Royal Ulster's 'man on a mission' John Minnis lived up to his pre-championship word and delivered a perfect scoreline to win the Beneteau 31.7 Irish National Championships 2021 at the National Yacht Club this afternoon with five straight wins. 

The Gareth Flannigan helmed Northern Ireland entry was chased hard on Dublin Bay by the host club's Chris Johnston in Prospect.

The local crew counted four second places in the two-day championships. 

Michael Blaney's After You Too from the Royal St. George Yacht club finished third overall.

Chris Johnston's Prospect was second overall

Spurred on by their winnings at the Scottish Series in May, when Final Call won Class 3 convincingly and lifted the Causeway Cup for the best performance by a boat-based outside Scotland.

15-20-knot winds proved to be testing championship conditions for the 10-boat fleet over the three day event.

Michael Blaney's After You Too from the Royal St. George Yacht club finished third overall.

The same south-easterly breeze continued on Sunday with a good chop in the south of the Bay where the Beneteau 31.7s shared a course with the Ruffians, also racing for national championship honours.

Results are here.

2021 Beneteau 31.7 National Championship Photo Gallery

Six wins from eight races was a conclusive result for Ann Kirwan and her Bandit crew to claim the 2021 Ruffian 23 National Championship title off Dun Laoghaire Harbour this afternoon.

As Afloat reported earlier, Kirwan lead going into the final two races and today the National Yacht Club crew expanded their overnight margin from four to six points over Royal St George rival Stephen Gill sailing Shannagh who finished as runners-up on 14 points.

Royal St. George Yacht Club winner Stephen Gill sailing Shannagh was runner up

Third in the ten boat fleet was Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club's Ruffles (Michael Cutliffe).

Ruffles (Michael Cutliffe) was third overall

15-20-knot winds proved to be testing championship conditions for the 10-boat fleet over the three day event.

The same south-easterly breeze continued on Sunday with a good chop in the south of the Bay where the Ruffians shared a course with the Beneteau 31.7s, also racing for national championship honours.

Results are here.

2021 Ruffian 23 National Championship Photo Gallery

The only competitor in the nine-strong fleet from the Northern waters and the only Beneteau 31.7 from outside Dun Laoghaire, John Minnis's Final Call, has made the long haul south for the National Championships at the National Yacht Club this weekend.

Spurred on by their winnings at the Scottish Series, when Final Call won Class 3 convincingly and lifted the Causeway Cup for the best performance by a boat-based outside Scotland (other than the Series winner), Minnis is a man with a mission.

With the same hotshot helm in Gareth Flannigan, he has high hopes,"We're there for the win" he says. Time will tell.

John Minnis from Royal Ulster has high hopes on Dublin Bay

Most of the crew is from Royal Ulster. On Trim are Jeff Flannigan and the Strangford Lough YC sailor, Michael Ennis who was in Shaun Douglas's Game Changer crew in the d2d race.

Tactician is Mickey (Chunky) Ferguson (who has MoD70 racing and the Transat Jacques Vabre under his belt), Mast - Richard Gunning, Foredeck -Tom Finlay and Michael Gunning on main. John himself is in the pit.

Track the progress of the 2021 Dun Laoghaire to Dingle Yacht Race fleet below here on the live tracker when the race starts at 2 pm on Wednesday, June 9th from Dublin Bay.

Read the full 2021 race preview by WM Nixon here.  

Read all the D2D Race News in one handy link here

WM Nixon will be posting regular race updates during the race

It's no surprise that as hosts of this Wednesday's  2021 Dun Laoghaire to Dingle Race, the National Yacht Club is also fielding the biggest number of boats from the participating 19 yacht clubs but what's perhaps less well known is the extent of involvement of the NYC's Under 30 section who occupy key roles on other boats in the fleet too and also in its biennial race management team.

Will Byrne (27): XP50 ‘Freya’ - Bow

As a previous IRC and Line Honours winner of the D2D with Rockabill in 2017, Will (pictured top) has a lot to prove after an unsuccessful 2019 campaign onboard XP44 WOW.

Will resumes bowman duties offshore on the Kinsale Yacht Club entry by taking a break from his usual role as boat captain and helm onboard Gringo in Dublin Bay.

Will's experience includes class wins in the Caribbean600, Fast40+ Class, IRC events across Europe as well as experience working with professional race teams around the world.

Gráinne Ryan

Gráinne Ryan (24): Race Committee

As a keen sailor who is a member of both the National Yacht Club and the Royal Dee Yacht Club Grainne is actively involved in the race management of ISORA. She also sat on the executive committee of the VDLR in the role of sustainability manager in 2019. In Dingle this year, Grainne is responsible for tracker management and compiling the results.

Saoirse Reynolds

Saoirse Reynolds (23) Benetau Figaro3 ‘Raw’

Following an injury forcing her to stop other sports back in 2015, Saoirse began keelboat racing and has since clocked up a few thousand miles offshore in ISORA, deliveries, sail training and races such as the Rolex Fastnet Race. Racing a broad variety of boats including the J97 “Windjammer” and 3600 “YOYO”, she is able to race any position in any conditions.

Saoirse regularly sails on Chris Power Smiths successful J122 “Aurelia” but will be getting her first taste of foiling on Conor Fogerty’s Beneteau Figaro 3 “Raw” for this year's edition of the race. Saoirse is a mentee of the Magenta Project, being mentored by short-handed sailor Deb Fish.

Nicole Hemeryck is sailing on the Grand Soleil 31, JustTina Photo: Afloat

Nicole Hemeryck (22) Grand Soleil 34 ‘JustTina’

Originally a dinghy sailor, Nicole has transitioned to large boats over the past few years, having accumulated hundreds of miles in racing and deliveries.

Following her first attempt at the D2D in 2019, Nicole is hoping to help the JustTina team to a successful D2D result this time around.

Mark O'Connor

Mark O’Connor (22) J122 ‘Aurelia’ - Bow

Mark will be working the Bow on Chris Power Smiths’ J122, Aurelia. This is Mark’s First D2D race, having sailed offshore for the previous 2 seasons including the Fastnet 450 race.

Mark's love of sailing began age 12 doing “Start sailing” in the National Yacht club, since then he has been sailing Toppers, Lasers, Fireflies and keelboats both home and abroad.

Oisin Cullen

Oisin Cullen (20) SunFast3600 ‘Hot Cookie’ - Bow/Trim

Oisin started sailing dinghies in Dun Laoghaire at 10 years old and at 14 had the opportunity to sail on the J109 Wakey Wakey which started Oisin’s long-standing competition in ISORA.

Oisin has accumulated thousands of miles offshore competing in some of the worlds premier races such as the Rolex Fastnet, D2D and Round Ireland Race along with a tall ships race from London to Sines, Portugal.

Oisin is also a keen inshore sailor having competed in regattas such as the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta, Sovereigns week and Cowes Week. He also sails on J109 Jalapeño in DBSC.

Tom Shanahan, Gleb Romantchik and Kieran Hall

Tom Shanahan 22 - XP44 ‘WOW’ - Foredeck Team 

Tom will be racing aboard George Sisk’s XP44 WOW for the first time. Tom has been a member of the National since he could walk and grew up sailing in the junior section. He started racing offshore at a young age and has previously competed in two D2Ds aboard the J109 “Ruth”.

Tom enjoys racing around the cans in Dublin Bay as well as sailing with his university team during the academic year.

He is looking forward to a competitive fleet with close racing all around the Irish coast, as well as getting back to Dingle!

Gleb Romantchik - XP44 ‘WOW’ - Foredeck Team

Gleb will be racing aboard George Sisk’s XP44 WOW this year. Gleb grew up sailing in Schull, West Cark under the watchful eye of David Harte.

This will be Gleb's first D2D of what will hopefully be many.

Kieran Hall - XP44 ‘WOW’ - Foredeck Team

Kieran is racing aboard his usual boat, WOW. A Dublin Bay sailor at heart with plenty of offshore miles under his belt, but this will be his first Dingle.

He is looking forward to the starting gun!

Thanks to modern technology and the can-do spirit of National Yacht Club volunteers and staff, the Dun Laoghaire Harbour club held its Awards ceremony last Friday night.

Commodore Martin McCarthy told Afloat "We had a lot to reflect on and celebrate – it being our 150th year and Covid 19 year – a year where survival was winning. We thank every winner as they all joined in and shared their thoughts and insights with fellow members. It was inspiring".

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown’s first Citizen, Cathaoirleach Una Power joined the NYC for the online event. Among the items she addressed was the year ahead and she said: “I encourage you to keep the Junior Training going as best you can within the Regulations. Also, I know you have a strong Inclusion programme and I would urge you also to keep a focus on it this year. We hope the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta and other events can proceed during the summer and that all sectors can get on the water and lay the foundation stones for a fully normal season with international events in 2021. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the winners tonight – and also you, the members of the National Yacht Club, for your contribution to sailing and wellbeing of citizens and the Borough of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown”

Conor Gorman was the winner of The Winkelmann Trophy awarded to the Cadet Member who is deemed by his/ her sailing ability to be ‘Cadet of the Year’

The Awards process was run by Sailing Sec. Alan Balfe and his team and every club member were entitled to nominate fellow members, which led to the final selection of the winners:

• The CONCORDE PLATE – presented for the best circumnavigation of Ireland - The 2020 Winner is PADDY BARRY.
• The BOYNE REGATTA PLATE – presented for the best performance in Offshore Sailing - The 2020 Winner is: GRANT KINSMAN
• The O’LEARY CUP - presented for the best performance in one design - The 2020 Winner is STEPHEN ORAM & NOEL BUTLER
• The EDWARD YACHT CLUB TROPHY is awarded for the best performance in Dinghies, Mermaids or Flying Fifteens - The 2020 Winner is JOHN LAVERY & ALAN GREEN
• The JOHN BYRNE MEMORIAL TROPHY - is awarded for the greatest contribution to sailing in the NYC during the year - The 2020 Winners are EDDIE TOTTERDELL, CON MURPHY & MAL NOWLAN
• The WINKELMANN TROPHY – is awarded to the Cadet Member who is deemed by his/ her sailing ability to be ‘Cadet of the Year’ - The 2020 Winner is CONOR GORMAN
• The GREYSTONES REGATTA CUP – is awarded to the NYC members who have, as a team, represented the Club with distinction - The 2020 winners are GRAINNE & PETER RYAN
• The PAUL MURPHY CUP – is awarded to the Club’s Race Management Volunteer who contributed most to event management at the Club - The 2020 winner is FRANK BURGESS
• The TOWNSHIP CUP - is awarded for the most impressive cruise - The 2020 winner is SEAN DOYLE
• The MUGLINS CUP – is awarded for the most interesting family cruise - The 2020 winners are THE SHANAHAN FAMILY.
• The MARTIN CROTTY CUP is awarded to the young member who shows outstanding sailing endeavour. The 2020 winner is: JEMIMA OWENS
• The WILD GEESE TROPHY (2019) is awarded to the overseas member who achieves the best performance in racing and distinguishes himself/ herself in sailing - The 2020 winner is: TOM DOLAN
• The SUE McDONNELL TROPHY is awarded to the person who has done most to advance the position of women in Sailing - The 2020 winner is: NICOLE HEMERYCK
• The TOTTERDELL TROPHY is awarded to the person who has done the most to develop the Laser class in the Club - The 2020 winner is: ALISON PIGGOTT

Paddy Barry was presented with the NYC's Concorde Trophy for the best circumnavigation of Ireland

COMMENDATIONS

There were special Commendations this year for members who made outstanding contributions to the Club.

They are:

• NICOLA FERGUSON
• PATRICK HASSETT
• CILLIAN MELDON
• WILL BYRNE
• DAN BRENNAN
• FIONAN DE BARRA
• DONAL O’SULLIVAN

The NYC Annual Awards went online for the 150th anniversary

COMMODORES CUP

Michelle Halpenny was awarded this trophy for her outstanding contribution to the success of the Club in the past year.

Tributes to Mermaid stalwart Jerry O'Neill, who has died, have been led by National Yacht Club Commodore Martin McCarthy.

Jerry, who died on March 12, was a former Mermaid champion, but he also raced in the Flying Fifteen, Shipman 28s and Ruffian 23 fleets out of Dun Laoghaire Harbour.

"He was a fine sailor and his family, especially his daughter Geraldine, are immersed in the Club. A gentleman who was always a pleasure to meet. We send our sincerest condolences to his family and friends," McCarthy told members. 

"He was much loved by the membership in the National and throughout the fleets in which he sailed"

The sentiments were echoed by clubmate and fellow Mermaid Champion, Roger Bannon. "He was an understated, absolute gentleman who overcame severe arthritis to continue sailing into his early 70s. He was much loved by the membership in National and throughout the the National fleets in which he sailed."

The Mermaid Sailing Association also expressed its deepest sympathy.

Skerries Mermaid sailor Ross Galbraith related an anecdote on social media. "In the bar after a race in which conditions had changed and I had lost places and a sense of perspective I had a chat with Jerry. He explained that on his boat they carried a tuning sheet. There was nothing special about this sheet; the settings were culled from various sailing books. When things started to go wrong they would get out “the sheet” and make some adjustments. The purpose here was more to provide a distraction, the alternative being a row over who was to blame for the poor performance, than to speed the boat up. I subsequently made one (we call it "the magic sheet") and whatever about boat speed, the psychology certainly works. Thanks, Jerry" 

A private family funeral took place due to Government restrictions. Details here

The grand finale of the first season of the National Yacht Club Speaker Series is at 7.30 pm on Thursday evening (May 4) where the NYC will be joined by YouTube sensations SV Delos!

Delos is a world cruising sailboat home to adventure-seeking souls sailing around the world, following the wind and sun for new and unusual experiences.

With 700k subscribers on YouTube, Delos's Captain Brian joins the Dun Laoghaire Harbour club for an hour of stories and insights; from quitting a desk job and sailing around the world, to reaching YouTube fame.

Zoom Link here

The National Yacht Club's lively 'Under 30s' section will host an online navigation course on the use of Expedition Navigation software with Kiwi professional yacht navigator Campbell Field.

The aim of the course is to boost the performance of racing navigators.

Course organiser Tom Shanahan says this is a fantastic opportunity for those who are competing in June's Dun Laoghaire to Dingle Race and wish to gain an edge!

Campbell Field has raced and navigated yachts in all corners of the world. From Superyacht regattas in the Caribbean to Whitbread/Volvo Ocean Race and 2-handed 40 footers across the Southern Ocean. 

Shanahan says the course will be useful for those who are looking at upgrading their boats and want to have an insight into Expedition, "The aim of this course is to educate crew to a competent level so they may interpret and use Expedition, " he says.

Expedition, says Shanahan, is a very powerful software that is the aid of choice for most navigators inshore and offshore.

There is no prior experience needed to take the course - everything will be explained in full.

• Date: Saturday 13th March
• Start time: 10:30
• Webinar Length: 2 hrs
• Price: approx €18

Signup here

The National Yacht Club U25/U30 Speaker Series continues this evening with the Dun Laoghaire Harbour club's very own Vice-Commodore Conor O'Regan who circumnavigated the globe in his 38-foot yacht 'Pamina'.

O'Regan will walk attendees through everything from preparation and planning for such a voyage to include transiting the Panama Canal and Pacific Island adventures.

O'Regan's Pamina usually swings on an NYC mooring off the East Pier in his home port.

NYC Vice Commodore, Conor O’Regan, and Henrietta on their Pacific Island adventure

The talk starts at 7.30 pm. All welcome. Zoom Link here