISAF Youth Worlds was co-hosted with our neighbouring club the Royal St. George Yacht Club in 2012...

National Yacht Club Facilities

Facilities include a slipway directly accessing Dun Laoghaire Harbour, over eighty club moorings, platform parking, pontoons, fuelling, watering and crane-lifting ensure that the NYC is excellently equipped to cater for all the needs of the contemporary sailor. Berths with diesel, water, power and overnight facilities are available to cruising yachtsmen with shopping facilities being a short walk away. The club is active throughout the year with full dining and bar facilities and winter activities include bridge, snooker, quiz nights, wine tasting and special events.

National Yacht Club History

Although there are references to an active “club” prior to 1870, history records that the present clubhouse was erected in 1870 at a cost of £4,000 to a design by William Sterling and the Kingstown Royal Harbour Boat Club was registered with Lloyds in the same year. By 1872 the name had been changed to the Kingston Harbour Boat Club and this change was registered at Lloyds.

In 1881. the premises were purchased by a Captain Peacocke and others who formed a proprietary club called the Kingstown Harbour Yacht Club again registered at Lloyds. Some six years later in 1877 the building again changed hands being bought by a Mr Charles Barrington. and between 1877 and 1901 the club was very active and operated for a while as the “Absolute Club” although this change of name was never registered.

In 1901, the lease was purchased by three trustees who registered it as the Edward Yacht Club. In 1930 at a time when the Edward Yacht Club was relatively inactive, a committee including The Earl of Granard approached the trustees with a proposition to form the National Yacht Club. The Earl of Granard had been Commodore of the North Shannon Y.C. and was a senator in the W.T.Cosgrave government. An agreement was reached, the National Yacht Club was registered at Lloyds. The club burgee was created, red cross of Saint George with blue and white quarters being sky cloud, sea and surf. The Earl of Granard became the first Commodore.

In July of 1950, a warrant was issued to the National Yacht Club by the Government under the Merchant Shipping Act authorising members to hoist a club ensign in lieu of the National Flag. The new ensign to include a representation of the harp. This privilege is unique and specific to members of the National Yacht Club. Sterling’s design for the exterior of the club was a hybrid French Chateau and eighteenth century Garden Pavilion and today as a Class A restricted building it continues to provide elegant dining and bar facilities.

An early drawing of the building shows viewing balconies on the roof and the waterfront façade. Subsequent additions of platforms and a new slip to the seaward side and most recently the construction of new changing rooms, offices and boathouse provide state of the art facilities, capable of coping with major international and world championship events. The club provides a wide range of sailing facilities, from Junior training to family cruising, dinghy sailing to offshore racing and caters for most major classes of dinghies, one design keelboats, sports boats and cruiser racers. It provides training facilities within the ISA Youth Sailing Scheme and National Power Boat Schemes.

Past Commodores

1931 – 42 Earl of Granard 1942 – 45 T.J. Hamilton 1945 – 47 P.M. Purcell 1947 – 50 J.J. O’Leary 1950 – 55 A.A. Murphy 1955 – 60 J.J. O’Leary 1960 – 64 F. Lemass 1964 – 69 J.C. McConnell 1969 – 72 P.J. Johnston 1972 – 74 L. Boyd 1974 – 76 F.C. Winkelmann 1976 – 79 P.A. Browne 1979 – 83 W.A. Maguire 1983 – 87 F.J. Cooney 1987 – 88 J.J. Byrne 1988 – 91 M.F. Muldoon 1991 – 94 B.D. Barry 1994 – 97 M.P.B. Horgan 1997 – 00 B. MacNeaney 2000 – 02 I.E. Kiernan 2002 – 05 C.N.I. Moore 2005 – 08 C.J. Murphy 2008 – 11 P.D. Ryan 2011 – P. Barrington 2011-2014 Larry Power 2014-2017 Ronan Beirne 2017 – 2019

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