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Displaying items by tag: Royal Cork Yacht Club

The well-campaigned J/122 Jelly Baby (Brian and Mary Jones) was awarded Royal Cork Yacht Club's 'Yacht of the Year (Spinnaker)' for her performances in 2022 that most recently included an overall win in the club's Autumn League.

On a night of celebrations at Crosshaven, Admiral Kieran O'Connell presented the prizes that brought the curtain down on a successful sailing season that saw RCYC stage Cork Week in July and complete its tricentenary celebrations. 

The crew of J122 Jelly Baby with RCYC's silver salver bonbon dish for the Yacht of the Year Award Photo: Bob BatemanSome of the crew of J122 Jelly Baby with RCYC's silver salver bonbon dish for the Yacht of the Year Award Photo: Bob Bateman

Chris Bateman was named the keelboat racing sailor of the year for his participation at three world championships in one season in Ireland, plus his role on board the restored Cork Harbour One Design Jap when she won her division at the St. Tropez Classic Yacht Festival in May. 

Chris Bateman was named the keelboat racing sailor of the year and is presented with RCYC's Rectangular glass vase by Admiral Kieran O'Connell (right) Photo: Bob BatemanChris Bateman was named the keelboat racing sailor of the year and is presented with RCYC's Rectangular glass vase by Admiral Kieran O'Connell (right) Photo: Bob Bateman

Saki Curtin was named club volunteer of the year for his continuous work in RCYC's junior sailing academy and for his input in liking you sailors with keelboats and won the Morehead Tricentenary Trophy. 

Saki Curtin is presented with RCYC's Tricentenary Trophy by Admiral Kieran O'Connell (right) Photo: Bob BatemanSaki Curtin is presented with RCYC's Tricentenary Trophy by Admiral Kieran O'Connell Photo: Bob Bateman

Paul and Deirdre Tingle's X4 Alpaca (below) was the winner of both the Offshore Series and the 19-race Superleague in IRC. 

Paul and Deirdre Tingle's X4 Alpaca (above) was the winner of both the Offshore Series and the 19-race Superleague in IRC and the couple were presented with  the Phelan's Pharmacy Spike and Paddy and Peg Walsh Perpetual Trophy Photo: Bob BatemanPaul and Deirdre Tingle's X4 Alpaca (above) was the winner of both the Offshore Series and the 19-race Superleague in IRC and the couple were presented with the Phelan's Pharmacy Spike and Paddy and Peg Walsh Perpetual Trophy Photo: Bob Bateman

Paul and Deirdre Tingle's X4 Alpaca (above) was the winner of both the Offshore Series and the 19-race Superleague in IRC and the couple were presented with the Phelan's Pharmacy Spike and Paddy and Peg Walsh Perpetual Trophy Photo: Bob BatemanPaul and Deirdre Tingle's X4 Alpaca (above) was the winner of both the Offshore Series and the 19-race Superleague in IRC and the couple were presented with the Phelan's Pharmacy Spike and Paddy and Peg Walsh Perpetual Trophy Photo: Bob Bateman

The Superleague ECHO award of the HMS Northampton Salver went to Frank Desmond, Ivers and Keane in the Jeanneau, Bad Company.

Frank Desmond (below), Ivers and Keane in the Jeanneau, Bad Company (above) Photos: Bob BatemanFrank Desmond (below), Ivers and Keane in the Jeanneau, Bad Company (above) Photos: Bob Bateman

Frank Desmond (below), Ivers and Keane in the Jeanneau, Bad Company (above) Photos: Bob BatemanFrank Desmond (below), Ivers and Keane in the Jeanneau, Bad Company (above) Photos: Bob Bateman

The Superleague Friday night Whitesail series, over 17 races, was won by Tom MacSweeney and his family on the Sigma 33 Scribbler II.

The RCYC Superleague Friday night Whitesail series, over 17 races, was won by Tom MacSweeney and his family (below) on the Sigma 33 Scribbler II (above) Photos: Bob BatemanThe RCYC Superleague Friday night Whitesail Series, over 17 races, was won by Tom MacSweeney and his family (below) on the Sigma 33 Scribbler II (above) Photos: Bob Bateman

The RCYC Superleague Friday night Whitesail series, over 17 races, was won by Tom MacSweeney and his family (below) on the Sigma 33 Scribbler II (above) Photos: Bob Bateman

The MG335 Magnet, sailed by Kieran O'Brien and Fiorentina Carroll, won both IRC and ECHO divisions in the White Sails Superleague, thereby lifting the Royal Cork Yacht Club's Club 'Yacht of the Year (White Sails)' for 2022.

The MG335 Magnet (above), sailed by Kieran O'Brien and Fiorentina Carroll and crew, (pictured below) were awarded RCYC White Sail Yacht of the Year Photos: Bob BatemanThe MG335 Magnet (above), sailed by Kieran O'Brien and Fiorentina Carroll and crew, (pictured below) were awarded RCYC White Sail Yacht of the Year Photos: Bob Bateman

The MG335 Magnet (above), sailed by Kieran O'Brien and Fiorentina Carroll and crew, (pictured below) were awarded RCYC White Sail Yacht of the Year Photos: Bob Bateman

The Royal Cork cruising log of the year went to Jim and Kate Corbet, who sailed 1,200 miles from Cork Harbour to Dochas in Spain, France and Italy in their Dufour 36. Jim and Kate's log covers their Meditteranren odyssey over two months. 

Jim and Kate Corbet are presented with the Royal Thames Yacht Club Cup for tier 1,200 mile Cruise by RCYC Rear Admiral Cruising Mike Rider and Admiral Kieran O'Connell Photo: Bob BatemanJim and Kate Corbet are presented with the Royal Thames Yacht Club Cup for tier 1,200 mile Cruise by RCYC Rear Admiral Cruising Mike Rider and Admiral Kieran O'Connell Photo: Bob Bateman

Published in Royal Cork YC
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Jonathan O'Shaughnessy leads Chris Bateman in Royal Cork's ILCA 7 Frostbite Series in Cork Harbour.

After six races sailed, O'Shaughnessy has built up a four-point winning margin.

Wexford harbour's James Murphy holds third overall.

The Lasers and RCYC Topper fleets sailed on the Curlane Bank on Sunday under Race Officer Tom Crosbie.

Nine ILCA 7s are competing with ILCA 6s also in the mix. 

This is the first year for some years that RCYC has had a full rig in its Frostbite Series as some of the Topper and 4.7 Laser sailors graduate to the bigger rig.

Results below.

Next Sunday will be the last of this series, with a prizegiving at Crosshaven after racing.

RCYC ILCA 7 Photo Gallery

Published in Royal Cork YC
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Small boats reign after the third race of Royal Cork Yacht Club's Winter League, sailed in bright and patchy conditions in Cork Harbour.

The appeal of the 25-foot range was clear to see as Fiona Young's Albin Express North Star chalked up a second race win.

Light and bright condition for the all-in fleet in race three of the RCYC O'Leary Insurance Winter League Photo: Bob BatemanLight and bright condition for the all-in fleet in race three of the RCYC O'Leary Insurance Winter League Photo: Bob Bateman

Young continues to top the IRC rankings in the 'all-in' fleet on five points, eight clear of Alan Mulcahy's Albin sister ship, Apache, in second place overall and pictured in Mary Malone's video below.

Lying third, one point back on 15, is the Dubois Quarter Tonner, Diamond co-skippered by Colman Garvey and Kieran Kelleher.

The well-sailed Dubois Quarter Tonner, Diamond at Number 8 buoy during race three of the RCYC O'Leary Insurance Winter League Photo: Bob BatemanThe well-sailed Dubois Quarter Tonner, Diamond at Number 8 buoy during race three of the RCYC O'Leary Insurance Winter League Photo: Bob Bateman

The 21-boat fleet had the usual start at the Grassy line; the course was over to Corkbeg, a beat back across the harbour to No.8 and then to No.9 and then to no.20 off Cobh back to no.13 out again to Corkbeg and a finish at Grassy.

The wind was mainly westerly, with a lot of gusty conditions as the breeze came off the land in the harbour.

At the start, the wind died away to six or seven knots catching out some of the boats that had timed a run to the start line in advance, and they arrived late at the line.

The best starts were taken by Magnet (Kieran O'Brien's MG335) and the consistently good starter, North Star, along with the Monkstown Bay Sailing Club 1720.

The wind increased to 20 knots as the fleet made its way to Cobh.

Racing continues next Sunday. Results are below.

Race Three RCYC Winter League Photo Gallery Below by Bob Bateman and Mary Malone

Published in Royal Cork YC
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After the cancellation of their planned opening day, Laser and Topper dinghy sailors got their Frostbite series underway at the RCYC on Sunday, with three races in the same conditions experienced by the cruiser racers. Sixty dinghy sailors have entered in four classes – three Laser sections and one of Toppers.

In ILCA 7, the largest Laser dinghies, Jonathan O’Shaughnessy, leads overall by four points after winning two of the three races. James Murphy is second on eleven, and Chris Bateman third on twelve. He won the first race but retired in the second. In the third, he placed second.

Oisin MacSweeney won all three races in ILCA 6 and leads the fleet overall with three points from Daniel Mallon on eight and Joe O’Sullivan in third on nine.

ILCA 4 fleet leader is Liam Duggan on four points, having won two of Sunday’s three races. The other race winner, Eve McCarthy, is second on seven. Third is Eolann Miles on eleven points.

The Topper fleet is led by Craig Jnr O’Neill, who won two of the opening day’s three races on four points. Second is Shane Collins on five points, the other race winner. Third is Isha Duggan on ten points.

Published in Royal Cork YC
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Fiona Young's Albin Express North Star was the winner of the second race of the Royal Cork Yacht Club's Winter League, sailed in damp conditions in Cork Harbour.

Young now tops the IRC rankings in the 'all-in' fleet on five points, five clear of Colman Garvey and Kieran Kelleher's Quarter Tonner, Diamond in second place overall. 

Lying third on equal points with the vintage Dubois design is the Grand Soleil 40, Nieulargo (Annamarie and Denis Murphy).

The 21-boat fleet waited for one and half hours before racing began with a start at Grassy on a leg out of the Harbour to E2.

As the video below shows, the diminutive Albin Express (grey hull) got a front-row start.

There were plaudits for Race Officer Anthony O'Leary for managing to get a second race completed in the flukey conditions as crewman from Alpaca John McWeeeny relates in this video below.

The fleet returned to the harbour to buoy 14 near Whitegate; the race was then shortened at the number 6 buoy.  

Racing continues next Sunday

Published in Royal Cork YC
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The Jones family's J122 JellyBaby, which won Royal Cork Yacht Club's Autumn League overall last weekend, continued her winning streak with a win on Sunday in the opening race of the club's O'Leary Insurance Winter League. 

There were squally conditions of 25 to 30 knots from the southwest on the Cork Harbour course for the first race.

The race started in sunshine, but 30 seconds later, a heavy rain shower engulfed the fleet.

In a day for big boats, Jones's clubmates Annamarie and Denis Murphy in the Grand Soliel 40 Nieulargo were second. Paul and Deirdre Tingle's X4 Alpaca took third place.

The Jones family's J122 JellyBaby was the winner of the first race of RCYC's O'Leary Insurance White Sails League in Cork Harbour Photo: Bob BatemanThe Jones family's J122 JellyBaby was the winner of the first race of RCYC's O'Leary Insurance White Sails League in Cork Harbour Photo: Bob Bateman

21 boats are competing in the league, which, for a second year running, is being competed for on an 'all-in fleet' basis and sailed under white sails only.

A view of the yacht racing from Weavers Point in Cork Harbour in the first race of the Royal Cork Yacht Club's O'Leary Insurance Winter League  Photo: Bob BatemanA view of the yacht racing from Weavers Point in Cork Harbour in the first race of the Royal Cork Yacht Club's O'Leary Insurance Winter League  Photo: Bob Bateman

The 'all-in' start line was at The Cage mark, and the fleet reached across the channel to Corkbeg (in the vid below) and was followed by a one-tack beat back to number 8 buoy, then a run in the harbour and a hard beat back to the Cage. 

Published in Royal Cork YC
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Entry for Royal Cork Yacht Club's ILCA/Laser and Topper dinghy Frostbites Series is building, with over 50 boats entered before the early bird expires at midnight on Wednesday, the 2nd of November.

The series (incorporating the Bill Jones Trophy for the winning RCYC topper) will take place across November, Sunday 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th.

Racing will take place for ILCA4, ILCA6, ILCA7 and Topper 5.3 & 4.2 fleets, with separate starts available if numbers allow.

A one-day entry is also facilitated for those that cannot attend the full series.

The series race officer is Tom Crosbie and his crew.

The First warning signal will be 1125 each racing day.

Entry is open to all, with visiting sailors welcome to leave their boats in the RCYC dinghy yard for the duration of the series.

Racing for ILCA7 is included for the first time in a number of years.

Visit Royal Cork ILCA and Topper Frostbite series 2022 to enter here

Published in Royal Cork YC

Wind against the tide for the first part of Sunday's Royal Cork Yacht Club AIB Autumn League meant that when combined with the lumpy sea conditions left over from Saturday's gale, there was difficult light to medium conditions for the RCYC fleets in Cork Harbour over yesterday's two races with at least one well-known local boat going aground.

After five league races now sailed and one discard applied, there is a new leader in IRC Spinnaker Division One according to the results that are still provisional, given reports of a number of boats are to be disqualified for premature starting.

The wind dropped in Cork Harbour to the extent there was difficulty in trying to get the second race going at Royal Cork Yacht Club 2022 Autumn League Photo: Bob BatemanThe wind dropped in Cork Harbour to the extent there was difficulty in trying to get the second race going at Royal Cork Yacht Club 2022 Autumn League Photo: Bob Bateman

Watermans take Class IRC One lead

Eric and Wan Waterman's X37 Saxon Senator took a win in the fourth race of the Royal Cork Yacht Club 2022 Autumn League in Cork Harbour to become overall leaders Photo: Bob BatemanEric and Wan Waterman's X37 Saxon Senator took a win in the fourth race of the Royal Cork Yacht Club 2022 Autumn League in Cork Harbour to become overall leaders Photo: Bob Bateman

Scoring a 1,4, Eric and Wan Waterman's X37 Saxon Senator of the host club have overhauled one-time leader Kinsale visitor Finbarr O'Regan in his J/109 Artful Dodger to top Class One. The Waterman brothers are on eight points, with the Jones Family J122 JellyBaby now in second on ten. O'Regan has dropped to third on 11.5 points in the nine-boat fleet.

The Jones Family J122 JellyBaby is now second overall at the Royal Cork Yacht Club 2022 Autumn League in Cork Harbour Photo: Bob BatemanThe Jones Family J122 JellyBaby is now second overall at the Royal Cork Yacht Club 2022 Autumn League in Cork Harbour Photo: Bob Bateman

Tony O'Brien's J109 Tighey Boy from Schull Harbour Sailing Club took a third in the fourth race of the Royal Cork Yacht Club 2022 Autumn League in Cork Harbour Photo: Bob BatemanTony O'Brien's J109 Tighey Boy from Schull Harbour Sailing Club took a third in the fourth race of the Royal Cork Yacht Club 2022 Autumn League in Cork Harbour Photo: Bob Bateman 

Half-Tonner Swuzzelbubble Top in Class Two

Quarter Tonner Illegal (Dorgan Losty Marshall from Cove Sailing Club and Michael McCann's Etchells 22 Don't Dilly Dally negotiate a mark in race four of the Royal Cork Yacht Club 2022 Autumn League in Cork Harbour Photo: Bob BatemanQuarter Tonner Illegal (Dorgan Losty Marshall from Cove Sailing Club and Michael McCann's Etchells 22 Don't Dilly Dally negotiate a mark in race four of the Royal Cork Yacht Club 2022 Autumn League in Cork Harbour Photo: Bob Bateman

Although Swuzzelbubble (Dave and James Dwyer) continues to lead overall in IRC Spinnaker Two division. The Half Tonner scored fourth in the opening race, which means Michael McCann's Etchells 22 Don't Dilly Dally is moving closer to Swuzzelbubble overall. The Dwyers count six points so far, with McCann on seven in second, enough to overtake Conor Phelan's Quarter Tonner Anchor Challenge in third on ten in the 12-boat fleet.

Magnet in Front of IRC WS 1 Division

Kieran O'Brien's MG335 Magnet continues to lead IRC WS 1 Division at Royal Cork Yacht Club 2022 Autumn League in Cork Harbour Photo: Bob BatemanKieran O'Brien's MG335 Magnet continues to lead IRC WS 1 Division at Royal Cork Yacht Club 2022 Autumn League in Cork Harbour Photo: Bob Bateman

There is no change at the top of IRC One White Sails division, Kieran O'Brien's MG335 Magnet scored a one and a two to be on five points, to lead Aidan Heffernan's Dufour 36 Indulgence on seven. RCYC clubmates Frank Caul and John Molloy's Grand Soliel 37B Prince of Tides are now third on nine points.

Albin Express Apache is IRC WS 2 Division Leader

Alan Mulcahy's Albin Express Apache from Kinsale leads IRC WS 2 of the Royal Cork Yacht Club 2022 Autumn League in Cork Harbour Photo: Bob BatemanAlan Mulcahy's Albin Express Apache from Kinsale leads IRC WS 2 of the Royal Cork Yacht Club 2022 Autumn League in Cork Harbour Photo: Bob Bateman

Alan Mulcahy's Albin Express Apache from Kinsale leads on six points in IRC WS 2 Division from the McGrath Family's Dehler 34 Big Mc. Pat Vaughan's Contessa 33 Aramis is third. Ten are competing.

Scroll down for (provisional) overall results. 

Racing continues next Sunday.

Bob Bateman's Photo Gallery of the third race of the AIB Royal Cork Yacht Club Autumn League in Cork Harbour

Published in Royal Cork YC

The Winter League for cruisers at the Royal Cork Yacht Club in Cork Harbour will be for White Sails.

There will be six races, starting on Sunday, November 6 and concluding on Sunday, December 11, according to the Notice of Race issued by the club.

“All-in White Sail, results under IRC and ECHO, with the overall trophy awarded under IRC. One race scheduled each day, weather dependent,” the Notice says. “Daily prizes for 1st and 2nd only. Series prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd.

The League will be sponsored by O’Leary Insurances and is an open event, to include visiting boats.

Entry forms must be completed and are available on the RCYC website

Published in Royal Cork YC

The Royal Cork Yacht Club (RCYC) at Crosshaven has received a lot of praise for the running of Sunday’s Autumn League during a “weather window” in Cork Harbour, getting the fleet home before a gale hit the Cork area which was so strong that it caused serious damage and serious flooding. 

The plan for the race involved making the start an hour earlier and racing inside the harbour.

Read Afloat's race report here.

Royal Cork Autumn League Race Officers Sally (left) and Anthony O'Leary (centre) Photo: Bob BatemanReady to race - Royal Cork Autumn League Race Officers Sally (left) and Anthony O'Leary (centre) Photo: Bob Bateman

The race was also part of the South Coast Offshore Racing Association’s annual league series. 

1720 sportsboats competing at Royal Cork's Autumn League Race Photo: Bob Bateman1720 sportsboats competing at Royal Cork's Autumn League Race Photo: Bob Bateman

SCORA’s Treasurer, Michael Murphy, who has been taking part in the racing, was impressed by the quality of the organisation and the safety steps taken to complete the race safely.

SCORA Treasurer Michael Murphy with his wife Derval pictured in 2019 at a gathering at the RCYC in Crosshaven, to celebrate the 40 th consecutive years for the Moody 30, Shelly D (below) and her various crews, competing in the Autumn league. Murphy is not sailing Shelly D in this year's Autumn League - She's 'resting', he says in Rosbrin yard but is doing a bit of crewing when asked.... Photo: Bob BatemanSCORA Treasurer Michael Murphy with his wife Derval pictured in 2019 at a gathering at the RCYC in Crosshaven, to celebrate the 40 th consecutive years for the Moody 30, Shelly D (below) and her various crews, competing in the Autumn league. Murphy is not sailing Shelly D in this year's Autumn League - She's 'resting', he says in Rosbrin yard but is doing a bit of crewing when asked.... Photo: Bob Bateman

He is my Podcast guest this week, where we discuss the importance of good on-the-water racing communications, the differing standards of race officiating and the likelihood that there will be more offshore racing in SCORA’s calendar for next year.

Listen to the Podcast here.

Shelly D was purchased in 1978 at Southamption boat show by Derval and Michael Murphy, after a meeting on the Moody stand with designer Angus Primrose, she was delivered to Kinsale in Easter 1979. Photo: Bob BatemanShelly D was purchased in 1978 at Southamption boat show by Derval and Michael Murphy, after a meeting on the Moody stand with designer Angus Primrose, she was delivered to Kinsale in Easter 1979. Photo: Bob Bateman

Published in Tom MacSweeney
Page 9 of 68

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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