Newsletter: September 2013
Newsletter – September 30th 2013
Hello Members,
It’s June since the last newsletter, time filled sailing in the loveliest of weather. We have run two weeks of Junior sailing camps – much enjoyed by all the youngsters , and their sailing skills (and swimming skills! –deliberate most of the time) improved mightily. Thanks to our instructors Graham, Fionn, Deirdre and Aoibheann, and to Paraic and all the parents for their support.
We were represented in the Cong – Galway race by John Hendley’s Topper Sport, John McCole in his new Topaz Magno, Jakub in a Topaz, Micael O’Fatharta in his 420, Fergal Diviney lent his Dart to our Commodore Johnny Murphy, and Fionn was in a club Topaz. At least 6 youngsters were involved crewing the various dinghies.
Jakub crewed for Yannick of West Sails in the International Moth championships in Dun Laoghaire and they won – well done!
In the meantime Thursday evenings proved very popular and Saturday afternoons also with 11 dinghies out regularly. Thanks to all who manned the safety boats and continue to do so.
The junior sessions on Saturday afternoons with Fionn have been a great success continuing the development of the Junior’s skills – a force 5 is now just great fun!
Saturday afternoon sailing continues into the winter and last Saturday saw our first dinghy cruise – with the easterly winds Renville was the destination and four boats made the voyage. James Rattigan provided the safety boat cover and a pleasant sail was had by all.
The Topaz dinghies have proved very popular being easy to rig and launch. They have suffered some mishaps – torn sails and mast failures which have been costly to repair.
The club has entered two teams in the ISA powerboat challenge to take place in Galway on Sat Oct 19th. We are hosting the event – our first time as hosts to any event. More news on that later.
All in all a successful summer season. Ideas for the autumn and winter besides Sat sailing as usual, include schools team racing, adult courses, and fund raising – we still haven’t any boats suitable for the younger children – suggestions welcome.
Nancy Roe – Secretary/PR
