The September series of racing concluded at Foynes Yacht Club on Sunday last writes Gerry Ryan.

The south-easterly wind with 15 knots of breeze ensured that superb racing took place east of Foynes Island. The Officer of the Day, vice commodore, James McCormack set a challenging course for the competitors. In Class 1 the boats raced to the 8 metre mark and back down to Sturamus and back up river to the 8 metre and back to the club finish line.

In the White Sails division the boats were sent to the 8 metre mark and down to Sturamus and home. In Class 1 Darragh McCormack in Maximus received the Dan O'Sullivan Cup; second was Dis-A-Ray, with Ray McGibney at the helm, and third was Battle with John-Paul Buckley as skpper. In the White Sails division, Pat Finucane in Marengo received the John Maher Cup; while Kerry Dream with Commodore Tom Murray on the helm.

The October series for Mermaids will be starting on Sunday next with first gun at 1pm. Racing will take place for the three Sunday's in October and on the Monday of the October bank holiday weekend.
Skipper and crews are asked to be at the clubhouse at 12noon on Sunday for a briefing.

The Royal Western Yacht Club will be hosting the annual October series from next Sunday. Details on this event are available on www.royalwesternyachtclub.com

#foynes – On Saturday next the annual Glin Castle race will be sailed on the Shannon Estuary between the Royal Western Yacht Club in Kilrush and Foynes Yacht Club in Cooleen Point writes Gerry Ryan.

This particular race has been to the forefront in the annals of sailing on the river Shannon for a number of years now.

The late Knight of Glin, Desmond FitzGerald family are very much in favour of this event being held each year between the two yacht clubs.

The race is scheduled for 12 noon at Glin Pier, with a briefing at 11am, and it is proposed to sail down the estuary towards Moneypoint and back up the estuary to various club marks.

The event is open to Class 1, 2 and the Whte Sails division, where a total of 15 yachts will be racing in these three different classes.

After the racing a reception will be held in Glin Castle by Lady Olga FitzGerald and her family, where they will present the prizes to the various winners, and this will take place approximately at 5pm.

On Wednesday evening last a sponsors night was held in the clubhouse, who helped financially in any way with sailing events in the club over the last few years.

The evening started at 7pm with member's bringing the sponsors on different yachts for a sail around Foynes Island to view the Shannon Estuary from a different perspective.

Viewing the Tarbert power station towers down river and seeing the Clare coast as well a spectacle for the sponsors while some have never been sailing on the Shannon estuary before.

The giant alumina smelting plant, Aughinish Alumina can be seen with the very large structured sheds that store the alumina, and leaving the 'upper estuary' the view of Foynes Port comes into view, and the yacht club in glorious August sunshine.

When the sponsors arrived at the club they were treated to a wine and hors d'oeuvre reception, which were served by committee member, Patrica McCormack and Trish Lowes, with Shauna Kirwan looking after the bar.

Commodore Tom Murray in his address spoke about the 'voluntary effort that the member's have given the club since it's inception in 1962, and said that he was delighted that our sponsor's who we rely on support are extremely appreciated by the club.

He went on: 'What you see today is a fantastic facility for the community to enjoy, we have the facilities for the youth to learn sailing and become member's of this club, which is the backbone of every club'.

The annual Foynes to the Clare coastal village of Cappa race took place last Saturday in light conditions. A total of nine boats started at the club starting line with two divisions, Class 1 and 2 and White Sails.
The prizes were the Galleon Cup in the IRC handicap system and the Sean Keating trophy for the White Sails.

A total of five seconds in Class 1 and 2 separated Dexterity and Battle, which was closely fought by these two vessels,. and fifteen seconds between Golden Kopper and Dexterity on corrected time, but at the finish line at Cappa Pier, Golden Kopper received the Galleon Cup. After the IRC handicap only five minutes separated the boats.

In the White Sails division for the Sean Keating trophy former Commodore Pat Finucane and crew came first to the finish line.

At the presentation of prizes in the Galleon Inn, Class Captain, Alan McEneff thanked the proprietors for the display of food that they laid on for the hungry sailors, and also thanked Adrian O'Connell from the Royal Western Yacht Club, Kilrush for his organisation.

The September series of racing will be starting on Sunday, September 1 for the five Sunday's in the month. The series is for all classes, please check the website for starting times. All skippers are to ensure that any regular crew participating are fully paid up member's otherwise the vessel will not get a result or points for that race.Skippers are reminded that an entry fee will be due for the series. Member's are asked to be the marina at 1.30pm.

Club Polo shirts and Club burgees are for sale from the bar in the clubhouse.

The Munster Mermaid Championships sponsored by Ocean Crest Marine were hosted by Foynes Yacht Club on the Shannon estuary and a spectacular two days racing took place writes Gerry Ryan.
The officer of the day, Alan McEneff had a considerable job in setting the course on Saturday east of Foynes Island, because of the weather conditions that prevailed, with a north-westerly wind and gusting force 4 to 5 with wind shifts, of course this made the task harder.
After a postponement of a brief period the race went ahead. Stiff competition was the order of the day with four boats from Skerries and Rush Sailing Clubs competing. Anthony Carthy, RSC., on Innocence kept up the pace right through the race with Cara II shading it on a few occasions, but in the end Carthy got to the finish line first.
In the second race it was much the same picture with Innocence winning again and FYC boat Three Chevrons comin second, and Frankie Browne Cara II coming in third.
On Sunday, the weather conditions were a little calmer with a force 2-3 breeze, which the competitors did not need to worry about breakages to any of the boats fittings.
In the only race of the day Vincent McCormack won on Three Chevrons with Luke and Roisin McCormack; second was Anthony Carthy on Innocence and third was Enda Weldon on Mayhem.
The overall winner of the Munster Mermaid trophy after three races was Anthony Carthy on Innocence, his crew were Eoin and Alan Butterly. Three Chevrons came second and Cara II third. Claire Lowes, from FYC on Zest finished fourth, which was an excellent result for the Foynes boats.
Saturday, Race 1: 1st Innocence, 188, Anthony Carthy; 2nd Cara II, 135, Frankie Browne; 3rd Three Chevrons, 119, Vincent McCormack.
Saturday, Race 2: 1st Innocence, 188, Anthony Carthy; 2nd Three Chevrons, 119, Vincent McCormack; 3rd place: Cara II, Frankie Browne.
Sunday, Race 1: 1st Three Chevrons, 119, Vincent McCormack; 2nd Innocence, 188, Anthony Carthy; 3rd Mayhem, 190, Enda Weldon.
Overall results: 1st Innocence, 188, Anthony Carthy; 2nd Three Chevrons, 119, Vincent McCormack; 3rd Cara II, 135, Frankie Browne.
The skippers and the crews were happy with the courses set and the hospitality which the club afforded them at Cooleen Point, hopefully, they will return next year for good and fair sailing.
At the presentation of prizes on Sunday, Commodore Tom Murray thanked the Officer of the Day, Alan McEneff in his handling of the championships, and also thanked James McCormack as his assistant, and the rest of the members of the club who assisted in any way with the championships.

Members of Foynes Yacht Club are gearing up for the first leg of the Estuary Bell race, which will be taking place on Saturday, May 26. It's only of a number of activities happening at the Shannon Estuary club with its own pontoon facility writes Gerry Ryan.

Two races may be scheduled on this day, and it is proposed that racing will be around the cans. Class 1, 2 and White Sails will be on the water with this particular fixture.

The Munster Mermaid championships will be taking place in Foynes Yacht Club on Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2.

It is envisaged that eight visiting boats will descend on Cooleen Point from the east coast, and five boats from the club will take part.

The Officer of the Day, Alan McEneff will be sending the fleet east of Foynes Island for racing and it is proposed to have two races on Saturday and one on Sunday in an Olympic course.

Of course, this particular event is in conjunction with the Foynes Irish Coffee festival, where large crowds are expected to travel to the village on the holiday weekend.
The Competent Crew Course is taking place on Wednesday evening's with first gun at 7.30pm. Member's are asked to be at the marina at 6.30pm.
On Wednesday, May 15 club racing continued in quite blustery conditions with 6 boats racing.

The Officer of the Day, Raymond O'Connor sent the Class 1 yachts down to the Loughill mark, and back up the estuary to the finishing club line.
Results: IRC, 1st Dexterity. 2nd Battle. 3rd Maximus. Echo: 1st Marengo. 2nd Golden Kopper. 3rd Wyte Dolphin.

Chris Egan and Dave Bevan are sailing around Ireland to raise money for the Irish Cancer Society. On their journey they will be joined by members and friends on the legs to the different ports that they will be berthing during the cruise.

A special website has been set-up to keep member's informed of the progress that the sailor's are making www.sailagainstcancer.ie

Foynes Yacht Club has a small pontoon facility at its base on the Shannon Estuary in County Limerick. The pontoon accommodates approximately eight visiting boats, four club boats, plus club rescue boats and  up to 12 dinghies.

The club is located at Cooleen Point, Foynes, County Limerick, Ireland. Tel: +353 69 65261 Location: Latitude: 52°36"54' N  Longitude: 09°06"484' W

#foynes – The last long race of the Foynes Yacht Club season took place last Sunday to the Clare coastal village of Cappa for members of Foynes Yacht Club writes Gerry Ryan.

The Officer of the Day, Ger Reidy sent the fleet from Cooleen Point racing at 10am.

A total of nine yachts took this scenic race on the Shannon Estuary, where as you near Cappa, the monastic Scattery Island, Loop Head and Carrigaholt can be seen.

Crews were mixed on the different vessels, with teenagers from the sailing school and adults competing.

Crew member of Alpara, Mary McCormack receives the Sean Keating trophy

Unfortunately, skippers had to contend with light south-westerly winds, which took the vessels that bit longer to reach their destination.

The trophies that were raced for were the Galleon Cup and the Sean Keating trophy.

The yacht Battle were victorious on corrected time to win the Galleon Cup; second was John Conway on Golden Kopper and third, Team Foynes on Dexterity.

For the White Sails division, who were racing for the Sean Keating trophy, James McCormack on Alpara took line honours with closely followed in second by Pat Finucane on Marengo and third, Jessica Leigh.

At the presentation of prizes in the Galleon Inn, sailing captain, Liam Madden thanked all the participants who took part in the first race of the September series.

Racing continues every Sunday for the month with first gun at 2pm. Crews are asked to be at the marina at 1pm.

#FOYNES YC –  On Sunday last Foynes Yacht Club on the Shannon Estuary celebrated Commodore's Day, which was a very nostalgic event, because a special handsewn tapestry with the club logo, and with the words 'Foynes yacht club' and the year when the club started 1962-2012 were specially embroided by Teresa Kirwan, who received a lot of praise from all who attended on the day writes Gerry Ryan.

A course for racing was set by Officer of the Day, Alan McEneff in the harbour area for all classes, and all boats were decked out with bunting to add colour to the proceedings.

Unfortunately, the race had to be abandoned due to the lack of wind.

Nevertheless, it was a very nostalgic day, because past Commodore's received gold medals to commemorate their achievement's in the club over the last 50 years.

The former Commodore's who were presented with specially commissioned medals were Bobby Mulrooney, David Floyd, Jim Collier, Charlie McGibney, Paddy McNamara, Pat Moran, John Conway, Frank Dennison, Pat Finucane, and present Commodore Tom Murray.

Commodore Tom Murray in his opening remarks spoke about the vision and philosophy that the former Commodore's who came before him achieved in getting sailor's and member's to join this great club.

He said Foynes Yacht Club could not go on except for the member's volunteering in taking on different tasks during the year to ensure the club stood up to the test of time.

'Training for the juveniles has been to the forefront of the club for a number of year's, and this is going from strength to strength, the youht's are the backbone to every club, and it is great to see so many of them here today', added the Commodore.

In his closing remarks Commodore Murray spoke about the West of Ireland Offshore Championships, which he hoped to have 50 boats for this occasion to coincide with our golden jubilee. The championships are scheduled to take place in July.

The annual blessing of the boats was performed by Fr. Noonan, P.P., Foynes, and after this ceremony a Bar-B-Que was held on the club lawn, where chef's Donal McCormack, John-Paul Buckley, Paddy McSweeney, Bev Lowes and Alan McEneff cooked to the delights of the hungry member's and friend's. Well done to the social committee in preparing the salads to accompany the burgers.

This weekend we will be hosting to first leg of the Estuary Bell, two races are down for Saturday and one on Sunday. Class 1, 2 and White Sails will be competeing for the coveted trophy, and it is envisaged that a good number of craft will be sailing. Present weather indications are for the settled weather to continue.

#FOYNES – Preparations are getting under way at Foynes Yacht Club for the golden jubilee of the club this year.

On Sunday, January 22 a traditional Irish music session will take with the group, Creeves Wrenboy's taking to the stage at 5pm for what promises to be a spectacular event of music and song.

In Feburary and March a series of lectures will take place on nautical activities, and these will take place on Wednesday evenings; the adult and junior sailing  courses are beginning in March, and the annual boat flotilla to Limerick for the Riverfest celebrations on the May Bank Holiday weekend will take place.

The lift-in day for all craft is scheduled for Saturday, April 14 at 10am.

In April a gala going Afloat will take place. Further details on this event will be posted on the club website shortly.

A mass for deceased members of the club, and members will be said in February, the date is not confirmed yet, but members are asked to keep an eye to the club website.

The main focus is on the West of Ireland Offshore Racing Championship's, which will take place in July, and a target on 50 boats for the event is planned. already an entry of 42 craft have put pen to paper, and it is hoped that 50 vessels will take part. Other events planned are Glin Castle race, the Estuary Bell race, Carrigaholt race, the Cappa race, the the Club regatta, which coincides with the Foynes Irish Coffee festival, and other fringe events.

A north-easterly force 3 wind accompanied the flotilla of yachts that set out from Foynes Yacht Club, who sailed to Limerick city on Saturday afternoon to participate in the Riverfest celebrations.

Daniel Butler co-ordinator took members of the Northside We're Ok youth group from Moyross, who experienced another view of Limerick from the river. John Prendergast and his wife, Maureen, were guests of the club on this cruise.

The yacht's that journeyed were Mweeloon, Whyte Dolphin, Alphara, Inizi, Mariposa, Lady Shanannah, Hello, Kilteery, Kerry Dream, Battle, Dexterity, Coral Dos and Blue Ribbon. Unfortunately, Marengo had to turn back at Aughinish because of engine trouble, the skipper, Pat Finucane and crew changed boats and were transported on on Ger Reidy's, Kilteery.

The sun shone all the way for the sight-seeing journey up this magnificent of stretch of water. The Islands on the Shannon Estuary Cannon and Horseshoe are one of the first sights that can be seen on this stretch of the river. The bauxite smelting factory, Aughinish Alumina and the famous Beeves Rock lighthouse, no more in use gives an added pictureesque setting to this journey.

Further on the right-hand side the entrance into the Deel Boat Club in Askeaton can be seen on the the same shore the pre-Norman Beagh Castle is standing overlooking the Shannon. Ringmoylan, and Pallaskenry can be seen down a mile from the castle, and opposite Rineanna with the famous Shannon Airport, who hosted several US President's who stopped off to visit this country.

As we continued our journey up river the landmark, Carrigagonnell Castle is visible, also the giant chimneys of the Cement factory in Mungret and the giant-sized structure of Thomond Park.

Nearer to the city Riverpoint and the Clarion Hotel, two of the tallest buildings in Limerick, rise up to the blue sky and sunshine of May.

When the flotilla approached the Clarion Hotel, they berthed for an hour to give the public a chance to see these water vessels in their bunting and memorabilia.

After the inspections were it was into Limerick Docks for an overnight stay, and then on to Dolan's Bar and Restaurant for a much sought-after meal.

On Sunday afternoon the junior members of the club, Ailish Chawke, Claire Lowes, Ciara McCormack, Mary McCormack and Anna Lowes gave a display of sailing kayaks and Topaz boats at Howley's Quay to an array of spectators, who came to see the other craft on the water, Jet-Ski's and Clark Clifford's rib who gave the public a trip up and down the Shannon. Members of the yacht club also gave out flyers promoting Foynes Yacht Club.

When the sailing adventures were over it was time to head back down river to Cooleen Point, where a Bar-b-Que followed in the Clubhouse the sailors and their families. Overall, the reaction from everybody was excellent!

Club racing continus every Wednesday evening with first gun at 7pm. On Saturday, May 14 and Sunday, May 15 the Estuary Bell will be raced in Foynes. Two races on Saturday and one of Sunday are pencilled in.

Foynes Yacht Club members will be sailing to Limerick City on Saturday, April 30 to participate in the 2011 Riverfest, which the people of the city celebrate every year.

The flotilla consisting of 15 vessels will leave Foynes at 2pm on the Saturday and arrive at Steamboat Quay approximately at 5.30pm, where they will berth for an hour before sailing into Limerick Docks for an overnight stay. When the boats are secure the hungry crews will sample the night-life and cuisine of Dolan's Traditional Irish Pub and Restaurant for the fun-filled evening.

'This tradition of members sailing to Limerick from Foynes has been to the forefront of the club for many years, and we would like to build it up and keep going it going on an annual basis, and show how Foynes Yacht Club can be part-take in the cultural weekend of music and craic', Commodore Tom Murray said.