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Displaying items by tag: Coastal Rowing

‘All In A Row Charity Liffey Challenge 2023’ is coming to the capital’s River Liffey on Saturday, 2nd December, with a challenge for rowing teams to smash a 1,000km target in eight hours.

22 rowing clubs will row the challenge in skiffs, dragon boats, celtic longboats, kayaks, canoes and currachs to raise funds for RNLI Lifeboats and the Irish Underwater Search and Recovery Unit.

The organisers are hoping to exceed last year’s target of rowing 1,000km during the event on the river, which will start from St. Patrick’s Rowing Club at the Tom Clarke Bridge (formerly the East Link Bridge) and turn at the Ha’penny Bridge, rowing back down river to St. Patrick’s Rowing Club. The challenge is being undertaken with the aim of showcasing the River Liffey as one of Dublin’s best amenities while raising funds for water-related charities, RNLI Lifeboats and the Irish Underwater Search and Recovery Unit.

The event raised €22,000 in 2022.

The event will start at 8.30 am on Saturday 2nd December, and at 1 pm, all boats will gather on the Liffey at the Sean O’Casey footbridge. A wreath-laying ceremony will take place to commemorate all those who have lost their lives through drowning.

Many Dublin rowing clubs have their home on the River Liffey and are a regular sight on the water. At the port end of the river is St. Patrick’s Rowing Club, Stella Maris Rowing Club, East Wall Water Sports Group and Poolbeg Yacht and Boat Club. Ringsend Basin is home to the Plurabelle Paddlers (dragon boats) and the Dublin Viking Dragon boats. At the other end of the city beyond Heuston Station, there are many river rowing and kayaking clubs, including Phoenix Rowing Club. Rowing clubs from other parts of Ireland will join in this challenge to raise funds for RNLI Lifeboats and the Irish Underwater Search and Recovery Unit.

Competitors are asked to raise sponsorship for the event, and also for spectators and supporters, there is an idonate page for donations here 

Published in Coastal Rowing
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Sunday's World Coastal Rowing Championships in Italy saw Ireland bagging a commendable medal haul.

In a standout weekend, Ireland is coming home with four medals and three World Coastal Rowing Champions.

Monika Dukarska who rows for Killorlin Rowing Club, won the women's solo event at the World Coastal Rowing ChampionshipsMonika Dukarska who rows for Killorlin Rowing Club, won the women's solo event at the World Coastal Rowing Championships

Monika Dukarska from County Kerry, who rows for Killorlin Rowing Club, won the women's solo event and also secured a massive victory in the mixed double category, alongside Ronan Byrne.

Adrian Miramon Quiroga from Wicklow Rowing Club is the Coastal Men's Solo World ChampionAdrian Miramon Quiroga from Wicklow Rowing Club is the Coastal Men's Solo World Champion

Furthermore, the men's solo saw a gold medal being awarded to Adrian Miramon Quiroga from Wicklow Rowing Club, and the women's coxed quadruple team from Ireland managed to clinch a bronze medal.

A bronze medal for Ireland in the women's coxed quadruple category at the World Rowing Coastal Championships in ItalyA bronze medal for Ireland in the women's coxed quadruple category at the World Rowing Coastal Championships in Italy

Published in Coastal Rowing
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A new coastal rowing boat named after St Laurence was blessed in Ringsend, Dublin, today for the Stella Maris Rowing Club.

The St Laurence II has been sponsored by Dublin Port Company, and is named after the original St Laurence, which was built, owned and competed in by Dublin Port workers in the 1950s.

Dublin Port Company says it represents yet another investment by it in promoting the sport of rowing in Dublin.

Dublin Port Company CEO Barry O’Connell alongside Alicia Weafer, Trudi Pepper, Emma Gannon and Niamh Kane of the Stella Maris Rowing Club’s Under-16 Girls Team, who take to the water on their new coastal rowing boat, the St Laurence II, sponsored by Dublin Port Company.Dublin Port Company CEO Barry O’Connell alongside Alicia Weafer, Trudi Pepper, Emma Gannon and Niamh Kane of the Stella Maris Rowing Club’s Under-16 Girls Team, who take to the water on their new coastal rowing boat, the St Laurence II, sponsored by Dublin Port Company

Dublin Port Company CEO Barry O’Connell alongside Alicia Weafer, Trudi Pepper, Emma Gannon and Niamh Kane of the Stella Maris Rowing Club’s Under-16 Girls Team, who take to the water on their new coastal rowing boat, the St Laurence II, sponsored by Dublin Port Company.

It will also provide Stella Maris Rowing Club's dedicated members – ranging from aged ten onwards - with state-of-the-art equipment that will enhance their training and capabilities, the port company says.

(Left to Right) Coach Louise Kane with Niamh Kane, Emma Gannon, Trudi Pepper and Alicia Weafer of the Stella Maris Rowing Club’s Under-16 Girls Team take to the water on their new coastal rowing boat, the St Laurence II, sponsored by Dublin Port Company. Photo Tommy Dickson(Left to Right) Coach Louise Kane with Niamh Kane, Emma Gannon, Trudi Pepper and Alicia Weafer of the Stella Maris Rowing Club’s Under-16 Girls Team take to the water on their new coastal rowing boat, the St Laurence II Photo Tommy Dickson

“This continued and long-standing partnership comes as part of Dublin Port Company’s wider plans for a new maritime village,”it says

The village is part of its 3FM development project, and will involve a “modern sailing and rowing campus” for sailing and rowing clubs, sea scouts, the Nautical Trust and local boat owners.

The 3FM project is the port’s masterplan for 2040, and is focused on port lands on the Poolbeg peninsula, on the south side of the bay.

Dublin Port Company continues its support of Stella Maris Rowing Club with the sponsorship of the new skiffDublin Port Company continues its support of Stella Maris Rowing Club with the sponsorship of the new skiff (above and below Photos: Tommy DicksonDublin Port Company continues its support of Stella Maris Rowing Club with the sponsorship of the new skiff (above and below Photos: Tommy Dickson

The port says the village “has been developed in consultation with local groups and will replace the current much smaller facilities as well as improving opportunities to view port activities from the new waterside public plaza area”.

The new boat was blessed today by Father Ivan Tonge during a ceremony held at the Ringsend Club’s home on the Pigeon House Road in Dublin.

Founded in 1937, Stella Maris is one of Dublin's oldest and most respected rowing clubs, with levels from junior right up to senior.

The club recently won a Dublin South Central Garda Youth Award, which is awarded to young people who have contributed positively to their communities.

Barry O’Connell, Chief Executive, Dublin Port Company, said: “We are honoured to offer our continued support to Stella Maris Rowing Club. The values Stella embodies, such as teamwork, dedication and perseverance, align perfectly with our own ethos at Dublin Port Company."

(Left to Right) Coach Louise Kane with Niamh Kane, Emma Gannon, Trudi Pepper and Alicia Weafer of the Stella Maris Rowing Club’s Under-16 Girls Team take to the water on their new coastal rowing boat, the St Laurence II(Left to Right) Coach Louise Kane with Niamh Kane, Emma Gannon, Trudi Pepper and Alicia Weafer of the Stella Maris Rowing Club’s Under-16 Girls Team take to the water on their new coastal rowing boat, the St Laurence II Photo: Tommy Dickson

"This commitment ties in with our wider community initiatives to come under the 3FM Project, which will see a new maritime village providing enhanced facilities for a range of users, including sailing and rowing clubs.”

Dublin Port Company CEO Barry O’Connell (far right) with members of Stella Maris Rowing Club at the blessing of their new coastal rowing boatDublin Port Company CEO Barry O’Connell (far right) with members of Stella Maris Rowing Club at the blessing of their new coastal rowing boat Photo: Tommy Dickson

Pat Kane, Chairman, Stella Maris Rowing Club, said: “Dublin Port has long been a friend to Stella Maris, and we would like to thank them for their continued support. The original St Laurence served the club well for over 30 years and, thanks to Dublin Port, the St Laurence II will inspire and enable the next generation of rowers.”

Published in River Liffey

A team of novice rowers from Holyhead Sailing Club recently undertook an incredible feat to raise awareness for mental health. On Tuesday, August 15th, the team set off from Holyhead at 7 am, rowing to the Royal St George YC in Dun Laoghaire Harbour Dun Laoghaire Harbour and back again, a journey of almost 30 hours.

The team, consisting of five teams of five, swapped out every hour to ensure they could continue the gruelling journey. They arrived in Dun Laoghaire just before midnight and hoisted their flag on the RStGYC flagpole before setting off on the return leg.

Their efforts did not go unnoticed, as the RStGYC proudly flew the Row4gaz flag to support their mission. The team safely returned to Holyhead Sailing Club at 12:30 pm the following day, having completed their impressive journey.

The team of novice row4gaz rowers from Holyhead Sailing Club close in on Dun Laoghaire Harbour on Dublin Bay The team of novice row4gaz rowers from Holyhead Sailing Club close in on Dun Laoghaire Harbour on Dublin Bay 

The team's goal was to raise awareness for mental health, and they succeeded in their mission. The RSGYC was delighted to support their cause, and the team's efforts are sure to inspire others to take action for mental health awareness.

To learn more about this incredible journey and the cause they were supporting, visit Row4gaz.com.

Published in Coastal Rowing
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Stella Maris Rowing Club succeeded at its 2023 regatta, winning eight out of 16 races.

Fair rowing weather, good spirits, healthy rivalries, and races running efficiently and on time all made for a wonderful East Coast Regatta enjoyed by a wide range of coastal rowing clubs. 

Building on the success of 2022's first post-pandemic regatta on the River Liffey at Poolbeg Marina, the regatta has been widely praised by the east coast coastal rowing community not necessarily for the on-water success enjoyed by the host club but more for all the other elements that made for a great day out on the capital's waters in Dublin Port.

"Amazing results at today’s regatta @stellamarisrowingclub, a tough ole jaunt down the river. Well done to all crews & all who came & supported", Dalkey Rowing Club posted on social media.

This was the second coastal rowing regatta to take place on the East Coast circuit this year but the first on the Liffey.

Ten clubs from along the East Coast from Balbriggan to Arklow took part bringing over 120 crews onto the water throughout the day.

While Stella Maris may have been the big winners over the day there were great performances from all the East Coast Clubs, with nearly every club in attendance represented on the overall Medal table. 

Attention turns to Dalkey Rowing Club Regatta on the south side of Dublin Bay next Saturday (June 17th) for the next regatta of the East Coast Rowing Council.

Stella Maris Rowing Club enjoyed success at its own 2023 regattaStella Maris Rowing Club enjoyed success at its own 2023 regatta

Published in River Liffey

Dalkey Rowing Club (DRC) hosts its first regatta on Saturday (June 17th) since 2019 due to the pandemic and bad weather last year. 

The coastal rowers are marking their 90th year, so there's an added buzz and excitement in the air and on the water!

The racing is based at Otranto Park in Sandycove Park, with racing in Scotsman's Bay.

The first race is at 9.00 am sharp (cox meeting at 8.30 am). The novice men go first, and the regatta schedule is below.

Dublin Bay live webcams x 3 here may provide a glimpse of the rowing action

Dalkey Rowing Club 2023 Regatta Schedule

  • Novice men
  • Mixed
  • Senior Women
  • U18 boys
  • Inter Men
  • Junior Women
  • Inter Women
  • Vets
  • Novice Women

Dalkey Rowing Club 2023 Regatta Schedule

Published in Coastal Rowing

Royal Cork Yacht Club was the centre of attention on Saturday as rowing craft of all kinds were launched in glorious sunshine in anticipation of the weekend's centrepiece event, An Rás Mór, Cork harbour’s Ocean to City race.

The coastal rowing event organised by the traditional boat group Meitheal Mara returned to the water this weekend after a break of two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The multi-craft rowing and paddling race has attracted a fleet of over 200 boats.

Crosshaven is the official start venue of the main fleet in the Ocean to City Race 2023Crosshaven is the official start venue of the main fleet in the Ocean to City Race 2023

Now in its 18th year, the all-inclusive rowing event welcomes traditional wooden working boats, gigs, skiffs, sloops, lifeboats, longboats, cutters and currachs, kayaks, canoes, ocean sliding-seat boats and stand-up paddleboards as depicted in Bob Bateman's photo gallery below.

Billed as Ireland's largest long-distance rowing and paddling race, Ocean to City has four-course distances to choose from across the 28 km course - as in two, seven, 12 and 15 nautical miles, all finishing in Cork city centre.

Ocean to City Rowing Race in Cork Harbour 2023 Photo Gallery

Published in Cork Harbour

Dalkey Rowing Club will host a blessing of its new boat, ‘Bláth na Farraige’, on Saturday, 1 April, at 3 pm at The Club Pub in Dalkey Village, Co. Dublin.

The new wooden clinker hull for the coastal rowing club on Dublin Bay was built by W.C. Hunkin and Sons boat builders with support from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media through the Capital Sports programme.

Published in Coastal Rowing

Inver Colpa Coastal Rowing Club & SK Fitness hosted a 12 Hour Charity Skipathon and Bikeathon in Scotch Hall Shopping Centre in December to raise much-needed funds for the Boyne Fishermen's Rescue and Recovery Service.

The skippers and bikers who participated presented a cheque for €1,900 to the Drogheda-based rescue organisation.

The Boyne Fishermen's Rescue and Recovery Service comprises 30 volunteers on call 24 hours, 365 days a year. Volunteers are alerted through a VHF-based paging system.

Published in Coastal Rowing
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Inver Colpa Coastal Rowing Club attended this summer's Islandmagee Challenge.

The men’s senior team set off early morning to make the journey to Whitehead, Co. Antrim, located on the picturesque coastline between Belfast and Larne. The race course was originally set to start in Brownes Bay and follow the Islandmagee peninsula south to finish in the town of Whitehead. The wind was stronger than hoped for so the course was changed at the 11th hour on the grounds of health & safety, and the start and finish line were set for Whitehead itself. Despite the so called strong wind, conditions were excellent, with no rain and a relatively calm sea.

The men’s team was made up of Darragh Farrell, Andrew Cassidy, Andy Grennan and James McKevitt, with Glenda Murphy the Coxswain and the team's spiritual leader. There were thirteen boats in the race, split between two categories; traditional skiffs and all-Ireland one-design yawls. The Inver Colpa boat took off to a great start, with the four lads using their imposing strength to get out ahead of the other boats from the off. From that point on it was down to tactical coxing from Glenda and the fitness of the crew to hold the lead. Despite the surrounding beauty of the cliffs, birdlife and lighthouse, all focus was on winning the race. Having trained all summer, and following the disappointment of the Row around Rockabill Race the previous month, the four men put in a herculean effort to lead the race from start to finish. They left everything out there, Andy Grennan in particular. Inver Colpa clocked the fastest time in their category, but also the fastest time overall.

Whitehead is a beautiful town, a traditional holiday destination dating from Victorian times, with pretty seafront houses and a promenade. All involved in the event were invited back to the yacht club for food and drink. Although the team are all finely tuned athletes they relaxed and enjoyed all that the yacht club bar had to offer, well earned after the day’s endeavours. Following a minute’s silence to acknowledge Queen Elizabeth’s recent death, the winners medals were presented. Inver Colpa received the trophy, an engraved decanter. The trip home to Drogheda was long but the spirits were high.

The club look forward to returning to compete in the Islandmagee Challenge again next year and defend their title. All going to plan the club plans to enter two boats in 2023 with both men’s and women’s teams. Inver Colpa extend their sincere thanks to Whitehead Rowing Club for all their hospitality and a thoroughly enjoyable day.

Published in Coastal Rowing
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Royal Cork Yacht Club

Royal Cork Yacht Club lays claim to the title of the world's oldest yacht club, founded in 1720. 

It is currently located in Crosshaven, Co. Cork, Ireland and is Cork Harbour’s largest yacht club and the biggest sailing club on the south coast of Ireland.

The club has an international reputation for the staging of sailing events most notable the biennial world famous Cork Week Regatta.

In 2020 RCYC celebrated its tricentenary under its Admiral Colin Morehead.

Royal Cork Yacht Club FAQs

The Royal Cork Yacht Club is the oldest yacht club in the world, and celebrated its 300th anniversary in 2020. It is one of the World’s leading yacht clubs, and is in the forefront of all branches of sailing activity. It is the organiser of the biennial Cork Week, widely regarded as Europe’s premier sailing event. It has hosted many National, European and World Championships. Its members compete at the highest level in all branches of sailing, and the club has a number of World, Olympic, continental and national sailors among its membership.

The Royal Cork Yacht club is in Crosshaven, Co Cork, a village on lower Cork Harbour some 20km south-east of Cork city centre and on the Owenabue river that flows into Cork Harbour.

The club was founded as The Water Club of the Harbour of Cork in 1720, in recognition of the growing popularity of private sailing following the Restoration of King Charles II. The monarch had been known to sail a yacht on the Thames for pleasure, and his interest is said to have inspired Murrough O’Brien, the 6th Lord Inchiquin — who attended his court in the 1660s and whose grandson, William O’Brien, the 9th Lord Inchiquin, founded the club with five friends.Originally based on Haulbowline Island in inner Cork Harbour, the club moved to nearby Cobh (then Cove) in 1806, and took on its current name in 1831. In 1966 the club merged with the Royal Munster Yacht Club and moved to its current premises in Crosshaven.

The Royal Cork Yacht Club today encompasses a wide variety of sailing activities, from young kids in their Optimist dinghies sailing right through the winter months to the not-so-young kids racing National 18s and 1720s during the remaining nine months. There is also enthusiastic sailing in Toppers, Lasers, RS Fevas and other dinghies. The larger keelboats race on various courses set in and around the Cork Harbour area for club competitions. They also take part in events such as the Round Ireland Race, Cowes Week and the Fastnet Race. In many far off waters, right across the globe, overseas club members proudly sail under the Royal Cork burger. The club has a significant number of cruising members, many of whom are content to sail our magnificent south and west coasts. Others head north for the Scottish islands and Scandinavia. Some go south to France, Spain, Portugal and the Mediterranean. The more adventurous have crossed the Atlantic, explored little known places in the Pacific and Indian Oceans while others have circumnavigated the globe.

As of November 2020, the Admiral of the Royal Cork Yacht Club is Colin Morehead, with Kieran O’Connell as Vice-Admiral. The club has three Rear-Admirals: Annamarie Fegan for Dinghies, Daragh Connolly for Keelboats and Mark Rider for Cruising.

As of November 2020, the Royal Cork Yacht Club has approximately 1,800 members.

The Royal Cork Yacht Club’s burgee is a red pennant with the heraldic badge of Ireland (a stylised harp topped with a crown) at its centre. The club’s ensign has a navy blue field with the Irish tricolour in its top left corner and the heraldic badge centred on its right half.

Yes, the Royal Cork Yacht Club organises and runs sailing events and courses for members and visitors all throughout the year and has very active keelboat and dinghy racing fleets. The club also hosts many National, European and World Championships, as well as its biennial Cork Week regatta — widely regarded as Europe’s premier sailing event.

Yes, the Royal Cork Yacht Club has an active junior section with sailing in Optimists, Toppers and other dinghies.

Charles Yes, the Royal Cork Yacht Club regularly runs junior sailing courses covering basic skills, certified by Irish Sailing.

 

The Royal Cork hosts both keelboats and dinghies, with the 1720 Sportsboat — the club’s own design — and National 18 among its most popular. Optimists and Toppers are sailed by juniors, and the club regularly sees action in Lasers, RS Fevas, 29ers and other dinghy classes.

The Royal Cork Yacht Club has a small fleet of 1720 Sportsboats available for ordinary members to charter.

The Royal Cork Yacht Club’s Club House office can provide phone, fax, email, internet and mail holding facilities for a small charge. Club merchandise and postcards may be purchased. Showers and toilet facilities are available 24 hours a day, free of charge. Parking is plentiful and free of charge. Diesel and petrol are available on site. Marina berths are generally available for a fee payable in advance; arrangements must be made before arrival.

Yes, the Royal Cork Yacht Club’s Club House has all of the usual facilities, including bars and restaurant, which are open during normal licensing hours. The restaurant provides a full range of meals, and sandwiches, snacks etc, are available on request.

Normal working hours during the sailing season at the Royal Cork Yacht Club are 9am to 9pm daily. For enquiries contact the RCYC office on 021 483 1023 or email [email protected]

Yes, the Royal Cork Yacht Club caters for all types of events rom weddings, anniversaries, christenings and birthday celebrations to corporate meetings, breakfast meetings, luncheons, private dinners and more. For enquiries contact the Royal Cork Yacht Club office on 021 483 1023 or email [email protected]

New members are invited to apply for membership of the Royal Cork Yacht Club by completing the Nomination Form (available from www.royalcork.com/membership) and returning it to The Secretary, Royal Cork Yacht Club, Crosshaven Co Cork. Nominations are first approved by the Executive Committee at its next meeting, and following a period on display for the members, and are reviewed again at the following meeting at which any objections are considered.

No; while ordinary members of the Royal Cork Yacht Club are usually boat owners, there is no requirement to own a boat when submitting an application for membership.

The annual feel for ordinary members (aged 30+) of the Royal Cork Yacht Club is €645. Family membership (two full members and all children aged 29 and under) is €975, while individuals youth (ages 19-29) and cadet (18 and under) memberships are €205. Other rates are available for seniors, associates and more. All fees quoted are as of the 2020 annual subscription rates.

Memberships of the Royal Cork Yacht Club are renewed annually, usually within 60 days of the club’s Annual General Meeting.
For enquiries contact the Royal Cork Yacht Club office on 021 483 1023 or email [email protected]

©Afloat 2020