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The First Class 8 Allig8r was the winner of last Sunday's first race of the mixed cruiser-racer 2023 DBSC Spring Chicken Series on Dublin Bay.

The 1720 sportsboat entry 'No Show' was second in the 43-boat entry, with Irish J109 Champion Joker II from the Royal Irish Yacht Club in third place.

The weather looks promising for this Sunday's second race of the National Yacht Club-hosted event, with light south-westerlies forecast on the Bay.

Download the first race results (for Feb 5th) as well as the starts and handicaps for this Sunday (Feb 12) below.

Live Dublin Bay webcams here

Published in DBSC

This Sunday's AIB-sponsored DBSC Spring Chicken Series from Dun Laoghaire Harbour will take place at the National Yacht Club.

From February 5 to March 12 (first gun 10:10), six races will be run using a progressive handicap on a case-by-case basis in the AIB sponsored event.

The Sailing Instructions are downloadable below

Fifty boats participated in the 2022 Series, and organisers anticipate a similar fleet this Sunday.

One-designs, cruisers, and other boats that don't often compete in races are all "quite welcome," according to DBSC.

After the sailing, the National Yacht Club will generously organise prize draws, meals, and other events.

The €60 entry fee includes temporary memberships in the DBSC and the NYC.

Published in DBSC

The First 31.7 Avalon will be crowned the 2022 DBSC Turkey Shoot Series champion Sunday at the Royal Irish Yacht Club, with the final race cancelled due to gales.

Avalon wins the six-race series by a single point. 

As Afloat reported earlier, Avalon was leading going into the final race on 57 points and top of the 78-boat mixed cruiser fleet. The J97 Windjammer takes second place with third overall, the 1720 sportsboat, Spurs on 59 points.

With only two points separating the top three boats going into the seventh race, the series was still up for grabs, so there is disappointment over the final race cancellation.

News of the cancellation came from DBSC's Fintan Cairns this afternoon, who informed competitors: "We have checked all forecasts and charts for tomorrow morning, all showing SE up to Gale 8. In light of this and rather than bring crews down in the morning, sadly, we have now CANCELLED RACING tomorrow, Sunday 18th".

Turkey Shoot festivities will commence at 12.30 in the Wet Bar of the RIYC.

Live Dublin Bay webcam 

Published in Turkey Shoot
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In a good spread of boat types, the First 31.7 Avalon leads by a single point into Sunday's final race of the AIB-sponsored DBSC Turkey Shoot Series on Dublin Bay

Avalon is on 57 points to be top of the 78-boat mixed cruiser fleet. The J97 Windjammer takes second place with third overall, the 1720 sportsboat, Spurs on 59 points.

With only two points separating the top three boats overall going into the seventh race, the series still has a turkey up for grabs.

Last Sunday's sixth race saw competitors clearing the decks of snow at Dun Laoghaire Marina before racing started in winter sunshine just after 10 am off Dun Laoghaire Harbour.

The sixth race saw the fleet sail down to Dalkey Island and back to Dun Laoghaire Harbour and was won by the Bavaria 35 Match Just Jasmin, with the Sunfast 32 Kamikaze second and the J109 Joker II in third.

Overall results and race six results are downloadable below.

The always lively DBSC Turkey Shoot Series prizegiving will be held this Sunday after racing at the Royal Irish Yacht Club. Race organiser Fintan Cairns has told competitors: "If there is no sailing - very early to tell yet - prizegiving and festivities, draws, craic etc. will commence at 12.30. Please make all effort to be there, as I will not be going home with any prizes!".

Published in Turkey Shoot
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After two years as Commodore of Ireland's largest yacht racing club that runs over 1,000 races each summer, Ann Kirwan completed her term in office last night at Dublin Bay Sailing Club and handed over the tiller to Eddie Totterdell after his election. Here Afloat publishes Kirwan's AGM farewell to members

It has been such an honour and a privilege to act as Commodore of DBSC for the past two years and for a total of 10 years on the committee. It’s been busy, and there have been some ups and downs, but it has been very enjoyable and rewarding. The past three years have been particularly challenging with Covid, but I think that has brought out the best of DBSC’s strengths. I’d now like to run through some of the highlights of the two years:

I covered 2021 in my address at last year’s AGM; however, here’s a recap of some of the main highlights:

  • We were awarded the Mitsubishi Sailing Club of the year 2021.
  • We revamped our website early in 2021 and have been refreshing its content regularly since.
  • Our 2021 programme commenced in early June after a 3-week training period.
  • We held 3 separate prize-giving functions in the summer to present the 2020 prizes.
  • The hut returned to its rightful position in July after a year’s absence.
  • The magnificently restored DB21s returned to Dun Laoghaire in July and raced on Tuesdays.
  • The Turkey shoot and Spring Chicken series were run last winter after a Covid-enforced year off.
  • We moved our prize-giving to the National Maritime Museum in November.
  • We rounded off 2021 with our AGM last December – on Zoom for the second year in a row.

Tribute to those we lost

Before moving on to a review of 2022, I want to pay tribute to some of our long-standing volunteers who sadly passed away during my term as Commodore. Larry Martin, Pat McGloughlin, and more recently Ben Mulligan, all DBSC volunteers. And to 3-of our long-standing stalwarts who gave so much to DBSC – Carmel in June 2021, Jack in December 2021 and just three months ago, our beloved Ida Kiernan. All three were contributing to DBSC right to the end – Carmel keeping us on the straight and narrow, Jack redesigning courses and acting as Red Fleet RO on Thursdays, and Ida commanding the keelboat volunteer forces with her unique sense of fun, enthusiasm and efficiency. They are all sorely missed.

Now to the 2022 season

We spent last winter planning for what we hoped would be a full season in 2022. Our sailing committee redesigned some of the courses to cater for the hut coming back for Saturdays in the 2022 season. Thanks in particular to Tim Goodbody who led the redesign of the Blue and Red fleet Saturday courses.

Following the two years of curtailed racing we started our season on schedule at the end of April and ran right through to October 1st. It took 22 race officers, nine committee boat drivers, and a team of over 50 race management volunteers to work together during our 23-week season, to provide you our members with more than 1,000 races. Heartfelt thanks to the DBSC Committee and to all our fabulous volunteers for making this happen. We are lucky to have such a large pool of volunteers – it is them that make DBSC what it is. Providing 1000-plus races in a single summer sailing season could not be done without them giving so generously of their time and experience. Incidentally, yesterday was International Volunteers Day.

 It took 22 race officers, nine committee boat drivers, and a team of over 50 race management volunteers to work together during our 23-week season, to provide DBSC members with more than 1,000 races It took 22 race officers, nine committee boat drivers, and a team of over 50 race management volunteers to work together during our 23-week season, to provide DBSC members with more than 1,000 races Photo: Afloat

We enjoyed some great racing in warm sunny weather in what was generally a season of light airs and it was great to see the hut back in use on Saturdays.

As well as our 1,000 plus DBSC races, there was a full schedule of events around the bay in which included the Dun Laoghaire waterfront club regattas, the SB20 World Championships as well as many regional and national championships, and the Women at the Helm regatta. Well done to the Dun Laoghaire waterfront clubs for successfully hosting all of these challenging events.

DBSC Results

We implemented a new DBSC results system using HalSail in 2022. It has proved very successful in its first year thanks to Ian Bowring’s meticulous planning and set-up work in advance of the season. Thanks to Therese and Jen for making sure the results were available in a timely manner each race day.

Inaugural End of Season Dinner

We held the inaugural DBSC end-of-season dinner in the National Yacht club in early October. It was a sell-out and thoroughly enjoyed by all 110 who attended and was a great way for boat crews to round off the season. I hope that this becomes an annual event.

The Flying Fifteen keelboat is one DBSC's 22 racing classes on Dublin Bay Photo: AfloatThe Flying Fifteen keelboat is one DBSC's 22 racing classes on Dublin Bay Photo: Afloat

Prize-giving

Following the success of our prize-giving in 2021 and the positive feedback we received from you our members on the location, we held our 2022 prize-giving in the wonderful setting of the National Maritime Museum again a few weeks ago. We presented over 100 beautiful trophies to the many worthy winners. Michael Chester’s photos of the prize winners are available on our website and on Afloat. Thanks to Pat Shannon, who looks after all our magnificent trophies - without Pat, we would struggle to hold the prize giving.

Turkey Shoot and Spring Chicken

The AIB DBSC Turkey Shoot is going well and finishes on December 18th. The Spring Chicken will be run in February and March. Thanks to Fintan Cairns and his team for running these two winter series.

DBSC Committee

A very special word of thanks to DBSC Flag Officers Ed and Jacqueline and to all who have served with me on the DBSC Committee for the past 2 years. Thanks to Chris Moore, who retired as Honorary Secretary in June, and to Rosemary Roy, who has taken on this mammoth since then. Thanks to Philip Ferguson, who has organised the deployment, retrieval, storage, and maintenance of marks for the past number of years – it’s no mean feat. Thank you, Philip.

DBSC Committee from left: Honorary Secretary Rosemary Roy, Vice Commodore Keith Poole was elected Rear Commodore, outgoing Commodore Ann Kirwan, newly elected Commodore Eddie Totterdell, Jacqueline McStay was elected as Vice Commodore and Jonathan Skerritt remains as Honorary TreasurerDBSC Committee from left: Honorary Secretary Rosemary Roy, Vice Commodore Keith Poole was elected Rear Commodore, outgoing Commodore Ann Kirwan, newly elected Commodore Eddie Totterdell, Jacqueline McStay was elected as Vice Commodore and Jonathan Skerritt remains as Honorary Treasurer

As well as our experienced Race Officers and Committee boat teams who turn out many times each week to run our racing, other volunteers work behind the scenes to make the DBSC machine run smoothly. Thanks to Declan Traynor and Joanne Sheehan, who look after the rib crews, to Gerry and Suzi who look after sponsorship, to Ian on results, to Louise on dinghy matters, to Sabrina, our children’s officer who manages the Garda vetting process, to Jonathan Skerritt who looks after our finances, to Keith and Kevin who serve on the sailing sub-committee, to Jacqueline who looks after the website and of course to Rosemary who sends all the emails and did such a great job at the prize giving. Thanks to Brian, Brendan and Chris for looking after our committee boats, to Declan for looking after our ribs, to Michael for looking after protests, and to Jonathan O’Rourke, who works on the grant application process on our behalf. Sincere thanks to all of you for your efforts in the many aspects of running DBSC, I’ve really enjoyed working alongside you over the past two years.

A very special thank you to our PRO and incoming Commodore Ed, who heads up the sailing sub-committee and is the Race Officer for the Blue Fleet on Thursdays. Ed has been a rock of sense and great support to me over the past two years and we’ve had some laughs along the way.

With Gratitude

We are extremely fortunate and very grateful to have AIB on board as our title sponsor. Thanks also to our supporters Viking Marine, MGM Boats, Facet Jewellers, Killen Marine and Gunpowder Gin.

To the Commodores and the management and staff of the Dun Laoghaire waterfront clubs, to Irish Sailing, to the Harbour Masters of Dun Laoghaire Harbour and Dublin Port – thanks for your support throughout my term as Commodore. Thanks also to Afloat for great coverage of DBSC racing and events.

Final Comments

Finally, I am confident in the knowledge that DBSC is in very safe hands with Ed taking over as Commodore and the strong committee and band of race management volunteers who will work with him.

I wish you and your families a very healthy and happy Christmas and the very best for 2023 and I look forward to seeing you on the water next season.

Published in DBSC

The popular AIB DBSC Turkey Shoot suffered the first cancellation of its 2022 series this morning when 20-knot easterly winds blew on Dublin Bay. 

The strong winds produced an 'awful' sea state (as seen on the 3 x Afloat webcams) that led to the scrubbing of the fifth race of the seven-race series for the 78-boat cruiser-racer fleet.

Racing six of seven will be sailed next Sunday morning from the Royal Irish Yacht Club.

Published in Turkey Shoot
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The J70 crew Jambiya who was recently presented with this summer's DBSC Saturday Sportsboat Trophy has moved into the overall lead of the club's bumper Turkey Shoot Series.

After four races sailed and one discard, Jambiya is on 19 nett points, some 13 points clear of rival 1720 sportsboat Optique. Third on 33 is another of the RCYC designs, Spurs.

Optique won last Sunday's 61-boat fourth race in the north-west of the Bay, which did not live up to its heavy weather billing as per the weather forecast. 

The J80 Sante was second, with the Frist 310 Nauti Gal in third place. 

National Yacht Club skipper of Sneaky B, Charlotte O'Kelly, captured the fourth race from the back of the East Pier. 

With three more races left to sail, racing continues this Sunday from the Royal Irish Yacht Club, and some early leaders have dropped down the leaderboard. 

Onboard Chris Power Smith's J122, AureliaOnboard Chris Power Smith's J122, Aurelia

Leader after two, Barry Cunningham's Cape 31 Blast is now lying 23rd overall after a disappointing 47th scored last Sunday. Tim and Richard Goodbody in the J109 White Mischief, who led into last Sunday's fourth race are now joint seventh overall.

Royal Irish skipper Pat Rigney took this fleeting vid of clubmate Cunningham in Blast.

Published in Turkey Shoot
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After some unstable offshore wind conditions for last Sunday's race three round Dalkey Island, the forecast for Sunday's fourth race of the DBSC Turkey Shoot Racing on Dublin Bay indicates more medium to strong westerly winds.

Handicaps and Starts for the fourth race of the Royal Irish Yacht Club hosted series are downloadable below.

As Afloat reported previously, the Sun Odyssey 349 Little Rascal was the third race winner in a fleet of 47 boats.

Overall after three races sailed and no discard in the six-race series, Tim and Richard Goodbody's Royal Irish J109 White Mischief leads overall on 46 points. Royal St. George's Chris Power Smith's J122 Aurelia, a new entrant to the Turkey Shoot this year, is lying second on 49.

Published in Turkey Shoot
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The Sun Odyssey 349 Little Rascal won Sunday's third race of the AIB-sponsored DBSC Turkey Shoot Racing on Dublin Bay

Second was the Sunfast 3600 Hot Cookie, with third place in the 47-boat race round Dalkey Island in a gusty southwesterly going to the Hunter 701, Chillawee. 

Overall after three races sailed and no discard in the six-race series, Tim and Richard Goodbody's Royal Irish J109 White Mischief leads overall on 46 points. Royal St. George's Chris Power Smith's J122 Aurelia, a new entrant to the Turkey Shoot this year, is lying second on 49. 

The J109 Joker II (yellow spinnaker), Hot Cookie (red) and overall leader White Mischief (blue) during the third race round Dalkey Island in the AIB DBSC Turkey Shoot Series Photo: AfloatThe J109 Joker II (yellow spinnaker), the Sunfast 3600 Hot Cookie (red) and overall series leader, the J109 White Mischief (blue) during the third race, round Dalkey Island, of the AIB DBSC Turkey Shoot Series Photo: Afloat

Leslie Parnell's Beneteau 34.7 Black Velvet from the RIYC and Lindsay Casey's J97 Windjammer from the Royal St George Yacht Club are joint third on 50 points.

Racing continues next Sunday from the Royal Irish Yacht Club.

Published in Turkey Shoot
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There was standing room only at the Maritime Museum in Dun Laoghaire Harbour on Friday night when over 100 trophies were presented at the annual prizegiving of Ireland's biggest yacht racing club. 

Dublin Bay Sailing Club (DBSC) Commodore Ann Kirwan presented a glittering array of prizes with Honorary Secretary Rosemary Roy and former Commodore Pat Shannon. 

The prizegiving represented the culmination of a successful full summer season for the club's fleet of 300 boats and 1,200 members that race Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from April to October in 22 separate classes.

The prizegiving began with the sounding of two hoots, dropping the AP, and hoisting the DBSC burgee (from the museum pulpit).

 DBSC Commodore Ann Kirwan addresses a packed 2022 prizegiving at the Maritime Museum in Dun Laoghaire Photo: Michael Chester DBSC Commodore Ann Kirwan addresses a packed 2022 prizegiving at the Maritime Museum in Dun Laoghaire Photo: Michael Chester

DBSC has five perpetual premier awards, and this year one of those trophies – The Viking Trophy (for an outstanding contribution to DBSC sailing) – was posthumously awarded to Ida Kiernan, following a short tribute by Commodore Kirwan. Ida's brother Michael accepted it on behalf of the family. Also present at the prizegiving were Ida's brother Gerard and her good friends and neighbours Pat and Sue.

Michael Kiernan accepts the Viking Award from DBSC Commodore Ann Kirwan. The award was made posthumously to DBSC stalwart, the late Ida Kiernan, for her notable contribution to sailing in Dublin Bay Photo: Michael ChesterMichael Kiernan accepts the Viking Award from DBSC Commodore Ann Kirwan. The award was made posthumously to DBSC stalwart, the late Ida Kiernan, for her notable contribution to sailing in Dublin Bay Photo: Michael Chester

In other premier awards, the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Trophy (For the best 'New' boat entered into DBSC racing) went to the restored Dublin Bay 21 Fleet.

Hal Sisk collects the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Trophy (for the best 'New' boat entered into DBSC racing) that was awarded to the restored Dublin Bay 21 Fleet. Photo: Michael ChesterHal Sisk collects the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Trophy (for the best 'New' boat entered into DBSC racing) that was awarded to the restored Dublin Bay 21 Fleet (pictured below). Photo: Michael Chester

Dublin Bay 21 Fleet

The George Arthur Newsom Cup, for the most successful boat in one design racing went to Prospect, Chris Johnston's well sailed Beneteau 31.7.

Chris Johnston, skipper of the Beneteau 31.7 Prospect was the winner of the The George Arthur Newsom Cup for the most successful boat in one design racing Photo: Michael ChesterChris Johnston, skipper of the Beneteau 31.7 Prospect (below) was the winner of the The George Arthur Newsom Cup for the most successful boat in one design racing Photo: Michael Chester

Chris Johnston, skipper of the Beneteau 31.7 Prospect was the winner of the The George Arthur Newsom Cup for the most successful boat in one design racing Photo: Michael Chester

The Waterhouse Shield, for the most successful boat in a Handicap Series was presented to White Mischief, Tim & Richard Goodbody from the J109 and Cruisers One class.

Richard Goodbody receives the The Waterhouse Shield, for the most successful boat in a DBSC Handicap Series Photo: Michael ChesterRichard Goodbody co-skipper of J109 White Mischief receives the The Waterhouse Shield, for the most successful boat in a DBSC Handicap Series Photo: Michael Chester

Richard Goodbody co-skipper of J109 White Mischief receives the The Waterhouse Shield, for the most successful boat in a DBSC Handicap SeriesRichard Goodbody co-skipper of J109 White Mischief receives the The Waterhouse Shield, for the most successful boat in a DBSC Handicap Series

The Brendan Ebril Memorial Cup for the boat that turns out regularly and has not won another cup was presented to Levante Beneteau 31.7, John Power and Michael Leahy.

The Brendan Ebril Memorial Cup for the boat that turns up regularly to DBSC racing and has not won another cup went to John Power of the Beneteau 31.7 Levante Photo: Michael ChesterThe Brendan Ebrill Memorial Cup for the boat that turns up regularly to DBSC racing and has not won another cup went to John Power of the Beneteau 31.7 Levante (below) Photo: Michael Chester

The Brendan Ebril Memorial Cup for the boat that turns up regularly to DBSC racing and has not won another cup went to John Power of the Beneteau 31.7 Levante

The Dr Alf Delany Memorial Cup, for the most successful Dinghy of the season, was presented to the IDRA 14 Dart, sailed by the Long Family.

Paul Long receives the Dr Alf Delany Memorial Cup for the most successful DBSC dinghy of the season, the IDRA 14, Dart Photo: Michael ChesterPaul Long receives the Dr Alf Delany Memorial Cup for the most successful DBSC dinghy of the season, the IDRA 14, Dart (below) Photo: Michael Chester

Ben Mulligan and Cormac Bradley won one of the Flying Fifteen trophies. As regular Afloat readers will know, Ben Mulligan, a keen DBSC racer and race officer, passed away in November and Hon Sec Rosemary Roy gave a short tribute to Ben before Cormac was presented with the trophy.

The late Ben Mulligan sailing with Cormac Bradley at the Flying Fifteen National Championships in September Photo: AfloatThe late Ben Mulligan sailing with Cormac Bradley at the Flying Fifteen National Championships in September Photo: Afloat

See full 2022 results in all DBSC classes below

Cruisers 0

The Patrick Burke skippered First 40 Prima Forte crew won the Knox Gore Bowl, Knox Gore Cup and The Centenary Trophy for their performance in DBSC Cruisers Zero Photo: Michael ChesterThe Patrick Burke skippered First 40 Prima Forte crew (pictured above and racing below) won the Knox Gore Bowl, Knox Gore Cup and The Centenary Trophy for their performance in DBSC Cruisers Zero Photo: Michael Chester

x

  • Thur IRC series A, Thurs Overall: Rockabill, Paul O Higgins, The Martin Cup
  • Thur IRC series B, ECHO Overall: Sat IRC, Series A, B & Overall, Prima Forte, Knox Gore Bowl, Knox Gore Cup
  • Thursdays ECHO series A: Lively Lady, Rodney Martin
  • Thursdays Echo series B: El Pocko, Jonathan Nicholson

Cruisers 1

 Barry O'Sullivan collects the Osterberg Trophy for DBSC Saturday's ECHO Overall in the J109 Jalapeno Photo: Michael Chester Barry O'Sullivan collects the Osterberg Trophy for DBSC Saturday's ECHO Overall in the J109 Jalapeno (below) Photo: Michael Chester

 J109 Jalapeno

  • Thurs IRC series A, B & Overall Saturdays IRC ser A, B: Overall White Mischief, Tim & Richard Goodbody, West Pier Cup, The Weir Cup
  • J 109 Thursdays & Saturdays overall: White Mischief, Tim & Richard Goodbody, The Goodbody Cup
  • Thursdays ECHO Overall: Something Else, John & Brian Hall, The Tiamat Trophy
  • Saturdays ECHO Overall: Jalapeno, Paul Barrington & Barry O Sullivan, The Osterberg Trophy
  • Thursdays ECHO Series A: Gringo, Tony Fox
  • Saturdays ECHO Series A:  Ruth, The Shanahan Family

Cruisers 2

Noel and Shane from Lindsay Casey's J97 Windjammer pick up the Cruisers Two The Lady Shamrock Trophy for Thursday IRC B & Overall wins in DBSC Cruisers Two  Photo: Michael ChesterNoel and Shane from Lindsay Casey's J97 Windjammer (pictured below) pick up the Cruisers Two The Lady Shamrock Trophy for Thursday IRC B & Overall wins in DBSC Cruisers Two Photo: Michael Chester

Lindsay Casey's J97 Windjammer

Michael Kavanagh and W Roe from Peridot with the Centenary Cup for Thursdays ECHO Overall in DBSC Cruisers TwoMichael Kavanagh and W Roe from Peridot with the Centenary Cup for Thursdays ECHO Overall in DBSC Cruisers Two Photo: Michael Chester

Philip Lovegrove from the Sigma 33  Rupert with the Stephens Trophy and The Rupert Bowl for Cruisers 2 Sigma, Thursdays & Saturdays IRCPhilip Lovegrove from the Sigma 33  Rupert with the Stephens Trophy and The Rupert Bowl for Cruisers 2 Sigma, Thursdays & Saturdays IRC Photo: Michael Chester 

  • Thursdays IRC B & Overall:  Windjammer Lindsay Casey, The Lady Shamrock Trophy
  • Thursdays ECHO Overall: Peridot, Jim Mc Cann, Yannick Cherrier, The Centenary Cup
  • Saturdays IRC& ECHO series A, B & Overall provisional: Paul Cadden, Hugh O Donnell, The Silver Salver, & TP Early Memorial Cup
  • Thursdays IRC & ECHO series A: Black Velvet, Lesley Parnell
  • Thursdays ECHO series B: Antix, Derek Ryan
  • Cruisers 2 Sigma, Thursdays & Saturdays. Saturdays IRC: Rupert, Richard & Philip Lovegrove, JB Stephens Trophy and The Rupert Bowl

Cruisers 3

Kevin Byrne & the Crew of Starlet (pictured racing below), winners of Thursday IRC Ser A & B & Overall, ECHO Ser B & Overall receiving the Smalldridge Cup, The Annette Cup and The Jack Kennedy Memorial Cup  Photo Michael ChesterKevin Byrne & the Crew of Starlet (pictured racing below), winners of Thursday IRC Ser A & B & Overall, ECHO Ser B & Overall receiving the Smalldridge Cup, The Annette Cup and The Jack Kennedy Memorial Cup  Photo Michael Chester

Cruisers Three Starlet

Papytoo's Frank Guilfoyle collects the Cruisers Three Whimbrel Trophy for Tuesday series Photo: Michael ChesterPapytoo's Frank Guilfoyle collects the Cruisers Three Whimbrel Trophy for Tuesday series Photo: Michael Chester

Michael and Ben Ryan receiving the Mercia Cup for Saki winning Cruisers 3 Saturdays overall on ECHO Photo: Michael ChesterMichael and Ben Ryan receiving the Mercia Cup for Saki winning Cruisers 3 Saturdays overall on ECHO Photo: Michael Chester

  • Tuesday series: Papytoo, Eavan Maher & Frank Guilfoyle, The Whimbrel Trophy
  • Thursdays IRC Ser A & B & Overall: ECHO Ser B & Overall Starlet, Kevin Byrne, The Smalldridge Cup, The Annette Cup
  • Saturdays IRC Ser A & B & Overall: The Jack Kennedy Memorial Cup
  • Saturdays ECHO, series A, B & Overall: Saki, Michael & Ben Ryan, The Mercia Cup
  • Thursdays ECHO, series A: Grasshopper

Beneteau 21.1

Brian Mulkeen and Jimmy Markin from Isolde with The Optec Trophy & The Beneteau 21.1 Tray Photo: Michael ChesterBrian Mulkeen and Jimmy Markin from Isolde with The Optec Trophy & The Beneteau 21.1 Tray Photo: Michael Chester

Les from Billy Whizz with the Facet Jewellers Cup The Beneteau 21.1 Cup and The Waterhouse Rose Bowl Photo: Michael ChesterLes from Billy Whizz with the Facet Jewellers Cup The Beneteau 21.1 Cup and The Waterhouse Rose Bowl Photo: Michael Chester

Pat Shannon of the Beneteau 21 Beeswing with the Jimmy Fischer Cup Photo: Michael ChesterPat Shannon of the Beneteau 21 Beeswing with the Jimmy Fischer Cup Photo: Michael Chester

  • Tuesday ECHO, Thurs IRC ser A & ECHO ser A & Overall Isolde, Brian Mulkeen, The Optec Trophy & The Beneteau 21.1 Tray
  • Thurs one design Sat one design, Thurs & Sat combined: Billy Whizz Jimmy Fischer & Stafford Bagot, Facet Jewellers Cup, The Beneteau 21.1 Cup, The Waterhouse Rose Bowl
  • Saturday ECHO Overall Beeswing, Pat Shannon 98 The Jimmy Fischer Cup
  • Thursdays ECHO series B Chinook, Andrew Bradley
  • Saturdays ECHO series A Betty B, Michael Shiell
  • Saturdays ECHO series B Small Wonder, J. Mc Stay & Hugh Kelly

Cruisers 5 a/b

Johnnie Phillips of Playtime with The Burford Trophy and The White Sail Class Trophy Photo: Michael ChesterJohnnie Phillips of Playtime with The Burford Trophy and The White Sail Class Trophy for DBSC Cruisers 5 Photo: Michael Chester

Michael O Leary and David Andrews with The DBSC Cruisers 5 Heineken Super League Cup Photo: Michael ChesterMichael O Leary and David Andrews with The DBSC Cruisers 5 Heineken Super League Cup Photo: Michael Chester

Eamonn Doyle and Catherine Day of Shearwater with the Cruisers 5 Peggy Bawn Half Model Photo: Michael ChesterEamonn Doyle and Catherine Day of Shearwater with the Cruisers 5 Peggy Bawn Half Model Photo: Michael Chester

James McSweeney and Patrick Madigan of Menapia with the DBSC Cruisers 5 Galileo Cup Photo: Michael ChesterJames McSweeney and Patrick Madigan of Menapia with the DBSC Cruisers 5 Galileo Cup Photo: Michael Chester

  • Thurs IRC ser A, B & Overall, Sat IRC ser A & Overall Playtime, Johnnie Phillips & Noel Kidney, The Burford Trophy & The White Sail Class Trophy
  • Thurs ECHO series A & Overall Shearwater, Eamonn Doyle & Peter O Toole, The Peggy Bawn Half Model
  • Saturdays ECHO series B & Overall Act Two, Michael O Leary Tom Roche David Andrews, The Heineken Super League Cup
  • Thursdays ECHO div B ser B & Overall Menapia, James McSweeney & Patrick Madigan, The Galileo Cup
  • Thursdays ECHO div B ser A Great Escape, Pat Rigney, Aurora, Ray Conway, Calypso, Howard Knott, Persistence, Charles Broadhead

Cruisers 4/5

Paul Kirwan, skipper of Boomerang (pictured below) accepting the Trevor Wood Trophy in DBSC Cruisers 4/5 Photo: Michael ChesterPaul Kirwan, skipper of Boomerang (pictured below) accepting the Trevor Wood Trophy in DBSC Cruisers 4/5 Photo: Michael Chester

Paul Kirwan Boomerang

  • Thursdays IRC Series A,B & Overall Boomerang, The Kirwan family, The Trevor Wood Trophy

Beneteau 31.7

PJ Timmins, Dermot Breen, and Bill Quigley from the Beneteau 31.7 Fiddly Bits with the Horrigan Cup Photo: Michael ChesterPJ Timmins, Dermot Breen, and Bill Quigley from the Beneteau 31.7 Fiddly Bits with the Horrigan Cup Photo: Michael Chester

  • Thursdays IRC Overall, Saturdays IRC ser A, B & Overall: Prospect, Chris Johnston, The Feanor Trophy & The Arandora Trophy
  • Thursday ECHO ser A, B & Overall. Sat ECHO serA & Overall: Fiddly Bits, PJ Timmins, Dermot Breen, Gerry Murray & Michael Walsh, The Horrigan Cup, The Long John Silver Trophy
  • Thursday IRC series B: After You Too, Michael Blaney
  • Thursdays IRC series A: Levante, John Power, Michael Leahy
  • Saturdays ECHO series B: Kernach, Eoin O Driscoll

Dragons

Dragon sailors Ronan Murphy & Alistair Kissane from Serafina with The Royal Irish Yacht Club Cup Photo: Michael ChesterDragon sailors Ronan Murphy & Alistair Kissane from Serafina with The Royal Irish Yacht Club Cup Photo: Michael Chester

Peter Bowring (right) and David Williams of Dragon Phantom with the Oxford and Cambridge Cup and The Old Time Cup Photo: Michael ChesterPeter Bowring (right) and David Williams of Dragon Phantom with the Oxford and Cambridge Cup and The Old Time Cup Photo: Michael Chester

Thursday's series A, B & Overall Saturdays Series B Phantom, Peter Bowring, David Williams, Oxford & Cambridge Cup & The Old Time Cup
Thursdays & Saturdays combined
Saturdays Series A & Overall Serafina, Ronan Murphy & Alistair Kissane, The Royal Irish Yacht Club Cup

Shipman

Neill Masterson of the Shipman Currglas with The Midweek Trophy Photo: Michael ChesterNeill Masterson of the Shipman Currglas with The Midweek Trophy Photo: Michael Chester

Gerry Glynn of Invader with the Melindi Cup Photo: Michael ChesterGerry Glynn of Invader with the Melindi Cup Photo: Michael Chester

Fergus Mason and Colm Duggan and Orna Tubridy with The Shipman Perpetual Trophy Photo: Michael ChesterFergus Mason and Colm Duggan and Orna Tubridy with The Shipman Perpetual Trophy Photo: Michael Chester

  • Thursday's series A & Overall: Currglas, John & Neill Masterson 45 The Midweek Trophy
  • Saturdays series B & Overall Invader: Gerry Glynn 46 The Melindi Cup
  • Thursdays series B & Thursdays & Saturdays Overall: Viking, Fergus Mason & Colm Duggan 47 The Shipman Perpetual Trophy
  • Saturdays series A: JoSlim, John Clarke & BJ Maher
  • Tuesdays: Gusto, Christine Heath

Dublin Bay 21

Hal Sisk, Finnon De Barra, Jim Foley and Sean Doyle of the Dublin Bay 21 Class Association with The Carson Challenge Cup, The Daisy Picker Cup and The Inisfallon Cup Photo: Michael ChesterHal Sisk, Finnon De Barra, Jim Foley and Sean Doyle of the Dublin Bay 21 Class Association with The Carson Challenge Cup, The Daisy Picker Cup and The Inisfallon Cup Photo: Michael Chester

  • Saturdays Overall: Naneen, DB 21 Class Association, The Carson Challenge Cup
  • Garavogue, DB 21 Class Association, The Daisy Picker Cup
  • Estelle, DB 21 Class Association, The Inisfallon Cup

Glens

Ailbe Millerick (red jacket) and the Glenluce crew with the DBSC Glen Pterodactyl Cup, McMillan Cup and Mitchell trophy Photo: Michael ChesterAilbe Millerick (red jacket) and the Glenluce crew with the DBSC Glen Pterodactyl Cup, McMillan Cup and Mitchell trophy Photo: Michael Chester

David Houlton and Brian Denham of Glendun winners of the Glen class DBSC Saturday Series Photo: Michael ChesterDavid Houlton and Brian Denham of Glendun winners of the Glen class DBSC Saturday Series Photo: Michael Chester

Myles Fleeton, Pat Sheehan of Glencoe with the Bobolink Cup for the round Dalkey Island race Photo: Michael ChesterMyles Fleeton, Pat Sheehan and Robert Killane of Glencoe with the Bobolink Cup for the round Dalkey Island race Photo: Michael Chester

  • Thursdays, Thurs & Sats & The Crews Race Glenluce, Ailbe Milerick (Nicky Scofield NZ), Pterodactyl Cup, McMillan Cup, Mitchell Trophy
  • Saturdays, series A, B & Overall Glendun, David Houlton, Alison O BrienStephen Flood, The Harry Maguire Memorial Cup
  • Special The Dalkey Island Race ( Bobolink) Glencoe, Rose Mary Craig, Patrick Sheehan, The Hamilton Reid Cup
  • Ladies Race Rose Mary Craig, The Pair of Silver Vases

Ruffians

Annette Morrissey of Ruffian 23 Ruff Diamond with Ruff Diamond's prize for DBSC Tuesdays Photo: Michael ChesterAnnette Morrissey of Ruffian 23 Ruff Diamond with Ruff Diamond's prize for DBSC Tuesdays Photo: Michael Chester

Ruffian 23 sailor Ann Kirwan of Bandit is pictured with Bandit crew member Feena Lynch receiving the Huet Trophy, and the J. Lamont Brown Trophy  Photo: Michael ChesterRuffian 23 sailor Ann Kirwan of Bandit is pictured with Bandit crew member Feena Lynch receiving the Huet Trophy, and the J. Lamont Brown Trophy  Photo: Michael Chester Ian Cutliffe of Ruffles with the DBSC Ruffian 23 British Airways Trophy Photo: Michael Chester Ian Cutliffe of Ruffles with the DBSC Ruffian 23 British Airways Trophy Photo: Michael Chester

  • Thursday's series A & Overall Saturdays series B: Bandit, An Kirwan, Brian Cullen & Ciara Brown, The Huet Trophy Thursdays & Saturdays combined  J. Lamont Brown Trophy
  • Saturday's series A & Overall: Ruffles, Michael Cutliffe, The British Airways Trophy
  • Thursdays series B: Shannagh, Stephen Gill & Padraig Mac Diarmada
  • Best Tuesday Boat Ruff Diamond, Damien Byrne
  • The John Donnelly Cup, Sailing in Dublin Club, 

SB 20

Ger Dempsey skipper of the SB20 Venues World with The Crichton CupGer Dempsey skipper of the SB20 Venues World with The Crichton Cup Photo: Michael Chester

Colin Galavan and Richard Hayes of the SB20 Carpe Diem with he Saturday SB20 Cup Photo: Michael ChesterColin Galavan and Richard Hayes of the SB20 Carpe Diem with he Saturday SB20 Cup Photo: Michael Chester

James Gorman with the DBSC SB20 The Lunasa Trophy Photo: Michael ChesterJames Gorman with the DBSC SB20 The Lunasa Trophy Photo: Michael Chester

Sea Biscuit's Barry Galvin (right), Chris Helme and Niall O’Riordan with the SB20 DBSC Bealtaine Trophy Photo: Michael ChesterSea Biscuit's Barry Galvin (right), Chris Helme and Niall O’Riordan with the SB20 DBSC Bealtaine Trophy Photo: Michael Chester

  • Thursday's series A & Overall: Venues World, Ger Dempsey, The Crichton Cup
  • Thursday series B & Saturdays Overall: Carpe Deim, Colin Galavan & Richard Hayes,  The Saturday SB20 Cup
  • Special fleet award Saturdays: Seabiscuit, Barry Galvin & Niall O Riordan, The Bealtaine Trophy
  • Special fleet award Saturdays: Black, James Gorman, The Lunasa Trophy

Sportsboats

Declan Curtin of the J70 Jester with The Thursday DBSC Sportsboat Trophy Photo: Michael ChesterDeclan Curtin of the J70 Jester with The Thursday DBSC Sportsboat Trophy Photo: Michael Chester

The J70 Jambiya crew with The Saturday Sportsboat Trophy  Photo: Michael ChesterThe J70 Jambiya crew with The Saturday Sportsboat Trophy  Photo: Michael Chester

  • Thursday's series A, B & Overall: Jester, Declan Curtin, The Thursday Sportsboat Trophy
  • Saturday's series A, B & Overall: Jambiya, The Saturday Sportsboat Trophy
  • Tuesdays: George 7, Jonathan Craig

Flying Fifteens

Dave Gorman skipper of FOMO was the winner of Flying Fifteen Bryan S Ryan Trophy Photo: Michael ChesterDave Gorman skipper of FOMO was the winner of Flying Fifteen Bryan S Ryan Trophy Photo: Michael Chester

 Neil Colin & Margaret Casey with The Flying Fifteen Gun trophy Photo: Michael Chester Neil Colin & Margaret Casey with The Flying Fifteen Gun trophy Photo: Michael Chester

Laura Coleman accepts the Flying Fifteen's The Fifty Something Cup Photo: Michael ChesterLaura Coleman accepts the Flying Fifteen's The Fifty Something Cup Photo: Michael Chester

  • Tuesdays: Flyer, Niall & Laura Coleman, The Fifty Something Cup
  • Thursdays Series A, B & Overall: Fuzzy, Neil Colin & Margaret Casey, The Flying Fifteen Gun
  • Saturday's series A, B & Overall: FOMO, Dave Gorman, The Bryan S Ryan Trophy
  • Special fleet Midweek Cup: Enfant de Marie (Ben Mulligan) & Cormac Bradley, The Blake Cup

Water Wags

  • First Place Swift, Guy & Jackie Kilroy, The Goldsmith Cup
  • Second Place Mariposa Cathy Mc Aleavey & family, The Bluebird Trophy
  • Third Place Tortoise, William & Linda Prentice

Mermaids

Paul Smith & Pat Mangan from the DBSC Mermaid Jill with The Amy Cup and The Iolar Trophy Photo: Michael ChesterPaul Smith & Pat Mangan from the DBSC Mermaid Jill with The Amy Cup and The Iolar Trophy Photo: Michael Chester

Brendan Martin accepts the JB Kearney Shield Photo: Michael ChesterBrendan Martin accepts the JB Kearney Shield Photo: Michael Chester

  • Thursday's series A, B & Overall, Saturdays series A, B & Overall: Jill, Paul Smith & Pat Mangan, The Amy Cup & The Iolar Trophy
  • Special Fleet award: Lively Lady, Geraldine O Neill & Mick Hanney, The Stella Cup
  • Special Fleet award: Aideen, Dan Brennan & Brendan Martin, JB Kearney Shield

Squibs

Rupert Westrup of Sidewinder with DBSC Squib Minx Trophy Photo: Michael ChesterRupert Westrup of Sidewinder with DBSC Squib Minx Trophy Photo: Michael Chester

  • Thursday's series A, B & Overall: Sidewinder, Rupert Bowen & Rupert Westrup, The Minx Trophy
  • Saturday's series A, B & Overall: Allsorts, Tony Mullet

Laser Standard

Laser sailor Gary O Hare with the DBSC The Lanavere Cup Photo: Michael ChesterLaser sailor Gary O Hare with the DBSC The Lanavere Cup Photo: Michael Chester

  • Tuesday's series A & Overall Buster, Gary O Hare, The Lanavere Cup
  • Tuesday's series B & C Sidewinder

Laser Radial

Michael Norman with the Sailcraft Tray, Laser Saturday & DBSC Challenge trophies Photo: Michael ChesterMichael Norman with the Sailcraft Tray, Laser Saturday & DBSC Challenge trophies Photo: Michael Chester

  • Tues series A, B, C & Overall, Sats series B & Overall: Djinn, Michael Norman 69,107,108 Sailcraft Tray, Laser Saturday & DBSC Challenge trophies 
  • Saturdays series A: Judy O Beirne

Fireballs

Fireball Tues series A & Overall Saturdays series A, Elevation sailed by Neil Colin with the Nuits St George Trophy Photo: Michael ChesterFireball Tues series A & Overall Saturdays series A, Elevation sailed by Neil Colin with the Nuits St George Trophy Photo: Michael Chester

Louise McKenna, skipper of Pink Fire, winner of the DBSC Fireball Saturday CupLouise McKenna, skipper of Pink Fire, winner of the DBSC Fireball Saturday Cup Photo: Michael Chester

  • Tues series A & Overall Saturdays series A Elevation, Neil Colin & Marjo Moonen, Nuits St George Trophy
  • Saturdays series B & Overall Pink Fire, Louise McKenna, The Fireball Saturday Cup
  • Tuesdays series B, Owen Sinnott
  • Tuesdays series C Probably, Frank Miller

IDRA 14

IDRA 14 skipper Pierre Long of Dart with The Bay Cup and The Kennedy Cup Photo: Michael ChesterIDRA 14 skipper Pierre Long of Dart with The Bay Cup and The Kennedy Cup Photo: Michael Chester

  • Tues series B & Overall Saturdays series A, B & Overall Dart, The Long family, The Bay Cup & The Kennedy Cup
  • Tuesday's series A & C Dunmoanin, Frank Hamilton
  • Special Dunmoanin,Chris Corrigan & Frank Hamilton, The Crews Challenge & The Melapus Cup
  • Special Sapphire, Lorcan O Sullivan & crew, The Halfway Trophy

PY Dinghies

Sarah Dwyer helm of the RS Aero Tikka with DBSC PY fleet Early Bird Trophy Photo: Michael ChesterSarah Dwyer helm of the RS Aero Tikka with DBSC PY fleet Early Bird Trophy Photo: Michael Chester

  • Tuesdays series A,C & Overall: Orion, Noel Butler, The Windmill Cup
  • Saturdays series A, B & Overall: Tikka, Skinny Dwyer, the Early Bird Trophy
  • Tuesdays series B: 3822, Roy Van Maanen

The Junior September Series Awards

  • The Lawson Cup for the Topper Series Ben Doherty NYC
  • The Seapoint Cup for the Optimist Series Aurele Dion NYC
  • The Mitchel Cup for the RS Feva Series Lorcan Golden & Tom Boret R St G YC
  • The Jimmy Mooney Goblet for the Laser 4.7 Series Krzysztof Ciborowski R St G YC
  • The Junior Trophy for the Laser Radial Series Brian Carroll RSt GYC

DBSC racing continues through the winter, with the Turkey Shoot Series pre-Christmas and the Spring Chicken Series leading up to the 2023 summer season starting next April.

The DBSC AGM is on December 6th, where Commodore Kirwan will hand over to Eddie Totterdell.  

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Page 12 of 133

Irish Olympic Sailing Team

Ireland has a proud representation in sailing at the Olympics dating back to 1948. Today there is a modern governing structure surrounding the selection of sailors the Olympic Regatta

Irish Olympic Sailing FAQs

Ireland’s representation in sailing at the Olympics dates back to 1948, when a team consisting of Jimmy Mooney (Firefly), Alf Delany and Hugh Allen (Swallow) competed in that year’s Summer Games in London (sailing off Torquay). Except for the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, Ireland has sent at least one sailor to every Summer Games since then.

  • 1948 – London (Torquay) — Firefly: Jimmy Mooney; Swallow: Alf Delany, Hugh Allen
  • 1952 – Helsinki — Finn: Alf Delany * 1956 – Melbourne — Finn: J Somers Payne
  • 1960 – Rome — Flying Dutchman: Johnny Hooper, Peter Gray; Dragon: Jimmy Mooney, David Ryder, Robin Benson; Finn: J Somers Payne
  • 1964 – Tokyo — Dragon: Eddie Kelliher, Harry Maguire, Rob Dalton; Finn: Johnny Hooper 
  • 1972 – Munich (Kiel) — Tempest: David Wilkins, Sean Whitaker; Dragon: Robin Hennessy, Harry Byrne, Owen Delany; Finn: Kevin McLaverty; Flying Dutchman: Harold Cudmore, Richard O’Shea
  • 1976 – Montreal (Kingston) — 470: Robert Dix, Peter Dix; Flying Dutchman: Barry O’Neill, Jamie Wilkinson; Tempest: David Wilkins, Derek Jago
  • 1980 – Moscow (Tallinn) — Flying Dutchman: David Wilkins, Jamie Wilkinson (Silver medalists) * 1984 – Los Angeles — Finn: Bill O’Hara
  • 1988 – Seoul (Pusan) — Finn: Bill O’Hara; Flying Dutchman: David Wilkins, Peter Kennedy; 470 (Women): Cathy MacAleavy, Aisling Byrne
  • 1992 – Barcelona — Europe: Denise Lyttle; Flying Dutchman: David Wilkins, Peter Kennedy; Star: Mark Mansfield, Tom McWilliam
  • 1996 – Atlanta (Savannah) — Laser: Mark Lyttle; Europe: Aisling Bowman (Byrne); Finn: John Driscoll; Star: Mark Mansfield, David Burrows; 470 (Women): Denise Lyttle, Louise Cole; Soling: Marshall King, Dan O’Grady, Garrett Connolly
  • 2000 – Sydney — Europe: Maria Coleman; Finn: David Burrows; Star: Mark Mansfield, David O'Brien
  • 2004 – Athens — Europe: Maria Coleman; Finn: David Burrows; Star: Mark Mansfield, Killian Collins; 49er: Tom Fitzpatrick, Fraser Brown; 470: Gerald Owens, Ross Killian; Laser: Rory Fitzpatrick
  • 2008 – Beijing (Qingdao) — Star: Peter O’Leary, Stephen Milne; Finn: Tim Goodbody; Laser Radial: Ciara Peelo; 470: Gerald Owens, Phil Lawton
  • 2012 – London (Weymouth) — Star: Peter O’Leary, David Burrows; 49er: Ryan Seaton, Matt McGovern; Laser Radial: Annalise Murphy; Laser: James Espey; 470: Gerald Owens, Scott Flanigan
  • 2016 – Rio — Laser Radial (Women): Annalise Murphy (Silver medalist); 49er: Ryan Seaton, Matt McGovern; 49erFX: Andrea Brewster, Saskia Tidey; Laser: Finn Lynch; Paralympic Sonar: John Twomey, Ian Costello & Austin O’Carroll

Ireland has won two Olympics medals in sailing events, both silver: David Wilkins, Jamie Wilkinson in the Flying Dutchman at Moscow 1980, and Annalise Murphy in the Laser Radial at Rio 2016.

The current team, as of December 2020, consists of Laser sailors Finn Lynch, Liam Glynn and Ewan McMahon, 49er pairs Ryan Seaton and Seafra Guilfoyle, and Sean Waddilove and Robert Dickson, as well as Laser Radial sailors Annalise Murphy and Aoife Hopkins.

Irish Sailing is the National Governing Body for sailing in Ireland.

Irish Sailing’s Performance division is responsible for selecting and nurturing Olympic contenders as part of its Performance Pathway.

The Performance Pathway is Irish Sailing’s Olympic talent pipeline. The Performance Pathway counts over 70 sailors from 11 years up in its programme.The Performance Pathway is made up of Junior, Youth, Academy, Development and Olympic squads. It provides young, talented and ambitious Irish sailors with opportunities to move up through the ranks from an early age. With up to 100 young athletes training with the Irish Sailing Performance Pathway, every aspect of their performance is planned and closely monitored while strong relationships are simultaneously built with the sailors and their families

Rory Fitzpatrick is the head coach of Irish Sailing Performance. He is a graduate of University College Dublin and was an Athens 2004 Olympian in the Laser class.

The Performance Director of Irish Sailing is James O’Callaghan. Since 2006 James has been responsible for the development and delivery of athlete-focused, coach-led, performance-measured programmes across the Irish Sailing Performance Pathway. A Business & Economics graduate of Trinity College Dublin, he is a Level 3 Qualified Coach and Level 2 Coach Tutor. He has coached at five Olympic Games and numerous European and World Championship events across multiple Olympic classes. He is also a member of the Irish Sailing Foundation board.

Annalise Murphy is by far and away the biggest Irish sailing star. Her fourth in London 2012 when she came so agonisingly close to a bronze medal followed by her superb silver medal performance four years later at Rio won the hearts of Ireland. Murphy is aiming to go one better in Tokyo 2021. 

Under head coach Rory Fitzpatrick, the coaching staff consists of Laser Radial Academy coach Sean Evans, Olympic Laser coach Vasilij Zbogar and 49er team coach Matt McGovern.

The Irish Government provides funding to Irish Sailing. These funds are exclusively for the benefit of the Performance Pathway. However, this falls short of the amount required to fund the Performance Pathway in order to allow Ireland compete at the highest level. As a result the Performance Pathway programme currently receives around €850,000 per annum from Sport Ireland and €150,000 from sponsorship. A further €2 million per annum is needed to have a major impact at the highest level. The Irish Sailing Foundation was established to bridge the financial gap through securing philanthropic donations, corporate giving and sponsorship.

The vision of the Irish Sailing Foundation is to generate the required financial resources for Ireland to scale-up and execute its world-class sailing programme. Irish Sailing works tirelessly to promote sailing in Ireland and abroad and has been successful in securing funding of 1 million euro from Sport Ireland. However, to compete on a par with other nations, a further €2 million is required annually to realise the ambitions of our talented sailors. For this reason, the Irish Sailing Foundation was formed to seek philanthropic donations. Led by a Board of Directors and Head of Development Kathryn Grace, the foundation lads a campaign to bridge the financial gap to provide the Performance Pathway with the funds necessary to increase coaching hours, upgrade equipment and provide world class sport science support to a greater number of high-potential Irish sailors.

The Senior and Academy teams of the Performance Pathway are supported with the provision of a coach, vehicle, coach boat and boats. Even with this level of subsidy there is still a large financial burden on individual families due to travel costs, entry fees and accommodation. There are often compromises made on the amount of days a coach can be hired for and on many occasions it is necessary to opt out of major competitions outside Europe due to cost. Money raised by the Irish Sailing Foundation will go towards increased quality coaching time, world-class equipment, and subsiding entry fees and travel-related costs. It also goes towards broadening the base of talented sailors that can consider campaigning by removing financial hurdles, and the Performance HQ in Dublin to increase efficiency and reduce logistical issues.

The ethos of the Performance Pathway is progression. At each stage international performance benchmarks are utilised to ensure the sailors are meeting expectations set. The size of a sailor will generally dictate which boat they sail. The classes selected on the pathway have been identified as the best feeder classes for progression. Currently the Irish Sailing Performance Pathway consists of the following groups: * Pathway (U15) Optimist and Topper * Youth Academy (U19) Laser 4.7, Laser Radial and 420 * Development Academy (U23) Laser, Laser Radial, 49er, 49erFX * Team IRL (direct-funded athletes) Laser, Laser Radial, 49er, 49erFX

The Irish Sailing performance director produces a detailed annual budget for the programme which is presented to Sport Ireland, Irish Sailing and the Foundation for detailed discussion and analysis of the programme, where each item of expenditure is reviewed and approved. Each year, the performance director drafts a Performance Plan and Budget designed to meet the objectives of Irish Performance Sailing based on an annual review of the Pathway Programmes from Junior to Olympic level. The plan is then presented to the Olympic Steering Group (OSG) where it is independently assessed and the budget is agreed. The OSG closely monitors the delivery of the plan ensuring it meets the agreed strategy, is within budget and in line with operational plans. The performance director communicates on an ongoing basis with the OSG throughout the year, reporting formally on a quarterly basis.

Due to the specialised nature of Performance Sport, Irish Sailing established an expert sub-committee which is referred to as the Olympic Steering Group (OSG). The OSG is chaired by Patrick Coveney and its objective is centred around winning Olympic medals so it oversees the delivery of the Irish Sailing’s Performance plan.

At Junior level (U15) sailors learn not only to be a sailor but also an athlete. They develop the discipline required to keep a training log while undertaking fitness programmes, attending coaching sessions and travelling to competitions. During the winter Regional Squads take place and then in spring the National Squads are selected for Summer Competitions. As sailors move into Youth level (U19) there is an exhaustive selection matrix used when considering a sailor for entry into the Performance Academy. Completion of club training programmes, attendance at the performance seminars, physical suitability and also progress at Junior and Youth competitions are assessed and reviewed. Once invited in to the Performance Academy, sailors are given a six-month trial before a final decision is made on their selection. Sailors in the Academy are very closely monitored and engage in a very well planned out sailing, training and competition programme. There are also defined international benchmarks which these sailors are required to meet by a certain age. Biannual reviews are conducted transparently with the sailors so they know exactly where they are performing well and they are made aware of where they may need to improve before the next review.

©Afloat 2020

Tokyo 2021 Olympic Sailing

Olympic Sailing features a variety of craft, from dinghies and keelboats to windsurfing boards. The programme at Tokyo 2020 will include two events for both men and women, three for men only, two for women only and one for mixed crews:

Event Programme

RS:X - Windsurfer (Men/Women)
Laser - One Person Dinghy (Men)
Laser Radial - One Person Dinghy (Women)
Finn - One Person Dinghy (Heavyweight) (Men)
470 - Two Person Dinghy (Men/Women)
49er - Skiff (Men)
49er FX - Skiff (Women)
Nacra 17 Foiling - Mixed Multihull

The mixed Nacra 17 Foiling - Mixed Multihull and women-only 49er FX - Skiff, events were first staged at Rio 2016.

Each event consists of a series of races. Points in each race are awarded according to position: the winner gets one point, the second-placed finisher scores two, and so on. The final race is called the medal race, for which points are doubled. Following the medal race, the individual or crew with the fewest total points is declared the winner.

During races, boats navigate a course shaped like an enormous triangle, heading for the finish line after they contend with the wind from all three directions. They must pass marker buoys a certain number of times and in a predetermined order.

Sailing competitions at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo are scheduled to take place from 27 July to 6 August at the Enoshima Yacht Harbour. 

Venues: Enoshima Yacht Harbor

No. of events: 10

Dates: 27 July – 6 August

Tokyo 2020 Olympic Dates

Following a one year postponement, sailing competitions at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo are scheduled to take place from 23 July 2021 and run until the 8 August at the Enoshima Yacht Harbour. 

Venue: Enoshima Yacht Harbour

No. of events: 10

Dates: 23 July – 8 August 2021

Tokyo 2020 Irish Olympic Sailing Team

ANNALISE MURPHY, Laser Radial

Age 31. From Rathfarnham, Dublin.

Club: National Yacht Club

Full-time sailor

Silver medallist at the 2016 Olympic Games, Rio (Laser Radial class). Competed in the Volvo Ocean Race 2017/2018. Represented Ireland at the London 2012 Olympics. Laser Radial European Champion in 2013.

ROBERT DICKSON, 49er (sails with Seán Waddilove)

Winner, U23 49er World Championships, September 2018, and 2018 Volvo/Afloat Irish Sailor of the Year

DOB: 6 March 1998, from Sutton, Co. Dublin. Age 23

Club: Howth Yacht Club

Currently studying: Sports Science and Health in DCU with a Sports Scholarship.

SEÁN WADDILOVE, 49er (sails with Robert Dickson)

Winner, U23 49er World Championships, September 2018, and recently awarded 2018 Volvo Afloat/Irish Sailor of the Year

DOB: 19 June 1997. From Skerries, Dublin

Age 24

Club: Skerries Sailing Club and Howth Yacht Club

Currently studying International Business and Languages and awarded sports scholarship at TU (Technology University)

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