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Displaying items by tag: Dinghies

23rd February 2020

Adults Sail Dinghies Too

I learned my sailing crewing aboard a National 18 in Cork Harbour. That opportunity came through an adult sailing course because it was in my late 20s that I gained access to the sport.

Back then was not a time when getting into sailing was as easy as it is today. From crewing I bought a new Mirror dinghy and then a Vagabond, because it was the dominant dinghy fleet at the time in the club I joined - Monkstown Bay SC. At one stage there was a fleet of 30 of these 12ft. dinghies, which didn’t carry a spinnaker like the Mirror, but which was more attractive for me – because Vagabonds were raced by parents and their children. It was a great class. Fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, crewed for each other. The class had so many boats it qualified to have annual ‘national championships’ under then Irish Sailing Association regulations.

So adults sailed dinghies too!

But, gradually, ageing affected the Vagabond fleet, parents got older, younger and often better sailors took over in the natural evolution of things. The fleet continued to thrive until those youngsters moved on, getting jobs, moving away from the village and, gradually, the fleet died out.

Some of those young sailors went onto cruisers, others were lost to the sport, underlining a discussion which has followed my Podcast two weeks ago on the Irish Cruiser Racing Association’s Under 25 scheme, to encourage young sailors to get into cruisers as they come to an age when dinghies may no longer be their choice.

National 18 sailing Cork HarbourNational 18 dinghy sailing in Cork Harbour Photo: Bob Bateman

But, of course, there are adults who sail dinghies too. The National 18 fleet, where I learned to sail, is thriving in Cork Harbour. There are adults crews and fleets of Mermaids. Dublin Bay and Foynes are places I’ve reported about them. There are adult-crewed and active fleets of Wayfarers, Albacores, Lasers and others at various clubs and even, as has been pointed out to me, adults sailing Mirrors. Then there are other ‘open’ and ‘keel’ boats, the 1720s and 505s, Squibs and others, that are not cruisers, so there are other opportunities for young sailors to stay active in the sport.

"My underlying point is that adults sail dinghies too – so this is also an avenue for youngsters to remain in the sport …"

I was discussing this with Brian Raftery of ICRA whom I interviewed about the Under 25 cruiser racing programme to keep young people in sailing which he is leading. Listen to Brian Raftery here. He is a member of Sligo Yacht Club which has a very active GP fleet, a boat in which adults also sail in several clubs. “There are twenty GP14s in the dinghy park, 10-12 racing each week making up less than half of the club’s adult sailors. Nationally the GP is the biggest adult dinghy fleet in the country with about 40 boats at its National Championships every year,” he told me and added that the GP's have been successful in getting younger sailors into their fleet.

He said that he would “love to see someone take on the Under 25 area within dinghies.”

That is a good point. Why not?

As dinghy classes tend to operate somewhat in isolation in the sense of the various clubs where they are active, rather than the wider ambience of national cruiser organisation, it may be harder to develop a national/cross/class dinghy U25 approach.

My underlying point this week is that adults sail dinghies too – so this is also an avenue for youngsters to remain in the sport …

The important thing is to – KEEP ON SAILING.

• More on the Podcast below

Published in Tom MacSweeney
Tagged under

A new business launched by a well-known sailor on the Water Wags scene uses upcycled sails to create quirky travel washbags.

Prisca Bags is the brainchild of Amanda Chambers, who repurposes old fabric from many different sources into a variety of bags for multiple uses.

One of the latest additions to her range using dinghy and spinnaker sail fabric, turned into “squashable, washable” travel bags.

Making the perfect gift for a spring getaway to a loved one — or yourself! — Prisca Bags are now available from the Dun Laoghaire Pharmacy on Upper George’s Street and other local retailers.

Viking Marine is among those congratulating Amanda, known for sailing the Water Wag Freddie as well as Spirit in the White Sails class, on her new ‘green’ venture.

The chandlery at The Pavilion in Dun Laoghaire is also putting out a shout for old dinghy and spinnaker sails as Amanda is working on upcycled props for the store.

Contact Amanda on Facebook HERE.

Published in Viking Marine

Dublin Bay Sailing Club Results for 28 JUNE 2016

BENETEAU 31.7 - 1. Legally Blonde (C.Drohan/P.Egan)

CRUISERS 1 - 1. Jalapeno (P Barrington et al), 2. Powder Monkey (C Moore)

CRUISERS 3 Tuesday - 1. Pamafe (M Costello), 2. Isolde (B Mulqueen & J Martin), 3. Ventuno (R Fogarty)

FIREBALL Race 2- 1. Clandog Millionaire (C Clancy), 2. No Name (S Oram), 3. Goodness Gracious (Louise McKenna)

FIREBALL Race 1- 1. Incubus (C Power/M Barry), 2. Goodness Gracious (Louise McKenna), 3. No Name (S Oram)

GLEN - 1. Glendun (B.Denham et al), 2. Glenroan (T O'Sullivan), 3. Glenshane (P Hogan)

IDRA 14 FOOT Race 1- 1. Dunmoanin (Frank Hamilton), 2. Sapphire (Lorcan O'Sullivan), 3. Chaos (Pam McKay)

IDRA 14 FOOT Race 2- 1. Sapphire (Lorcan O'Sullivan), 2. Doody (J.Fitzgerald/J.Byrne), 3. Dunmoanin (Frank Hamilton)

Laser Race 1- 1. D Maloney (LDYC), 2. E Delap (DMYC), 3. John Marmelstein (RSGYC)

Laser Race 2- 1. D Maloney (LDYC), 2. E Delap (DMYC), 3. Gary O'Hare (RSGYC)

PY CLASS Race 1- 1. Richard Tate (), 2. Des Fortune (Finn)

RUFFIAN 23 - 1. Different Drummer (D Tonge), 2. Alias (D.Meeke/M.McCarthy), 3. Ruff Diamond (D.Byrne et al)

Published in DBSC

Dublin Bay Sailing Club Results for Tuesday, 21st June 2016 

CRUISERS 1 - 1. Powder Monkey (C Moore), 2. Something Else (J.Hall et al), 3. Jalapeno (P Barrington et al)

CRUISERS 2 - 1. Bendemeer (L Casey & D Power)

CRUISERS 3 Tuesday - 1. Ventuno (R Fogarty), 2. Wynward (W McCormack), 3. Pamafe (M Costello)

FIREBALL Race 1- 1. No Name (S Oram), 2. Blind Squirrel (Frank Miller), 3. Goodness Gracious (Louise McKenna)

FIREBALL Race 2- 1. No Name (S Oram), 2. Blind Squirrel (Frank Miller), 3. Goodness Gracious (Louise McKenna)

GLEN - 1. Glendun (B.Denham et al), 2. Glenshane (P Hogan), 3. Glenroan (T O'Sullivan)

IDRA 14 FOOT Race 1- 1. Dunmoanin (Frank Hamilton), 2. Doody (J.Fitzgerald/J.Byrne)

IDRA 14 FOOT Race 2- 1. Dunmoanin (Frank Hamilton), 2. Doody (J.Fitzgerald/J.Byrne)

Laser Race 1- 1. E Delap (DMYC), 2. P Cahill (RSGYC), 3. Paul Keane (RIYC)

Laser Race 2- 1. Sean Craig (RSGYC), 2. Gary O'Hare (RSGYC), 3. Theo Lyttle (RSGYC)

PY CLASS Race 1- 1. Richard Tate (), 2. S Gordienok (Laser Vago), 3. P Ter Host (Laser Vago)

PY CLASS Race 2- 1. Richard Tate (), 2. S Gordienok (Laser Vago), 3. P Ter Host (Laser Vago)

RUFFIAN 23 - 1. Alias (D.Meeke/M.McCarthy), 2. Ruff Diamond (D.Byrne et al), 3. Ruff N Ready (Brian Uniacke)

 

Published in DBSC

Dublin Bay Sailing Club Results for 14 JUNE 2016

CRUISERS 3 Tuesday - 1. Papytoo (M Walsh/F Guilfoyle)

FIREBALL - 1. Clandog Millionaire (C Clancy), 2. Blind Squirrel (Frank Miller), 3. Licence to Thrill (Louis Smyth)

IDRA 14 FOOT - 1. Slipstream (Julie Ascoop), 2. Sapphire (Lorcan O'Sullivan), 3. Doody (J.Fitzgerald/J.Byrne)

Laser - 1. E Delap (DMYC), 2. D Maloney (LDYC), 3. C O'Leary ()

MERMAID - 1. Jill (P Smith/P Mangan), 2. Aideen (B.Martin/D.Brennan)

PY CLASS - 1. Richard Tate (), 2. Des Fortune (Finn)

Published in DBSC

Dublin Bay Sailing Club (DBSC) Results for Tuesday, 7th June 2016

CRUISERS 2 - 1. Borraine (D Butler), 2. Bendemeer (L Casey & D Power)

CRUISERS 3 Tuesday - 1. Pamafe (M Costello), 2. Asterix (Boushel/Meredith/Counihan), 3. Maranda (M Kelly)

FIREBALL - 1. Blind Squirrel (Frank Miller), 2. No Name (S Oram), 3. Goodness Gracious (Louise McKenna)

FIREBALL - 1. Clandog Millionaire (C Clancy), 2. No Name (S Oram), 3. Blind Squirrel (Frank Miller)

GLEN - 1. Glendun (B.Denham et al), 2. Glenroan (T O'Sullivan)

IDRA 14 FOOT Race 2- 1. Dart (Pierre Long), 2. Sapphire (Lorcan O'Sullivan), 3. Doody (J.Fitzgerald/J.Byrne)

IDRA 14 FOOT - 1. Doody (J.Fitzgerald/J.Byrne), 2. Dart (Pierre Long), 3. Sapphire (Lorcan O'Sullivan)

Laser - 1. Gary O'Hare (RSGYC), 2. John Marmelstein (RSGYC), 3. Ross O'Leary ()

Laser Race 2- 1. Ross O'Leary (), 2. John Marmelstein (RSGYC), 3. Michael McCormack ()

MERMAID - 1. Jill (P Smith/P Mangan), 2. Aideen (B.Martin/D.Brennan)

MERMAID Race 2- 1. Jill (P Smith/P Mangan), 2. Aideen (B.Martin/D.Brennan)

RUFFIAN 23 - 1. Alias (D.Meeke/M.McCarthy), 2. Different Drummer (D Tonge)

Published in DBSC

Dublin Bay Sailing Club (DBSC) Results for Tuesday, 31st MAY 2016

CRUISERS 2 - 1. Bendemeer (L Casey & D Power)

CRUISERS 3 Tuesday - 1. Grasshopper II (K & J Glynn), 2. Maranda (M Kelly), 3. Papytoo (M Walsh/F Guilfoyle)

FIREBALL Race 2- 1. Clandog Millionaire (C Clancy), 2. No Name (S Oram), 3. Blind Squirrel (Frank Miller)

FIREBALL Race 1- 1. No Name (S Oram), 2. Clandog Millionaire (C Clancy), 3. Licence to Thrill (Louis Smyth)

GLEN - 1. Glenariff (Adrian Lee), 2. Glendun (B.Denham et al), 3. Glenshane (P Hogan)

IDRA 14 FOOT Race 1- 1. Dunmoanin (Frank Hamilton), 2. Doody (J.Fitzgerald/J.Byrne), 3. Sapphire (Lorcan O'Sullivan)

IDRA 14 FOOT Race 2- 1. Dunmoanin (Frank Hamilton), 2. Sapphire (Lorcan O'Sullivan), 3. Doody (J.Fitzgerald/J.Byrne)

Laser Race 1- 1. D O'Connell (NYC), 2. Paul Keane (RIYC), 3. Sean Craig (RSGYC)

Laser Race 2- 1. D O'Connell (NYC), 2. Ross O'Leary (), 3. P Cahill (RSGYC)

MERMAID Race 2- 1. Jill (P Smith/P Mangan), 2. Aideen (B.Martin/D.Brennan)

MERMAID Race 1- 1. Jill (P Smith/P Mangan), 2. Aideen (B.Martin/D.Brennan)

PY CLASS Race 1- 1. Hugh Sheehy (OK Dinghy), 2. Richard Tate (), 3. S Gordienok (Laser Vago)

PY CLASS Race 2- 1. Richard Tate (), 2. Hugh Sheehy (OK Dinghy), 3. P Ter Host (Laser Vago)

RUFFIAN 23 - 1. Alias (D.Meeke/M.McCarthy), 2. Ruff Diamond (D.Byrne et al), 3. Different Drummer (D Tonge)

Published in DBSC

Dublin Bay Sailing Club (DBSC) Results for Tuesday, 24th MAY 2016

CRUISERS 3 Tuesday - 1. Wynward (W McCormack), 2. Capilano (S Soran), 3. Jiminy Cricket (M Tyndall)

FIREBALL - 1. No Name (S Oram), 2. Goodness Gracious (Louise McKenna), 3. Clandog Millionaire (C Clancy)

IDRA 14 FOOT - 1. Slipstream (Julie Ascoop), 2. Dart (Pierre Long), 3. Doody (J.Fitzgerald/J.Byrne)

Laser - 1. Paul Keane (RIYC), 2. E Delap (DMYC), 3. D Maloney (RSGYC)

PY CLASS - 1. Hugh Sheehy (OK Dinghy), 2. Tom Murphy (K1), 3. S Gordienok (Laser Vago)

RUFFIAN 23 - 1. Different Drummer (D Tonge), 2. Ruff Diamond (D.Byrne et al), 3. Ruff Justice (B Dobson)

Published in DBSC

Dublin Bay Sailing Club (DBSC) Results for Tuesday, 17 MAY 2016

BENETEAU 31.7 - 1. Legally Blonde (C.Drohan/P.Egan), 2. Kernach (Eoin O'Driscoll)

CRUISERS 3 Tuesday - 1. Pamafe (M Costello), 2. Jiminy Cricket (M Tyndall), 3. Maranda (M Kelly)

FIREBALL Race 2- 1. Clandog Millionaire (C Clancy), 2. No Name (S Oram), 3. Blind Squirrel (Frank Miller)

FIREBALL Race 1- 1. Clandog Millionaire (C Clancy), 2. Blind Squirrel (Frank Miller), 3. No Name (S Oram)

GLEN - 1. Glendun (B.Denham et al), 2. Glenariff (Adrian Lee), 3. Glencoe (Rose Mary Craig et al)

IDRA 14 FOOT Race 1- 1. Dart (Pierre Long), 2. Dunmoanin (Frank Hamilton), 3. Diane (B Murphy)

IDRA 14 FOOT Race 1- 1. Dunmoanin (Frank Hamilton), 2. Dart (Pierre Long), 3. Diane (B Murphy)

Laser Race 2- 1. Paul Keane (RIYC), 2. E Delap (DMYC), 3. P Cahill (RSGYC)

Laser Race 1- 1. Paul Keane (RIYC), 2. E Delap (DMYC), 3. P Cahill (RSGYC)

RUFFIAN 23 - 1. Different Drummer (D Tonge), 2. Alias (D.Meeke/M.McCarthy), 3. Ruff N Ready (Brian Uniacke)

Published in DBSC

#dbsc – At five minutes past one, the INSS Sailors competing in the DMYC Frostbites as part of the INSS Race Training Programme, were rigging their boats on the Coal Harbour Slipway, raring to go in a big breeze writes Kenneth Rumball. However it was not to be, the DMYC Frostbites race committee took the understandable decision that strong winds and swell from the Northerly wind in the harbour made attempting racing too difficult.

The trainees were disappointed, according to our race coach Alexander Rumball who was accompanying them in his RS400. So it was decided, Magnos and Laser IIs were put away in favour of Laser Picos with reefed sails. One of the Irish National Sailing Club members launched his Laser, accompanied by an INSS instructor in a school radial. With Alexander's RS400 included, there were the makings of a fleet large enough to get some racing done.

A triangle was set with the weather mark near the top of the West Pier, which according to the sailor's reports was a challenge to get around cleanly in the swell. On the start line we were joined by three more RS400's, a couple of Lasers and a Solo dinghy. The INSS support RIB acted as committee boat and two races were held. Unfortunately we aren't able to publish results as the Race Officer for the day doubled as safety boat driver and was called on to give a hand to a Laser which had dropped its rig during a capsize. While the rig was successfully put back up, the safety boat didn't quite make it back to be a committee boat in time to record the finishers.

No one seemed to mind though, everyone was just glad to be out on the water and enjoying the challenge the conditions posed. Our racing programme trainees were delighted with the chance to practice in stronger winds, and we were equally as happy to be able to provide the course, flags and a few horns so that the Dun Laoghaire dinghy sailors who braved the weather could join in too.

Published in Dublin Bay
Tagged under
Page 1 of 3

Royal Irish Yacht Club - Frequently Asked Questions

The Royal Irish Yacht Club is situated in a central location in Dun Laoghaire Harbour with excellent access and visiting sailors can be sure of a special welcome. The clubhouse is located in the prime middle ground of the harbour in front of the town marina and it is Dun Laoghaire's oldest yacht club. 

What's a brief history of the Royal Irish Yacht Club?

The yacht club was founded in 1831, with the Marquess of Anglesey, who commanded the cavalry at the Battle of Waterloo being its first Commodore. 

John Skipton Mulvany designed the clubhouse, which still retains a number of original architectural features since being opened in 1851.

It was granted an ensign by the Admiralty of a white ensign with the Coat of Arms of the Kingdom of Ireland beneath the Union Jack in canton.

Many prominent names feature among the past members of the Club. The first Duke of Wellington was elected in 1833, followed by other illustrious men including the eccentric Admiral Sir Charles Napier, Sir Dominic Corrigan the distinguished physician, Sir Thomas Lipton, novelist, George A. Birmingham, yachtsman and author, Conor O'Brien, and famous naval historian and author, Patrick O Brian. 

In the club's constitution, it was unique among yacht clubs in that it required yacht owners to provide the club's commodore with information about the coast and any deep-sea fisheries they encountered on all of their voyages.

In 1846, the club was granted permission to use the Royal prefix by Queen Victoria. The club built a new clubhouse in 1851. Despite the Republic of Ireland breaking away from the United Kingdom, the Royal Irish Yacht Club elected to retain its Royal title.

In 1848, a yachting trophy called "Her Majesty's Plate" was established by Queen Victoria to be contested at Kingstown where the Royal Irish Yacht Club is based. The Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland at the time, George Villiers, 4th Earl of Clarendon suggested it should be contested by the Royal Irish Yacht Club and the Royal St. George Yacht Club in an annual regatta, a suggestion that was approved by both clubs with the Royal St. George hosting the first competitive regatta.

The RIYC celebrated its 185th Anniversary in 2016 with the staging of several special events in addition to being well represented afloat, both nationally and internationally. It was the year the club was also awarded Irish Yacht Club of the Year as Afloat's W M Nixon details here.

The building is now a listed structure and retains to this day all its original architectural features combined with state of the art facilities for sailors both ashore and afloat.

What is the Royal Irish Yacht Club's emblem?

The Club's emblem shows a harp with the figure of Nice, the Greek winged goddess of victory, surmounted by a crown. This emblem has remained unchanged since the foundation of the Club; a symbol of continuity and respect for the history and tradition of the Royal Irish Yacht Club.

What is the Royal Irish Yacht Club's ensign?

The RIYC's original white ensign was granted by Royal Warrant in 1831. Though the Royal Irish Yacht Club later changed the ensign to remove the St George's Cross and replace the Union Jack with the tricolour of the Republic of Ireland, the original ensign may still be used by British members of the Royal Irish Yacht Club

Who is the Commodore of the Royal Irish Yacht Club?

The current Commodore is Jerry Dowling, and the Vice-Commodore is Tim Carpenter.

The RIYC Flag Officers are: 

What reciprocal club arrangements does the Royal Irish Yacht Club have?  

As one of Ireland's leading club's, the Royal Irish Yacht Club has significant reciprocal arrangements with yacht clubs across Ireland and the UK, Europe, USA and Canada and the rest of the World. If you are visiting from another Club, please have with a letter of introduction from your Club or introduce yourself to the Club Secretary or to a member of management staff, who will show you the Club's facilities.

What car parking does the Royal Irish Yacht Club have at its Dun Laoghaire clubhouse?

The RIYC has car parking outside of its clubhouse for the use of its members. Paid public car parking is available next door to the club at the marina car park. There is also paid parking on offer within the harbour area at the Coatl Harbour (a 5-minute walk) and at an underground car park adjacent to the Royal St. George Yacht Club (a 3-minute walk). Look for parking signs. Clamping is in operation in the harbour area.

What facilities does the Royal Irish Yacht Clubhouse offer? 

The Royal Irish Yacht Club offers a relaxed, warm and welcoming atmosphere in one of the best situated and appointed clubhouses in these islands. Its prestige in yachting circles is high and its annual regatta remains one of the most attractive events in the sailing calendar. It offers both casual and formal dining with an extensive wine list and full bar facilities. The Club caters for parties, informal events, educational seminars, themed dinners and all occasions. The RIYC has a number of venues within the Club each of which provides a different ambience to match particular needs.

What are the Royal Irish Yacht Club's Boathouse facilities?

The RIYC boathouse team run the launch service to the club's swinging moorings, provide lifting for dry-sailed boats, lift and scrub boats, as well as maintaining the fabric of the deck, pontoon infrastructure, and swinging moorings. They also maintain the club crane, the only such mobile crane of the Dun Laoghaire Yacht Clubs.

What facilities are offered for junior sailing at the Royal Irish Yacht Club?

One of the missions of the Royal Irish Yacht Club is to promote sailing as a passion for life by encouraging children and young adults to learn how to sail through its summer courses and class-specific training throughout the year. 

RIYC has an active junior section. Its summer sailing courses are very popular and the club regularly has over 50 children attending courses in any week. The aim is for those children to develop lifelong friendships through sailing with other children in the club, and across the other clubs in the bay.
 
Many RIYC children go on to compete for the club at regional and national championships and some have gone on to represent Ireland at international competitions and the Olympic Regatta itself.
 
In supporting its young sailors and the wider sailing community, the RIYC regularly hosts junior sailing events including national and regional championships in classes such as the Optmist, Feva and 29er.
 
Competition is not everything though and as the club website states:  "Many of our junior sailors have gone on the become sailing instructors and enjoy teaching both in Ireland and abroad.  Ultimately, we take most pleasure from the number of junior sailors who become adult sailors and enjoy a lifetime of sailing with the club". 

At A Glance – Royal Irish Yacht Regatta 2023 Dates

  • RS Feva East Coast Championships - 6th May to 7th May 2023
  • Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta - 6th-9th July 2023
  • Cape 31 Irish National Championships
  • RIYC Junior Regatta
  • J Cup Ireland 2023 - August 26th/27th 2023
  • Annual Pursuit Race

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