Posted by: David O'Brien in Untagged on
Feb 25, 2010
Billed as the biggest event in Ireland next year, half a million Irish and overseas visitors are expected to generate a €35 million boost for Waterford in summer 2011 when it hosts the Tall Ships Race series. Of course the event will be a great boost for Waterford given the experience of Belfast last August.
Posted by: David O'Brien in Untagged on
Feb 17, 2010
Anyone who believes that sail training in Ireland sank with the beloved
brigantine is mistaken, writes Bronagh Cappa, executive director of
Ocean Youth Trust Ireland.
Every mariner feels the pain when a great sail training vessel such as
the Asgard II sinks, but it is unfortunately the way of the sea. Many
great ships have ended their working lives in a similar manner; the
Asgard is not the first and, unfortunately, will not be the last.
Posted by: Jeff Condell in Untagged on
Jan 28, 2010
It was with some disbelief that I received the news yesterday
that my dear friend Alan Harris who had been missing for 6 days had
indeed passed on. Alan was one of those special unassuming and
immediatly likeable characters who had built up an extensive army of
friends through his Watersports business 'Surfdock' in Dublin and
through his interests in Windsurfing, Sea Angling and Gardening. I pray
that Alan has now found the peace of mind that he could not find here
and my thoughts and prayers are with his partner Denise, children Colin
and Ciara, step-daughters Amy and Ashley, and his parents family and
friends. Thanks for the memories Alan...Rest in Peace and Love.
Posted by: David O'Brien in Untagged on
Jan 27, 2010
Putting on a lifejacket is one of the most important decisions a
sailor
will make. There should be no ambiguity about taking the decision to
wear one. This week the Irish Sailing Association issued guidelines
about the wearing of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) but the fact there is no standard regatta
procedure
around the coast for when they should be worn is a matter for concern.
Read our story over the fold (first published in 2007) and see if you
think the new ISA guideline (click here) gives sufficient direction to event organisers?
Posted by: David O'Brien in Untagged on
Dec 29, 2009
Ireland's Annalise Murphy finished 4th in the Women's Olympic Laser Radial class at Sail Melbourne, the first event of the 2009-2010 Sailing World Cup series. Click 'read more' for her account of Sail Melbourne race by race:
Posted by: David O'Brien in Untagged on
Dec 15, 2009
The axing of the state sail training programme, has been met with dismay by marine bodies who this week pledged a united voice to push for its reinstatement. This is in spite of the fact the state's only sail training vessel still lies wrecked on the sea-bed off France, a year since its sinking.
Posted by: Markham in Untagged on
Dec 7, 2009
It's rare, given the times that are in it, when a way to make two groups of people financially happy pops up. Rarer indeed, when it involves buying a boat. So how about this: Ireland's Department of Defence could save €1million, and the Dublin Docklands Development Authority could generate some much-needed cash by agreeing a deal on the Jeanie Johnson. Could it be that simple?
Posted by: David O'Brien in Untagged on
Dec 5, 2009
The best way to safeguard the future is to invent it and by introducing
satellite tracker technology, Wicklow Sailing Club brought internet
access to the last Round Ireland race and they plan the same again next June 20th too. Out went arbitrary reporting positions relayed by Coast Guard and in
came precise tracking on computer screens for the five day voyage of
the 40 boat fleet in 2008.
Posted by: David O'Brien in Untagged on
Nov 18, 2009
Known for its 'no nonsense' approach, the Irish Cruiser Racer Association (ICRA) returns to where it all started, for the seventh ICRA conference in the Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny this Saturday. For
an entirely voluntary organisation, it has achieved a lot for
cruiser-racers here since it first set sail in
November 2002.
Posted by: David O'Brien in Untagged on
Nov 2, 2009
After a series of near misses in the Commodore’s Cup, there were many
reasons why 2008 would have been wholly appropriate timing for an Irish
win on the Solent. It wasn't to be but the scene in Cork Harbour last Saturday during Royal Cork's October league – where two more teams are in gestation – is proof that Ireland still has the will to win the Commodore's Cup.
