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Displaying items by tag: Tallship Returns

Captain Tom McCarthy paid a visit to New Ross, Co. Wexford, to admire the newly refurbished tallship which he had previously sailed on its voyage to Pembroke, south Wales. 

The visit as The New Ross Standard reports, was an opportunity to meet old friends, among them Frances Ryan, John F. Kennedy Trust Chairperson, Sean Connick CEO, and former harbourmaster Luke Foley.

Holding the unique distinction of being the only person to captain all of Ireland’s tall ships – the Dunbrody, the Jeanie Johnston and the Asgard II – the Corkman previously sailed the 'Jeanie' to North America during its tour there in the early 2000s.

The tallship's return follows an extensive break at (the nearby New Ross Boatyard) where it received a complete renovation, and now the Dunbrody is welcoming visitors once more, much to Seán’s delight.

‘We had our first tour bus arrive yesterday since March 2020, Trafalgar tours, and we’re due to have a couple more tomorrow,’ he said. ‘It’s a good sign, it’s wonderful to see it, but obviously because of restrictions we’re operating at reduced capacity and can only do outdoor tours at the moment'.

He added 'Currently we’re at 25-30 per cent of capacity but it’s a step back towards normality. At the moment we’re really looking forward to 2022 and preparing for a full tourist season.’

Published in Tall Ships

Irish Sailing

The Irish Sailing Association, also known as Irish Sailing, is the national governing body for sailing, powerboating and windsurfing in Ireland.

Founded in 1945 as the Irish Dinghy Racing Association, it became the Irish Yachting Association in 1964 and the Irish Sailing Association in 1992.

Irish Sailing is a Member National Authority (MNA) of World Sailing and a member of the Olympic Federation of Ireland.

The Association is governed by a volunteer board, elected by the member clubs. Policy Groups provide the link with members and stakeholders while advising the Board on specialist areas. There is a professional administration and performance staff, based at the headquarters in Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin.

Core functions include the regulation of sailing education, administering racing and selection of Irish sailors for international competition. It is the body recognised by the Olympic Federation of Ireland for nominating Irish qualified sailors to be considered for selection to represent Ireland at the Olympic Games. Irish sailors have medalled twice at the Olympics – David Wilkins and Jamie Wikinson at the 1980 games, and Annalise Murphy at the 2016 games.

The Association, through its network of clubs and centres, offers curriculum-based training in the various sailing, windsurfing and powerboating disciplines. Irish Sailing qualifications are recognised by Irish and European Authorities. Most prominent of these are the Yachtmaster and the International Certificate of Competency.

It runs the annual All-Ireland Championships (formerly the Helmsman’s Championship) for senior and junior sailors.

The Association has been led by leading lights in the sailing and business communities. These include Douglas Heard, Clayton Love Junior, John Burke and Robert Dix.

Close to 100 sailors have represented Ireland at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Membership of Irish Sailing is either by direct application or through membership of an affiliated organisation. The annual membership fee ranges from €75 for families, down to €20 for Seniors and Juniors.