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Royal Cork Half Tonner Swuzzlebubble: From a Wreck in Greece to Irish Boat of the Year with Young Sailors

21st December 2023
Dave Dwyer’s Half Tonner Swuzzlebubble crew competing at July's Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta
Dave Dwyer’s Half Tonner Swuzzlebubble crew competing at July's Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta Credit: Bob Bateman

Dave Dwyer’s success with Swuzzlebubble comes from a determination to acquire the classic Farr-designed half-tonner, which had been a wreck in Greece.

He comes from a Cork family that has a four-generation sailing history.

Dave Dwyer’s Half Tonner Swuzzlebubble competing at Kinsale Yacht Club's Sovereign's Cup Photo: Bob BatemanDave Dwyer’s Half Tonner Swuzzlebubble competing at Kinsale Yacht Club's Sovereign's Cup Photo: Bob Bateman

Winning the Irish Cruiser Racing Association ‘Boat of the Year’ crowns a highly successful sailing season for the yacht, its owner and the crew, in which he particularly included young sailors.

In my interview with him for this week’s Podcast, he tells the story of how he acquired Swuzzlebubble, about the preparation for its racing campaign, emphasises the importance of preserving this sector of sailing and outlines his belief in encouraging youth involvement in cruiser racing.

Dave and James Dwyer (pictured centre) with the Swuzzlebubble crew at Kinsale Yacht Club after winning the Sovereign's Cup 2023 in June Photo: Bob BatemanDave and James Dwyer (pictured centre) with the Swuzzlebubble crew at Kinsale Yacht Club after winning the Sovereign's Cup 2023 in June Photo: Bob Bateman

I started the interview by asking how he had acquired Swuzzlebubble.

Listen to the Podcast below

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