Cian McCarthy and Sam Hunt were honoured at home on the Easter weekend by Kinsale Yacht Club, the West Cork club joining a long list of organisations that saluted the duo's Christmas 2003 achievements competing in Australia's Sydney Hobart Race.
After Monday's April league racing, Kinsale Commodore Anthony Scannell and cruiser-racer skipper Brian Carroll led tributes to the Sunfast 3300 'Cinnamon Girl' pair at a special KYC clubhouse gathering.
The gathering included Poppy and Keith Hunt, who represented Sam, who was unable to attend.
Kinsale Yacht Club Commodore Anthony Scannell presents Cian McCarthy's wife Catherine with a bouquet Photo: Bob Bateman
As regular Afloat readers know, the duo were the keynote speakers at February's ICRA conference at Dun Laoghaire when they pair recalled the ' brutal experience' in parts, as Hunt recalled for Afloat here.
Cian McCarthy (left) and Sam Hunt on board the Sunfast 3300 'Cinnamon Girl' off the Dublin coast Photo: Afloat
In Irish offshore doublehanding sailing, few stories are as inspiring as that of Cian McCarthy, a dedicated sailor whose journey to success is marked by resilience, determination, and a passion for the open sea.
From relatively humble beginnings on Laser dinghies to triumphant victories in prestigious races, Cian's remarkable career has earned him admiration and respect within the sailing community, especially at home at Kinsale Yacht Club.
Keith (left) and Poppy Hunt receive prizes on behalf of Sam from Kinsale Yacht Club Commodore Anthony Scannell Photo: Bob Bateman
Cian's sailing odyssey began with Lasers, where his talent quickly caught the eye of Denis Doyle. Recognizing his potential, Doyle offered him a position on Moonduster, propelling Cian into the world of competitive sailing. It was on Moonduster that Cian completed a Round Ireland and participated in a series of Fastnet Races, laying the foundation for his future achievements.
In 2003-2004, Cian delved into Mini Transat racing aboard a boat named Tom Crean. Despite facing challenges along the way, he sailed Tom Crean with remarkable success until a rig loss brought an end to that chapter of his journey.
Undeterred, Cian's determination led him to the BT Challenge, where he crossed paths with his future wife, Catherine. His exceptional skills and dedication caught the attention of skipper Conrad Humphries, who promoted him to First Mate on L G Flatron. Cian played a pivotal role in their victory in the round-the-world race, earning accolades for his invaluable contributions.
In 2009, Cian embarked on a new venture, building a Class 40 yacht. However, the arrival of his identical triplet sons prompted him to sell the boat and shift his focus to family life.
The McCarthy family at Monday's KYC presentation Photo: Bob Bateman
Despite these changes, Cian's passion for sailing remained unwavering. He continued to pursue his love for the sport, participating in the X-yacht EOS and competing in challenging races such as the Fastnet Race and Round Ireland, often sailing two-handed.
In 2022, Cian's dedication and skill were once again on display as he entered and emerged victorious in the inaugural KYC Inishtearaght Race aboard Cinnamon Girl, racing two-handed with Sam. His success continued with a commendable second-place finish in the biennial Round Ireland Race, showcasing his prowess in navigating the most gruelling of conditions.
The Kinsale Yacht Club entry Cinnamon Girl sailed by Cian McCarthy and Sam Hunt berthed in Hobart after completing the 2023 Sydney-Hobart offshore race
A familiar sight in Kinsale Harbour, Cian can often be found training tirelessly, honing his skills in preparation for future challenges. His contributions to the sailing community have not gone unnoticed, as he is held in high esteem at KYC and beyond, admired for his ability to excel in the most demanding of conditions, as this recording of the Kinsale Yacht Club presentation (below) reveals.
As Cian's journey continues, his determination, resilience, and passion inspire sailors everywhere, proving that anything is possible on the open sea with perseverance and dedication.
