<rss version="2.0" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:trackback="http://madskills.com/public/xml/rss/module/trackback/">
<channel>
<title>Copyburo</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News</link>
<description>RSS feed</description>
<ttl>60</ttl>
<item>
<title>Senior Instructor Assimilation / Revalidation</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7999/senior-instructor-assimilation-revalidation</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/573/senior_instructor_training_reval__2_.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<p><strong>Senior Instructor Assimilation / Re-Validation Programme 2023</strong></p>
<p>Were you previously qualified as a Senior Instructor, Grade A Instructor or hold Senior Instructor Qualifications from another sailing National Governing Body which you would like validate for Irish Sailing then read on about the Senior Instructor Assimilation / Re-Validation Programme * ...</p>
<p style="margin-left:40px">The aim of this programme is to increase the availability of Senior Instructors during peak Club junior programme season by allowing those who had previously held a Grade A or SI qualification and with experience in that role, but whose qualifications had lapsed and not been active in that role for some time, to revalidate the qualification.</p>
<p style="margin-left:40px">It is important that participants in this programme have an appreciation for the role of the Senior Instructor in an Irish Sailing Training Centre as well as a familiarity with the ethos of Irish Sailing training programmes and the instructor training process. This is to ensure that there is a consistency of approach across Irish Sailing schemes in Irish Sailing Training Centres.</p>
<p style="margin-left:40px">To ensure that candidates for the assimilation programme have the appropriate blend of sailing, organisational, training and interpersonal skills to be able to undertake the above rolls the following criteria for applicants will be applied. Candidates who do not meet these criteria may instead be eligible for the normal 5 day Irish Sailing Senior Instructor training course, which remains the primary means of achieving Senior Instructor certification.<br />
<br />
In order to apply you must meet the following criteria</p>
<ul style="margin-left:40px">
<li>Former ISA / IYA Grade A instructor</li>
<li>Irish Sailing Senior Instructor qualification lapsed greater than 3 yrs</li>
<li>Senior Instructor qualification from other nation sailing NGB (RYA, FFV etc)</li>
<li>Age 25+ with reference from Club Officer, Training Centre Principal or other senior sail training person</li>
</ul>
<p>The following Pre-requisites are also required</p>
<ul style="margin-left:40px">
<li>Safetyboat Certificate</li>
<li>Valid Emergency Care Certificate</li>
<li>Valid Safeguarding 1 Certificate</li>
<li>Current Irish Sailing Garda Vetting</li>
</ul>
<p>The training course will take place over 2 days on the weekend of May 27<sup>th</sup> & 28<sup>th</sup> at a venue to be confirmed once participants are identified. Cost €125</p>
<p>In order to register your interest please <strong><a href="https://forms.office.com/e/e7tm0bFC88" target="_blank">complete the form at the link here</a></strong> closing date for applications May 5<sup>th</sup></p>
<p>For any further information email <a href="mailto:dave@sailing.ie">dave@sailing.ie</a></p>
<p>*This course requires a minimum of 8 participants to go ahead</p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 21 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7999/senior-instructor-assimilation-revalidation</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Finn Lynch cleared to compete at French Olympic Week</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7998/finn-lynch-cleared-to-compete-at-french-olympic-week</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Finn_Lynch_at_Gym.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<p><strong>Finn Lynch cleared to compete at French Olympic Week</strong></p>
<p>Ahead of the forthcoming French Olympic Week (24-29th April 2023, Hyerés) the world number two ranked ILCA 7 sailor Finn Lynch (National Yacht Club) has been passed fit to compete in the World Cup of sailing event.</p>
<p>The Carlow native has been hampered by a recurring wrist injury but has been undergoing treatment since his last event at Palma, Mallorca last month.</p>
<p>With just over three months remaining until the World Sailing Championships at The Hague (Netherlands) where the first nation places will be decided for Paris 2024, Lynch will be aiming to regain his consistent form.</p>
<p>He has previously achieved Silver at World Championship level which is the highest ever Irish result at this level.</p>
<p>However, at the two major regattas of the season so far, by his own admission Lynch has not hit his potential. Although a 10th place at the European championships is certainly credible it does not meet his stated medal ambitions.</p>
<p>Also in action will be the two senior squad 49er skiff teams which are at different ends of their campaign preparations. Howth's Robert Dickson has also had medical concerns with a viral infection laying him low over the past week.</p>
<p>However, along with his crew-mate Seán Waddilove (Skerries Sailing Club) the pair worked hard in Palma just two weeks ago and are now cleared for next week's event in Hyerés where they will be keen to repeat their best days of the last regatta.</p>
<p>Séafra Guilfoyle and Johnny Durcan (Royal Cork Yacht Club) made significant gains over the winter training season and will be looking to deliver consistency and a strong Gold fleet finish to the regatta.</p>
<p>"Both Finn and Robs' medical issues have definitely curtailed activity during the preparation period," said James O'Callaghan, Performance Director with Irish Sailing. "However, the main thing is that they’ve been cleared to race."</p>
<p>Of the other regular Senior Squad sailors, Eve McMahon will miss the series in Hyerés due to exam commitments at home but will return to competition later in the summer. Her brother Ewan has opted not to compete in this regatta.</p>
<p>We'll be posting daily on the regatta here, and you can find more info here: <a href="https://sof.ffvoile.fr/" target="_blank">https://sof.ffvoile.fr/</a></p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 20 Apr 2023 02:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7998/finn-lynch-cleared-to-compete-at-french-olympic-week</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Bray Sporting Pride</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7996/bray-sporting-pride</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Web_News_Temp_WHITE_LOGO__1_-1.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2><strong>Bray Sporting Pride Sailing Course</strong></h2>
<p>Bray Sailing Club finished its Sporting Pride “Get out Sailing” course on Saturday the 15th of April. The course provided the opportunity for our new sailors from the LGBT community to master the basics while learning about the essentials of clothing, ropework, rigging, weather, steering, and sail setting. We had fantastic weather conditions for our sailing sessions. Out on the water, our sailors were greeted with sunshine and a gentle breeze as they put their new skills to practice while sailing along Bray beach. A try sailing course isn’t complete without a capsize! Our sailors enjoyed a dip in the sea while figuring out the best strategy to right a capsized boat. Bray Sailing Club very much looks forward to running more inclusive sessions similar to this in the future. </p>
<p>If you would like to find out more about Bray Sailing Club go to <a href="https://braysailingclub.ie/" target="_blank">https://braysailingclub.ie/</a> </p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 20 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7996/bray-sporting-pride</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Irish Win the British Team Racing Varsities</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7993/irish-win-the-british-team-racing-varsities</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/1-10.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2>Irish Win at the British Universities Team Racing Varsities.</h2>
<p><strong>University College Dublin</strong> has made history by winning the <strong>British Intervarsities Team Racing Championship,</strong> the first Irish team to do so since <strong>1970</strong>. This coupled with the team's recent triumph off being the first Irish team to claim victory in the renowned <strong>Oxford Top Gun Invitational Regatta.</strong></p>
<p>As is custom the leading<strong> </strong>Irish University Team is invited to compete at the BUSA Finals. This event took place at Graftam Waters from the <strong>12-14th of April</strong> and was hosted by <strong>Cambridge University</strong>. Having won most of their events throughout the college year and with their recent win at the <strong>Oxford Top Gun Invitational</strong>, the UCD first’s were this year’s team sent off to take on the challenge.</p>
<p>The event started with<strong> Swiss league</strong><em> (a rank adjusted round robin) </em>qualifiers on the first two days. UCD won 12 from 14 of their races, qualifying them in 2nd place for the finals. This was a huge improvement for the team having narrowly missed quarter finals the previous year.</p>
<p>The final day of competition brought conditions of 20+ knots, so reefed sails were required. Sailing was kept close to land where the wind varied from 10-25 knots making for tricky sailing, having to flick from team racing to fleet racing. But this didn’t stop UCD as they progressed through to the finals beating Bristol and Southampton in quarter and semi-finals.</p>
<p>They now faced their host club Cambridge University, on home waters in a <em>“first to three wins”</em> final, this match up being a repeat of the Top Gun final. Their third race saw Cambridge go 2-1 up as UCD struggled with Penalties, OCS's and a Capsize. But, through their strength as a team UCD were able to win the next two races back-to-back, despite the incredibly difficult conditions, to become the first Irish team to win BUSA since<strong> Trinity in 1970.</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-left:40px">Team Member Liam Glynn says that <em>“all our practice really paid off, knowing precisely our roles despite best efforts from a brilliant Cambridge team. It is an amazing feeling to come home with this win”</em></p>
<p>Massive congrats to all of the team - <strong>Liam Glynn, Triona Hinkson, Jack Fahy </strong>(Capt)<strong>, Kathy Kelly, Tom Higgins and Cian Lynch.</strong></p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Wed, 19 Apr 2023 02:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7993/irish-win-the-british-team-racing-varsities</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Race Officials Training</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7994/race-officials-training</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/573/Race_Official_Training.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<p><strong>Race Officials Training Weekend is coming soon to Malahide</strong></p>
<p>A weekend of courses and a chance to network. The following courses are scheduled ...</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Race Officer</strong> – 1 DAY COURSE - AVAILABILITY BOTH DAYS</li>
<li><strong>Mark Layer </strong>– 1 DAY COURSE - AVAILABILITY BOTH DAYS</li>
<li><strong>Safety Leader</strong> – 1 DAY COURSE - AVAILABILITY BOTH DAYS</li>
<li><strong>Protest Committee</strong> – ½ DAY COURSE - AVAILABILITY BOTH DAYS</li>
<li><strong>Results Manager </strong>– ½ DAY COURSE - AVAILABILITY BOTH DAYS</li>
</ul>
<p>Malahide – 13<sup>th</sup> and 14<sup>th</sup> of May 2023 - 10.00 to 17.00 hours</p>
<p>€35 for one day or €60 for both days (these costs include a light lunch)</p>
<p><strong>To book your place - </strong> <strong><a href="https://forms.office.com/r/qJV2UJ4fsb">CLICK HERE</a></strong><br />
<br />
These courses are for anyone with an interest in the wonderful world of event management. You have the choice of choosing to develop your skills in 5 different disciplines: Race Officer, Mark Layer, Safety Leader, Protest Committee and Results Manager.</p>
<p>For more information on any of these disciplines, go here: <a href="https://www.sailing.ie/Racing/Race-Officials%C2%A0" target="_blank">www.sailing.ie/Racing/Race-Officials </a><br />
<br />
Minimum age 16yrs.<br />
Bring along note taking materials and wet gear if you are attending the mark laying course.<br />
</p>
<p><strong>Please note:</strong><br />
1. Attendees to the Local Mark Laying course will be required to prove they have a valid National Powerboat Certificate or equivalent in advance of the course.<br />
2. Your booking is not completed until we have received your booking payment.<br />
3. Due to restrictions in boat capacity and course deliverers, there is a maximum number of 10 attendees to each day of the Local Mark Laying Course. This course is partly delivered afloat. All other courses are delivered ashore.<br />
All bookings to be made directly through Irish Sailing</p>
<p>Hear from some of the Race Officials share their thoughts of being a Race Official.</p>
<p style="text-align:center"><strong>📺</strong><strong> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdH2TgT3ioCbQJIbXJH2CR_hERxebUhJv" target="_blank">HOW TO JOIN RACE MANAGEMENT VIDEO SERIES HERE</a> </strong><strong>📹</strong></p>
<p style="text-align:center">Thanks to ...</p>
<p style="text-align:center">Mairead Ni Cheallachain / RACE OFFICER</p>
<p style="text-align:center">Dara Totterdell / RESULTS MANAGER</p>
<p style="text-align:center">Medb Glackin / PROTEST COMMITTEE MEMBER</p>
<p style="text-align:center">Scorie Walls / NATIONAL RACE OFFICER & NATIONAL JUDGE</p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Wed, 19 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7994/race-officials-training</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>World Sailing Women's Training Clinics</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7992/world-sailing-women-s-training-clinics</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/women_coaching.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<p><strong>World Sailing opens registrations for women's coaching, officiating and instructor clinics</strong></p>
<p>World Sailing is inviting Member National Authorities (MNAs), Events, Class Associations and Sailing Clubs to register for training courses designed to broaden the skills of women in sailing as part of this year’s Steering the Course global women’s sailing festival.<br />
<br />
Courses and clinics will be funded by World Sailing and available to Member National Authorities (MNAs), Events, Class Associations and Sailing Clubs.<br />
<br />
The coaching pathway supports participants to take the first steps towards becoming an instructor or build on existing experience to be a sailing coach. Each course will teach how to safely prepare boats and equipment, develop sailing skills, tactics and strategy, while also helping to set performance goals and training plans for sailors at all levels.<br />
<br />
The Race Official Clinics are intended to introduce the different disciplines to countries where there is no formal Race Officiating Certification and provides a ground level for improving their Race Management and Judging.<br />
<br />
<strong>Available Courses - Race Officiating</strong></p>
<ul style="margin-left:40px">
<li><strong>Race Management Clinic</strong> - Candidates should have some experience of Race Management. The clinics are based on the World Sailing Race Management Manual and the Racing Rules of Sailing. Courses must be a minimum of two days.</li>
<li><strong>Judging Clinic</strong> - Candidates should have some experience of Judging. Clinics are based on the World Sailing International Judging Manual and a knowledge of the Racing Rules of Sailing is required. Courses must be a minimum of two days.</li>
<li><strong>Introductory Workshop</strong> - This workshop would cover an overview of all types of officiating at a very introductory level, giving participants with no experience in officiating the chance to learn more about the pathway.</li>
</ul>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><br />
<strong>Registration of interest for the Race Officials clinics, can be completed <a href="https://forms.gle/h1ULZ6qhEknZwWgh8">HERE.</a> <br />
The deadline for applications is 7 May 2023.</strong> </p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 18 Apr 2023 03:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7992/world-sailing-women-s-training-clinics</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Promoting Your Events</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7991/promoting-your-events</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/communicaations.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<p><strong>Tasked with “PR”-ing your sailing event but not sure where to start ?</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Picture this ...</strong> </p>
<p style="margin-left:40px">... you’ve been asked to be in charge of “communications” for your club or class event this season. You’ve been given the passwords to the Facebook page, but now it’s up to you to get everyone excited about the event - <strong>what do you do ?</strong></p>
<p>Following various requests, Irish Sailing is putting on a communications workshop to help clubs and classes promote their events.</p>
<p>What’s the best way of promoting your event through social media ? How do you attract “traditional” media to cover your event ? And how to write a press release.</p>
<p>Join us on Tuesday 2<sup>nd</sup> of May at 1800hrs. To book your place: <strong><a href="https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/irish-sailing-communications-workshop-for-classes-and-events-tickets-615657386817" target="_blank">HERE</a></strong></p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 18 Apr 2023 02:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7991/promoting-your-events</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Orcas - attacking or playing</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7988/orcas-attacking-or-playing</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/573/orcas_and_boats.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h1><strong>These Orcas Eat Tuna</strong></h1>
<p>The fascination and concern over the Orca behaviour on the coast Atlantic coast of France, Spain and Portugal creates some heated debates amongst cruising and racing sailors – are they attacking or are they playing?</p>
<figure class="easyimage easyimage-side"><img alt="" sizes="100vw" src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/573/image-1.jpeg" srcset="" width="742" />
<figcaption>Mónica González of CEMMA</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Delegates at our recent Irish Sailing Cruising Conference in Royal Cork Yacht Club were keen to hear what our keynote speaker, Monica Gonzalez had to say on the subject.</p>
<p>Mónica González of CEMMA (Coordinator for the Study of Marine Mammals) joined us in person from Spain.</p>
<p>Combine data with an understanding of a mammal's social behaviour and you have some fair hypothesise. …</p>
<h3>LET'S START WITH A FEW FACTS</h3>
<p><strong>Encounters … </strong>From 2020 to 2022 there were 639 <u>encounters</u> with orcas recorded on the Iberian coasts from the Bay of Biscay to the Strait of Gibraltar – 456 interactions + 183 sightings.</p>
<p><strong>Damage … </strong>19% of the interactions caused <strong>severe</strong> damage and the vessels required towing back to shore.</p>
<p><strong>Vessel … </strong>80.3% were monohull yachts with an average length of 12.5m.</p>
<p>The stats we have are reliant on sailors sending in the date of sightings and interactions so they can compile a complete picture. GT Orca Atlántica collaborate with the Cruising Association for collating data from their membership and contacts, as well as from other cruising networks. <a href="http://www.theca.org.uk/orcas">www.theca.org.uk/orcas</a></p>
<p>GT Orca Atlanta are even looking at hull colour! Blue is popular among Orcas!! Every piece of data helps them create a picture and an understanding of the behaviour.</p>
<p>Based on the stats that only 20% of boats have AIS, we can extrapolate that there is a 0.19% chance of a severe incident when navigating from the Bay of Biscay to the Strait of Gibraltar.</p>
<p><strong>Pods … </strong>The larger the pod the longer the duration of interactions, until it reaches 7 plus and they spend less time with the vessel.</p>
<p><strong>Protocol </strong></p>
<ol>
<li>The recommended protocol is to remain calm, quiet and reduce the movement of the boat and of your crew on deck.</li>
<li>A recent suggestion is to go in slow reverse if safe to do so.</li>
<li>Contact the authorities, take photographic evidence.</li>
<li>Report the encounter (sighing or interaction) with the <a href="https://www.theca.org.uk/orcas/interaction-report-form" target="_blank">Cruising Association HERE</a>.</li>
</ol>
<p style="margin-left:40px">Full protocol can be seen on the <a href="https://www.theca.org.uk/orcas#safety-protocol" target="_blank">Cruising Association Orca Safety Protocol page HERE</a>.</p>
<p>NB: 63% of boats that do not follow protocol have experienced interactions.</p>
<p><strong>Behaviour</strong></p>
<p>As the Orcas arrive at your vessel you may notice the following …</p>
<ul>
<li>Appear silently at the boat's stern</li>
<li>Observing the rudder and vessel</li>
<li>Loud airways</li>
<li>Explosive bubbles – these may sound aggressive but they are not intended to be</li>
<li>Tail blows on the surface</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Interaction</strong></p>
<p>They nudge the boat, change her direction even, blow bubbles to the surface and if the rudder breaks off then the fun is over and they leave.</p>
<figure class="easyimage easyimage-side"><img alt="" sizes="100vw" src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Orca_Interactions__1_.gif" srcset="" width="1280" />
<figcaption></figcaption>
</figure>
<h3><strong>THE BIG QUESTION – Why do they do it?</strong></h3>
<p style="margin-left:24px"><strong>Hypothesis 1</strong> – Amongst young whales it could be curiosity, play, dexterity, memory, communication</p>
<ul style="margin-left:40px">
<li>Think of a dog chasing a bicycle wheel.</li>
</ul>
<p style="margin-left:24px"><strong>Hypothesis 2</strong> – Amongst adult whales it could be anguish, trauma, memory, prevention, communication</p>
<p><strong>Consider the whales usual behaviour –</strong></p>
<ol>
<li>they touch everything,</li>
<li>socialise,</li>
<li>they are curious,</li>
<li>have an incredible memory,</li>
<li>are skilful,</li>
<li>they love to put on an exhibition,</li>
<li>enjoy a chase.</li>
</ol>
<p>Consider the repetition of the above 7 actions combined by 15 individual Orcas repeating those actions.</p>
<p style="text-align:center">...</p>
<p style="text-align:center"><strong>Remember - Orcas on this coastline eat TUNA – they are not hunting humans! </strong></p>
<p style="text-align:center"><strong>That doesn’t make it less scary or dangerous when you sail south, but it might help to give some peace of mind.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align:center">...</p>
<p>All statistics are thanks to Monica Gonzalez and the team at <a href="https://www.orcaiberica.org/" target="_blank"><strong>Grupo Trabajo Orca Atlantica (GTOA)</strong></a> and <a href="http://www.cemma.org/principal_eng.htm" target="_blank">CEMMA</a>.</p>
<p style="margin-left:40px">Mónica is currently working on a scientific study on the interaction of the orca population ( Orcinus orca ) in the Strait of Gibraltar with vessels.</p>
<p style="margin-left:40px">Mónica González Fernández is a Marine biologist by the university of Coruña, Vigo and Santiago. Biologist of CEMMA (Coordinator for the study of marine mammals), a biometrics specialist and works in the stranding network.</p>
<p style="margin-left:40px">She is the coordinator of the “Friendship Orcas Project”. Manages the website, interviews with people whom have experienced orca interaction, collates information, photos, videos, data and analysis the information.</p>
<p> </p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Mon, 17 Apr 2023 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7988/orcas-attacking-or-playing</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Demystifying Ratings and Handicaps</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7987/demystifying-ratings-and-handicaps</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/573/demistifying_handicapping.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h3><strong>Demystifying Ratings and Handicaps for your yacht</strong></h3>
<p>By Dara Totterdell</p>
<p>Anyone who takes part in any level of yacht racing would find the concept of racing two different boats together without affecting some sort of equalising system both unfair and invalid. Rating and handicapping our boats so they can race together has been employed for as long as yacht racing itself. However, we have come a long way since simpler times and, to my mind, ratings and handicaps might just be the one last cause of confusion in a world where most things are explained by a quick trip to Dr Google!</p>
<p><strong>Hull speed</strong></p>
<p>For a displacement hull, the most important principal is that maximum speed is limited by waterline length. The waves created at both the bow and stern affect the ‘hull speed’ and this is demonstrably lower for shorter boats than longer boats. Other things affect the ‘hull speed’ too, such as the surface area of the hull, rudder & keel; the weight (or displacement) of the yacht and the sail area. A rating system is based on finding ways to measure & represent these variables numerically. A modern rating system will combine the variables mathematically depending on different designs, and the subsequent rating will be represented as a ‘Time Correction Coefficient’( TCC). In most systems it will be a number slightly more or less than 1. In a race which is scored with this system, the boat’s TCC is multiplied by the elapsed time, and thus the corrected time is calculated.</p>
<p>Handicapping systems take this to the next level. In a series of races where all boats race together, in the same wind and around the same course, it will become clear that, despite the application of a TCC for each yacht, some consistently do better than others. The difference, of course, is that one boat might be sailed more competently than others. A yacht handicap system tries to take account of this. ECHO, for example, takes account of a yacht’s performance throughout a series and after a few races, it changes the TCC to reflect the actual performance of the yacht AND the crew. The aim of a handicap system is to give every yacht in a mixed fleet an equal chance of winning. No rating or handicap system is perfect. There is now quite a collection of systems in use throughout Europe and US. As a consequence, Irish Sailing have established a Handicap & Ratings Steering Group (HRSG) to provide clarity to any club looking to try a system of their choice.</p>
<h3><strong>IRC and ECHO</strong></h3>
<p>Here in Ireland, most clubs will use <strong>IRC</strong> ratings; <strong>ECHO</strong> handicapping & now, increasingly, <strong>VPRS</strong> rating. It is expected that every yacht that races using these rating systems will have a valid certificate for that year which can be produced when asked for by event authorities.</p>
<p><strong>IRC</strong> is a World Sailing recognised International Rating Certificate( IRC). Although all certificates are processed by RORC, Irish Sailing is the authorised administrator of the system here in Ireland. It provides a rating based on measurement and data input only, for boats with a minimum hull length of 5.00m. The IRC rating is calculated as a TCC to 3 decimal places. All boats are issued with an IRC cert with 2 ratings: spinnaker and non-spinnaker.</p>
<p><strong>VPRS</strong> ( Velocity Prediction Rating System) offers yacht clubs a system based only on measurement data. This data is used to configure a Velocity Prediction Programme (VPP) which predicts a boat’s speed for a range of winds and directions, and with this data it calculates a TCC. It is currently being used here in Ireland by DBSC sportsboat class instead of IRC. A list of VPRS- rated boats is given on <a href="http://www.vprs.org" target="_blank">www.vprs.org</a> website.</p>
<p><strong>ECHO </strong>(East Coast Handicap Organisation) is a performance handicap system for yacht racing designed in Ireland. An ECHO handicap is derived from the performance of the boat and crew and assumes that past performance is a guide to future performance. A boat is issued with an ECHO opening handicap, (Standard ECHO: derived from historical IRC data and bears no relationship to performance) at the start of the event. Thereafter, following a race, the yacht’s elapsed race time is multiplied by a Time Corrected Factor( TCF) and the boat with the lowest corrected time is the winner. Progressive ECHO sees the TCF changing to reflect the performance of the yacht throughout the series. The premise of this system is that every boat should have a chance of winning an individual race & that the fastest boat should have the highest handicap. <a href="http://www.sailing.ie">www.sailing.ie</a> has a page dedicated to calculating this system. The HRSG, contacted through Irish Sailing, are available to help with problems which can arise with occasional participants or new boats entering under this system.</p>
<p><strong>And more…</strong></p>
<p>Other interesting new systems that are currently being watched by the Handicap & Rating Steering Group are the <strong>RYA YTC</strong>, which provides British sailors with a simple rating assessment which is both cheap and easy to apply. This is currently not available here but watch this space! Some of our more involved interested parties in this area would feel that ORC, used in Kiel Week as well as other prestigious international regattas, is the gold standard of ratings. Certainly, when it comes to multihulls or superyachts this would be the rating of choice. <strong>ORC</strong> (Offshore Racing Congress) systems use the International Measurement System (IMS) as a measurement platform alongside the ORC Velocity Prediction Programme (VPP) to rate boats. Needless to say, this consummately professional system comes at a cost which, for our needs, does not seem justified at present. <a href="http://www.orc.org" target="_blank">www.orc.org</a> has all the information regarding this system.</p>
<p><strong>PHRF</strong> (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is very widely used in North America. The handicap number assigned to a class of yachts is based on the yacht’s speed relative to a theoretical yacht with a rating of 0. A yacht’s rating is the number of seconds per mile travelled that the yacht in question should be behind the theoretical yacht. Most boats have a positive PHRF rating, but some fast yachts may be negative.</p>
<p>PHRF races can sometimes take the form of pursuit races, or reverse handicap racing. Boats start in reverse PHRF order with start times staggered based on PHRF ratings. This means that theoretically, all boats should finish at the same time which makes for an exciting finish! This means that the boats cross the line in order of placement in the race.</p>
<p><strong>Time on Distanc</strong>e (ToD) racing is not commonly employed in Ireland. For this to work, we need to accurately measure a distance to be raced, which is not as easy as it sounds. It is the time taken to travel that known distance that is multiplied by the TCC. Most event directors go with Time on Time ( ToT) racing which has a fleet racing over elapsed time. It is this figure which is multiplied by TCC to get the corrected time.</p>
<p><strong>Irish Sailing Handicap and Rating Steering Group</strong></p>
<p>For whatever reason, this area of sailing is utterly fascinating to us on your Handicap & Rating Steering Group! We have been in existence since 2020 and would acknowledge that no question is without merit. We meet a few times each year, usually outside racing months and we are delighted to help and support any club wishing to set up and run events using handicap systems anywhere in Ireland.</p>
<p>To find out more, go to...</p>
<h2 style="text-align:center"><a href="https://www.sailing.ie/Racing/Handicapping">www.sailing.ie/Racing/Handicapping</a></h2>
<p> </p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Mon, 17 Apr 2023 01:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7987/demystifying-ratings-and-handicaps</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Irish Sailing Passport Webinar</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7990/irish-sailing-passport-webinar</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/irish_sailing_passport_webinar__2_.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<p><strong>Get the most from Irish Sailing Passport on Checklick</strong></p>
<p>Are you in charge of club or centre’s training certificates ? The Irish Sailing Passport is the online skills tracking, certification and logbook system which uses the Checklick platform and we’re hosting a webinar for you to learn more.</p>
<p>Passport allows participants’ skills to be tracked as they progress through their course so they can check in at any stage to see what they’ve achieved and the other skills they have yet to cover. It also allows participants to move easily between Irish Sailing Training Centres when doing courses if they sail in different locations.</p>
<p>With the sailing season looming, Irish Sailing and Checklick are hosting a webinar so you can get the most from the platform.</p>
<p><strong>Irish Sailing Passport / Checklick Webinar – April 24<sup>th</sup> 19:30 – 20:30, Zoom</strong></p>
<p style="margin-left:40px">This Webinar will be hosted by Dominik Jablecki from Checklick and will focus on helping you get the most from Passport, looking at the tips and tricks which can make day-to-day use quicker and easier.</p>
<p style="margin-left:40px">Topics will include:</p>
<ul style="margin-left:40px">
<li>
<p style="margin-left:40px">How to prepare your account for a new season</p>
</li>
<li>
<p style="margin-left:40px">Using Group evaluations to evaluate multiple people with one click</p>
</li>
<li>
<p style="margin-left:40px">Using the participant logbook feature</p>
</li>
<li>
<p style="margin-left:40px">Additional features such as attendance sheets, group emails and sending Certificates.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p style="margin-left:40px">To register for this session just <strong><a href="https://info.checklick.com/2023-irish-sailing-webinar-signup" target="_blank">click here</a></strong> and an invitation will be sent along with a reminder closer to the time.</p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Mon, 17 Apr 2023 01:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7990/irish-sailing-passport-webinar</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>2023 29er Academy</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7986/2023-29er-academy</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/573/29er_academy.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2>2023 29er Academy</h2>
<p>We are excited to announce the start up of the new 29er Academy. The team will be made up of three boats which will have a make up of domestic and international training and competitions. We have resourced three new boats to allow for international training and competitions to happen smoothly. As part of the academy the sailors will have coach support on the water, strength & conditioning and physio support as well as a programmed and monitored physical training programme for the body, and psychological skills for the mind. This will be backed up by a performance life skills expert to allow for better understanding and management on how to balance the demands of sailing and life.</p>
<p>The academy will be selected off a number of factors ...</p>
<ul>
<li>Application of interest via link</li>
<li>Performances/observations at events over the last 12 months (to include the Irish Sailing Investwise Youth National Championships)</li>
<li>Feedback from the regional/club coaches</li>
<li>Feedback from the coaches running the Irish Sailing training over the winter</li>
<li>Age restriction is U19</li>
</ul>
<p>The academy will have a continual assessment process covering application to physical training, mental skills development, technical and tactical application during on water training and event results. Every 6 months a review with the management team to see if they should remain on the academy or be released will occur to ensure consistency of development is maintained and allowing for a clear direction for the sailors to progress in.</p>
<p>Each team is on trial with the academy for the first 6 months to ensure they are up to the challenge of the academy, only after the first review are they officially a part of the academy.</p>
<p>Applications for expression of interest <strong><a href="https://forms.office.com/e/ebsTT4epRT" target="_blank">HERE</a></strong>. Deadline for application will be Sunday 23rd April.</p>
<h1 style="text-align:center"><a href="https://www.sailing.ie/Performance/Governance#2149" target="_blank">www.sailing.ie/Performance</a></h1>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Mon, 17 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7986/2023-29er-academy</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Tom Dolan's Solo Round Ireland Challenge</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7989/tom-dolan-s-solo-round-ireland-challenge</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/tom_dolan_flying_irish.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h3>Tom Dolan is coming to Ireland</h3>
<p>Tom is all set to take on a challenge he has always yearned to do ...</p>
<h2 style="text-align:center"><strong>SAIL ROUND IRELAND<br />
FAST<br />
SOLO</strong></h2>
<p><strong>Irish Sailor Tom Dolan Sets out to break single handed Round Ireland Record </strong></p>
<p>Irish solo sailor Tom Dolan is planning to return to his native Ireland in May when he will seek to break the singlehanded record for sailing 698 nautical miles around Ireland. The skipper of Smurfit Kappa –Kingspan is aiming to complete the circumnavigation in 3.5 days or less on his 30ft (10m) Figaro Beneteau 3 which he normally races in France where he has been based for more than a dozen years since leaving his rural, farming life at home in County Meath to pursue a career in solo ocean racing. </p>
<p>Dolan has harboured the round Ireland idea since 2020 during a period when all racing in France was cancelled because of the health crisis. Now, in 2023, a gap in his racing calendar has opened up and he is looking to seize the opportunity. </p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>“ I wanted to do something valued and different.” recalls Dolan, “ Once the seed was sown in my mind and I saw the original record was set by an older Class40 I remain sure my more modern boat can go quicker.” </em></p>
<p>He plans to bring Smurfit Kappa-Kingspan to Ireland in late April and will be based in Dun Laoghaire until a suitable weather window appears. He explains: </p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>“ I have never sailed round Ireland, and I know myself already that it is the most beautiful Island in the world, so it will be great for me to learn my own country from the sea. It is also very challenging course, with a lot of headlands, tidal gates and of course the infamous Irish weather. This idea has been in the back of my mind for a while and as I have a gap in the season I thought ‘let’s go’. And for me it is a nice personal odyssey, a chance to come home and enjoy a big challenge and, after 12 years away in France, I suppose you could call it a little bit of a homecoming.” </em></p>
<p>And while he has raced many times around the famous Fastnet Rock and taught sailing in Baltimore his knowledge of the west coast is limited. </p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>“ The furthest west really I have been is Fastnet so it will almost all be new to me and so I am really looking forward to it.” </em>Tom<br />
</p>
<p>A Class 40 sailed by Belgian Michel Kleinjans set a solo record of 4 days 2 hours in 2005 but the Department of Marine issued a notice effectively banning solo record attempts. Tom is of course knowledgeable of the situation and will of course respect all maritime safety regulations and rules set out by the World Speed Sailing Record Council. <em>"I have a little surprise up the sleeve of my foul weather gear"</em> he smiles.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Tom Dolan asserts, <em>“I think three and a half days is possible and if conditions are really, really perfect I think it could be done in under three days. That is based on my weather studies using historical weather forecast files over the last 15 years. I can run course routings which tell me what is feasible and whether it is best to round clockwise or counter-clockwise. There are so many different potential weather scenarios - a big anticyclone over Siberia, a good old fashioned Atlantic low pressure.” </em>The decision will be taken at the time but Dolan believes at the moment that going counter-clockwise, Ireland to port (left) is most probable. </p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>“Leaving Ireland to port (to the left) seems most likely. There are strong tidal gates in the North Channel, between Scotland and Ireland, and so being able to leave and time them more accurately can be important rather than coming all the way round and hitting them at a time you cannot really predict before the start, so that is where there is the potential to lose a lot of time near the end. And there is a quite often a windshadow there, so you want to get through that bit and on to the West coast which is the longest leg but where you can eat up the miles fastest and most efficiently.``</em></p>
<p>There is an existing record for the Beneteau Figaro 3 , sailed two-handed , which was set by Pamela Lee and Cat Hunt in 2021 at three days and 19 hours. The Irish racer who has finished fifth and seventh overall on La Solitaire du Figaro, the unofficial world championship of solo one design offshore racing, concludes, </p>
<p><em>“It will be very different to racing. There will be no tactics involved, no fleet of boats racing in close contact with me like on La Solitaire du Figaro so although I will have to ensure safety on my own, equally I can set my own rhythm a bit more so I can pick the best times to sleep and eat according to the weather and the leg rather than what other competitors might be doing. You are not monitoring a fleet of rivals all the time can be incredibly tiring and stressful.” </em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Standby will be from the end of April to end of May in Dun Laoghaire so there will be a chance to sail with his sponsors Smurfit Kappa, Kingspan and Dubarry. </strong> </p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>“I hope this is a great opportunity to engage with the Irish people. It is a good sailing challenge but easy enough to follow. I have never done anything like this before and I can't wait"</em></p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Mon, 17 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7989/tom-dolan-s-solo-round-ireland-challenge</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Home Victory for Rocco Wright</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7984/home-victory-for-rocco-wright</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Copy_of_Web_News_Temp_WHITE_LOGO__37_.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<p><strong>Home waters victory for Rocco Wright at the Investwise Irish Sailing Youth National Championships</strong></p>
<p>Rocco Wright won the<strong> ILCA 6 Youth National Champion</strong> title at the Investwise Irish Sailing Youth National Championships today (Sunday 16 April 2023) hosted by Howth Yacht Club.</p>
<p><strong>Rocco, of Howth Yacht Club,</strong> recently won bronze in the ILCA 6 Men’s class at the ILCA European Championships in Andora, Italy.</p>
<p>The Howth Yacht Club sailor was closely followed by his club mate <strong>Luke Turvey,</strong> and his Irish Sailing Academy teammates <strong>Tom Coulter </strong>(East Antrim Boat Club) and Sam Ledoux (Royal St George YC) in third and fourth place respectively.</p>
<p>Ireland’s biggest youth sailing event saw <strong>186 sailors from 23 clubs around the country</strong> compete across six different classes – the ILCA 6, 29er, 420, ILCA 4, Topper, and Optimist. The youngest competitor is 11 years old.</p>
<p>The double-handed 29er skiff title was won by Ben O’Shaughnessy (Royal Cork YC) and Ethan Spain (National YC) who won six out of their ten races. They were closely followed by siblings Clementine and Nathan van Steenberge (National YC), and Lucia Cullen (Royal St George YC) and Alana Twomey (Royal Cork YC) in the nine-strong class. This event is one of the indicators for selection to the Irish Sailing 29er Academy starting this summer. </p>
<p>The second double-handed 420 class was won by <strong>Jack McDowell (Malahide YC) and Henry Thompson (Wexford Harbour Boat and Tennis Club).</strong> In second was Cora McNaughton (Blessington SC) and Sean Cronin (Malahide YC), followed by Max Sweetman (Waterford Harbour SC) and Roisin Mitchell Ward (Galway Bay SC).</p>
<p><strong>The ILCA 4 title was won by Royal Cork’s Oisin Pierse</strong>, with Krzysztof Ciborowski (Royal St George YC) and Cillian Twomey (Howth YC) in second and third place.</p>
<p>The Topper fleet shared the same course as the ILCA 4 class, the second largest of the event with 40 boats. It was won by <strong>Tom Driscoll (Ballyholme YC)</strong>, Cormac Byrne (Stangford SC) and Caoimhe Corkery (Ballyholme YC).</p>
<p>Meanwhile in Optimists, the largest fleet with 43 boats, <strong>Harry Dunne of Howth Yacht Club</strong> won by a single point over Caoilinn McDonnell (Royal St George YC). In third was Cork sailor Andrew O’Neill (Royal Cork YC).</p>
<p>Warm sunshine and light winds ended the four day event organised by Irish Sailing and hosted by Howth Yacht Club in Dublin.</p>
<p>With very mixed weather, the race official team managed to get 10 races in for most of the classes, giving the young fleets some good racing experience.</p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>“183 young sailors, six classes, four days, 52 races – this is what makes the Youth Nationals one of the most exciting events in the Irish Sailing calendar, and one we’re very proud of” said John Twomey, President of Irish Sailing. “When I see so many young faces coming in off the water smiling, I know that the future of sailing is indeed bright”.</em></p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Sun, 16 Apr 2023 03:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7984/home-victory-for-rocco-wright</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Class Communications, Grants & More</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7983/class-communications-grants-more</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/573/classes_marketing_eventbrite__2160_×_600_px___940_×_600_px_.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<p><strong>Irish Sailing Racing & Classes Policy Group (RCPG) Spring News</strong></p>
<p>Newsletter 3.2022</p>
<p>During the most recent committee meeting, the Policy Group discussed areas of racing which would be of benefit to affiliated classes to help support, develop and improve both participation & activity levels.</p>
<p>Following feedback from classes on the Policy Group, a number of suggestions were made by sailors that they felt would benefit all classes:</p>
<h3>Class Webinars</h3>
<ol>
<li><strong>Communications workshop for Classes and Events</strong></li>
</ol>
<p style="margin-left:48px">Is your Class or Club planning a big class event this year? In this workshop we’ll discuss how best to promote your event through social media and look at how to attract “traditional” media – building relationships, interviews, and writing press releases. 2<sup>nd</sup> of May at 1800hrs. To book your place: <a href="https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/irish-sailing-communications-workshop-for-classes-and-events-tickets-615657386817" target="_blank">https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/irish-sailing-communications-workshop-for-classes-and-events-tickets-615657386817</a></p>
<ol start="2">
<li><strong>Racing based coaching session.</strong> RCPG suggests running dinghy & keelboat focused sessions with leading coaches on set topics, starts & 1<sup>st</sup> beats and tactics & strategy. Sessions will include video coaching along with interactive ‘play by play’ clips.<br />
</li>
<li><strong>Preparation and Mental Focus </strong>– RCPG suggests running a session on helping sailors lay down foundations in their preparation ahead of racing.</li>
</ol>
<p>Keep a close eye on <a href="http://www.sailing.ie">www.sailing.ie</a> and Irish Sailing’s social media platforms for further details and times for these sessions.</p>
<p>If there are other areas which you or your class would like to see included in coaching webinars, please let us know – <a href="mailto:sl.rossiter@sailing.ie">sl.rossiter@sailing.ie</a></p>
<h3>Coaching Grants</h3>
<p>Irish Sailing continue to encourage all classes to submit a coaching grant application for your class.</p>
<h3>Champions Cup</h3>
<p>The 2023 Champions Cup have been set for the Juniors on 23<sup>rd</sup> and 24<sup>th</sup> of September and will be raced out of Fastnet Marine and Outdoor Education Centre, Schull in TR 3.6m boats. The Seniors has been set for 7/8 October and will be raced out of Foynes Yacht Club in Mermaids. Nominations for each class need to be submitted by 1<sup>st</sup> of September so be sure to get your nominations in following your Nationals as soon as you can. Any issues, please contact SL Rossiter, <a href="mailto:sl.rossiter@sailing.ie">sl.rossiter@sailing.ie</a></p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 13 Apr 2023 01:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7983/class-communications-grants-more</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Disappointment and determination at Princess Sofia World Cup 2023</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7977/disappointment-and-determination-at-princess-sofia-world-cup-2023</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/20230407_113842960_iOS-1.jpg" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2><strong>Day 5: Disappointment and determination in Palma (Friday 7 April)</strong></h2>
<p>Gold fleet racing ended today at the Princess Sofia World Cup of Sailing regatta in Palma with no Irish crews through to medal race finals for the first time in several editions.</p>
<p>Despite a small improvement in form for Robert Dickson (Howth Yacht Club) and Seán Waddilove (Skerries Sailing Club) in the 49er skiff class, there was no return to their winning form of Wednesday that might have reversed their final 20th place overall.</p>
<p>In the single-handed classes where three Irish sailors had reached Gold fleet, impressive boat-speed alone was insufficient to lift Carlow's Finn Lynch (National Yacht Club) into the top ten for the medal race in the ILCA 7 class and he ended the series in 25th overall.</p>
<p>Ewan McMahon (Howth Yacht Club) ended in 37th place in the 184-boat class though he was quite pleased with some of his work over the event and has identified areas he can improve on in the coming months.</p>
<p>His sister Eve McMahon who achieved Gold fleet on this, her first World Cup of Sailing regatta was still disappointed with 35th in her 107-strong ILCA 6 event, buoyed by her triple Gold medals from the conclusion to her junior career just last summer.</p>
<p>For the coaches, debriefing the sailors and working on several fixable issues is the next priority.</p>
<p>"The result is not what we want for sure, especially as for the past four years we've always been battling for a medal here in Palma," commented Vasilij Zbogar, Laser coach with Irish Sailing. "Recovery from the Europeans two weeks ago wasn't managed well enough so we need to adapt for the next time."</p>
<p>Finn Lynch's hand injury still hasn't healed fully but his boat-speed is clearly very good and he showed this week that he can recover from a bad starting position in the fleet really well.</p>
<p>"It's really hard sailing, very close and really small things make the difference like being 100% rested, 100% focused."</p>
<p>In terms of Eve McMahon's potential, her results understate her actual performance. "What she's doing in the boat she's doing really well, she just needs to make it more automated," said Rory Fitzpatrick, Irish Sailing's Head Coach. "Eve's doing these things very well but she just needs more time to dial it in."</p>
<p>Meanwhile, extra practice for light airs conditions is on the cards for the 49er sailors as their performance in Wednesday's windier conditions is clearly linked to their result.</p>
<p>"There were some really good positives like having good days and leading the regatta," said Matt McGovern, Irish Sailing's 49er coach commenting on Dickson and Waddiloves' week. "The crux is executing the starts well and also boat-speed in the light stuff - if we don't start well then we don't have the boat-speed to recover and get back on plan."</p>
<p>The next event in the World Cup of Sailing is French Olympic Week in Hyerés from 23rd to 29th April for all classes.</p>
<p><strong>Ends</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<h2><sup><strong>Day 4: Blow to hopes at Princess Sofia World Cup (Thursday 6 April)</strong></sup></h2>
<p>Hopes of a strong result for the team sailors competing at the Princess Sofia World Cup of Sailing regatta were set back today when light winds and handling errors proved costly.</p>
<p>Robert Dickson (Howth Yacht Club) and Seán Waddilove (Skerries Sailing Club) had started the day wearing the overall leaders' yellow bibs for the 49er skiff class after their stellar day on Wednesday.</p>
<p>But in stark contrast to their earlier form that included two race wins, the Tokyo Olympians appeared to stumble in the lighter winds, notably in their starts. In three out of the four races for the day, the pair placed at the back of their 25 boat Gold fleet.</p>
<p>Only the top ten boats at the end of Friday's racing progress to Saturday's medal race final to determine the podium and the Dublin pair are now 19th overall.</p>
<p>"We just didn't execute (at the starts) even after some really good work but with just some kind of sloppiness didn't execute and ended in a world of trouble," commented Irish Sailing's 49er coach Matt McGovern. "On a day like that, if you're starting after a major error and you're ten or 20 seconds behind, when the next wind-shift comes you're the last boat to tack on it so it’s very much a hard game from there."</p>
<p>Meanwhile, across the bay under the gaze of El Ceu, Palma's historic cathedral, the single-handed classes were also coming to terms with the lighter winds.</p>
<p>Carlow's Finn Lynch (National Yacht Club) improved steadily as the three-race day progressed including several impressive comebacks from the rear of the 60 boat ILCA 7 fleet. His results were 22nd, 14th and an eleventh but ultimately lacked the top ten individual race results that he is known for as the world ranked No. 3 sailor in his event.</p>
<p>Lynch finished the day in 20th overall having displaced Ewan McMahon (Howth Yacht Club) who slipped back a place to 26th overall after counting two mid-fleet results and discarding a 50th place.</p>
<p>Amongst the ILCA 6 women in their Gold fleet, Eve McMahon (Howth YC) was disappointed with her performance. "It was a very mediocre day for me unfortunately, my starts today really let me down which isn't like me," she said after coming ashore in C'an Pastilla. "I think the Black Flag (disqualification) on the first day has thrown me a little bit - I haven't had one of them in quite a while."</p>
<p>Fleet racing in Gold, Silver and Bronze divisions concludes on Friday with the top ten boats in each of the ten events that comprise the Olympic regatta format going forward for a high-scoring short medal race final on Saturday.</p>
<p> </p>
<h2><strong>Day 3: Rob and Seán catapult into overall lead (Wednesday 5<sup>th</sup> April 2023)</strong></h2>
<p>A stellar day on the Bay of Palma today saw Robert Dickson and Seán Waddilove take the overall lead in their 49er skiff event as they comfortably qualified for the Gold fleet final round at the Princess Sofia Trophy.</p>
<p>The pair ended the second day of qualification racing with two race wins and a fourth place. The next three teams are all tied for second place in this world class fleet of 103 boats.</p>
<p>"Rob and Seán had an absolutely stellar performance, sailed it fast, kept themselves out of trouble and did all the basics well and got a big pay-out for it," commented Matt McGovern, the Irish Sailing 49er coach who is also a double Olympian. "They were the best 49er boat in all the fleets today so you can't really ask for much more than that."</p>
<p>Team-mates Séafra Guilfoyle and Johnny Durcan (Royal Cork Yacht Club) also had a good day in the same qualification fleet posting a steadily improving 15th, eighth and a fifth in the close racing. However, finishing in 39th overall means the pair narrowly miss qualification for the Gold fleet series.</p>
<p>Amongst the single-handers, Ewan McMahon (Howth Yacht Club) tops the Irish boats heading into Gold fleet for the ILCA7 class in 25th overall, boosted by an eighth in the second race today and a 15th earlier that he discarded.</p>
<p>Rio 2016 Olympian Finn Lynch (National Yacht Club) had a consistent day posting seventh and eighth places which pulled him up to 34th overall and inside the Gold fleet. Jamie McMahon (Howth YC) placed 140th overall and will compete in the Bronze fleet finals.</p>
<p>"It was the first day with decent racing conditions, 13-17 knots sea breeze and we didn't spend too much time on the water which was very positive," said Vasilij Zbogar, Irish Sailing's Laser coach. "Finn and Ewan did a decent day - tomorrow is the start of the finals so everything is still open."</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Eve McMahon (Howth YC) steadily moved up the rankings for the day in the ILCA 6 to place 27th going into the final round thanks to a 21st, 14th and ninth for the day.</p>
<p>"Eve had a reasonable day today and moved up the leader board," said Rory Fitzpatrick, Irish Sailing's Head Coach. "She's made a lot of improvements and is getting used to using them around the track, so it’s been a good learning experience for her."</p>
<p>Racing continues on the ten different racing areas around the Bay of Palma for the next three days with all sailors competing to win top ten places that compete for the podium of each event in a single, high-scoring medal race final on Saturday.</p>
<p>Pic by David Branigan/Oceansports</p>
<p> </p>
<h2><strong>Day 2: Good individual results (Tuesday 4th April)</strong></h2>
<p>Breezy conditions on the Bay of Palma brought fresh challenges to the sailors racing on the second day of the Princess Sofia Trophy for Olympic classes today in Palma, Mallorca. Rio 2016 veteran Finn Lynch (National Yacht Club) had a top 20 result in his opening race but was disqualified for early-starting in Race 2.</p>
<p>The Carlow sailor went on to place 13th in his third race of a long day afloat in the ILCA7 class and will be relishing the worst race discard that come into force after the fourth race of the series scheduled for Wednesday morning.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Ewan McMahon (Howth Yacht Club) rounded off a solid day when he followed a 14th and a 12th place with second overall in his Red fleet of 63 boats.</p>
<p>His sister Eve McMahon racing in the women's ILCA6 event put the disappointment of an early-starting disqualification on Monday behind her to place seventh in the second race of the day.</p>
<p>In spite of spending seven hours afloat and although the conditions were sunny for much of the day with up to 15 knots, the wind direction oscillated over 20-30 degrees and a steady course couldn't be set by the race committee for more than three hours.</p>
<p>Conditions permitting, three further races are scheduled for both ILCA single-handed fleets in the Men's and Women's events for Wednesday which will conclude the qualification round to decide Gold fleets across all classes in the regatta.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the unsteady conditions took their toll throughout the mammoth event including the 49er skiff event that only had two races sailed.</p>
<p>Robert Dickson (Howth Yacht Club) and Seán Waddilove (Skerries Sailing Club) served up a fourth and an eleventh for the day. However, their team-mates Séafra Guilfoyle and Johnny Durcan (Royal Cork Yacht Club) had a 19th in the opening race but also fell foul to the Black Flag in their second race.</p>
<p>"We ended up with more wind than expected and more stable than expected which is always nice," said Matt McGovern, Irish Sailing's 49er coach. "Rob and Sean had a solid opener and but a very tough start for Seafra and Johnny - it wasn't the start to the series that they wanted."</p>
<h2> </h2>
<h2><strong>Day 1: </strong><strong>Flukey conditions on Bay of Palma hamper racing (Monday 3 April)</strong></h2>
<p>While last week's pre-championship training had ideal conditions grace the Bay of Palma, today's opening schedule of the Princess Sofia Trophy in the World Cup of Sailing series was largely abandoned due to the weather.</p>
<p>After a delay ashore for the ILCA 6 & 7 women and men's classes, racing started in sunshine and light winds. However, the breeze direction started changing ahead of several rain showers and most races that started were soon abandoned.</p>
<p>In their ILCA7 Men's flight, Finn Lynch (National Yacht Club) and Ewan McMahon (Howth Yacht Club) both had started their races well and after two legs were both holding top ten positions when the wind died and the race was abandoned.</p>
<p>Jamie McMahon's flight was the only race completed where he finished 51st on provisional results and is considering a redress application for a mark rounding incident in which he was infringed.</p>
<p>In the women's ILCA6 event, Eve McMahon (Howth Yacht Club) saw her race abandoned but not before she picked up a Rule 42 penalty for illegal propulsion just before the race was stopped due to lack of wind that had dropped to 1.2 knots.</p>
<p>Three races are now scheduled for Tuesday for those fleets that didn't get racing but the forecast again suggests further challenging weather until later in the week.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the 49er skiff event is scheduled to begin racing on Tuesday with two Irish boats entered.</p>
<p>Tokyo Olympians Robert Dickson (Howth Yacht Club) and Séan Waddilove (Skerries Sailing Club) will be racing against Seáfra Guilfoyle and Johnny Durcan (Royal Cork Yacht Club) in the Blue flight of their class which is expected to have three races - weather permitting.</p>
<p>"Rob and Séan have been going extremely well in training and have made real gains over the winter," said Matt McGovern, Irish Sailing 49er coach. "Seáfra and Johnny have always been good in the light and shifty stuff and appear to have done great work in their starts and boat-handling so hopefully they're more rounded."</p>
<p>The Princess Sofia Trophy is the first event in the World Cup Sailing series and has attracted more than 1,300 athletes across all ten Olympic disciplines to Mallorca for this six-day series. The overall goal for the season is the first Paris 2024 qualification opportunity in The Hague in August.</p>
<h2> </h2>
<h2>Quick turnaround for the Irish Sailing Team as they head to Sailing World Cup </h2>
<p>There has been a quick turnaround for the <strong>Irish Sailing Performance Team</strong>. With the ILCA European Championships behind them where <strong>Finn Lynch</strong> secured a top 10 finish, <strong>Eve McMahon </strong>scored 14th and sixteen-year-old <strong>Rocco Wright won bronze</strong> in the ILCA 6 Men’s class, the senior athletes are now in Mallorca for the <strong>Trofeo Princesa Sofia,</strong> the first event in the 2023 World Cup series. </p>
<p>Competing for Ireland in the week long regatta (Monday 3 to Saturday 8 April) are Olympian Finn Lynch and Ewan McMahon in the ILCA 7 and Eve McMahon in the ILCA 6. </p>
<p>In the 49ers are Olympians <strong>Robert Dickson and Seán Waddilove</strong>, along with teammates <strong>Séafra Guilfoyle and Johnny Durcan. </strong></p>
<p>Irish Sailing Performance Director James O’Callaghan commented</p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>“it’s a hugely intense period for the programme with almost no downtime but the sailors are taking the challenge head on and looking to grow as a result of the opportunity presented”. </em></p>
<p>The Princesa Sofia is the first event in 2023 World Cup Series with organisers planning for a large international presence in Palma Bay, Mallorca, with an expected <strong>950 boats from 63 countries. </strong> </p>
<p>The long week of racing starts on Monday 3 April for the ILCAs, followed by the 49ers on Tuesday 4 April. Both classes finish on Saturday 8 April. The ILCAs have a maximum of 10 races in total, or two per day over five days, ending in a medal race on Saturday 8 April. Each race lasts approximately one hour. The 49ers have a maximum of 12 races, 3 on each day (4 days of racing), each lasting about 45 minutes, and ending with a medal race on Saturday. </p>
<p>Weather conditions in Palma at this time of year are in the mid-20 degree Celsius, with typically southerly winds. </p>
<p>Follow the competition and results <a href="https://www.trofeoprincesasofia.org/en/default/races/race " target="_blank">HERE</a></p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 07 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7977/disappointment-and-determination-at-princess-sofia-world-cup-2023</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>From Whales to Windfarms, Orcas to Ocean Adventures</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7980/from-whales-to-windfarms-orcas-to-ocean-adventures</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/North_Atlantic_Right_Whale_Song_of_the_Whale__2_.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h3>..... the 2023 Irish Sailing Cruising Conference</h3>
<p>The recent <a href="https://www.sailing.ie/Events/Irish-Sailing-Cruising-Conference" target="_blank">Irish Sailing Cruising Conference</a> hosted at Royal Cork Yacht Club heard a series of talks celebrating the sea.</p>
<p>The sea we play in, on and around as cruising sailors.</p>
<p>The event kicked off with an update on the EU-UK trading relationship, previously titled “Brexit”. In it, we learned about the customs requirements for visiting to and from the UK, boat purchase, and a reminder that the FAQs are updated on <a href="file:///C:/Users/treasa.cox/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/K026V7ZT/www.sailing.ie/Cruising/EU-UK-Customs">www.sailing.ie/Cruising/EU-UK-Customs</a>. Delegates were invited to send on any questions they had that were not answerable at the conference or by the FAQ page and Irish Sailing will send on their enquiry directly to Revenue.</p>
<p>Daria Blackwell, Vice Commodore of the <a href="https://www.oceancruisingclub.org/" target="_blank">Ocean Cruising Club</a>, gave an incredible account of the work that went into supporting the many sailors that found themselves in trouble during the global pandemic. Imagine sailing across the Atlantic only to find you couldn’t go ashore ?. The stories of tracking and support that Daria and Alex Blackwell gave in their own time was incredible and then in turn the support that sailors gave to small rural communities they became close to when at anchor. The incredible volunteerism and personal dedication to helping fellow sailors was inspiring.</p>
<p>Tessa Kingston’s account of her Atlantic crossing with family left us all with food for thought. Many dream of crossing and Tessa made it all sound so easy, with good preparation, a strong crew and an open mind to overcoming obstacles along the way. Top tip: knowing your Atlantic fish is a must when sailing across – there is nothing quite like fresh fish mid-Atlantic!</p>
<p>We joined Irish Sailing Yachtmaster Instructor and marine biologist, Niall MacAllister, onboard <a href="https://www.marineconservationresearch.co.uk/rv-song-of-the-whale/" target="_blank">Song of the Whale</a> off the east coast of America. We were given a tour of the incredible purpose-built 22m steel-hulled research sailing vessel, with outriggers for towing hydrophones, 11-meter high crows nest, elevated A-frame, mast mounted thermal camera and more. Song of the Whale is currently following the migration of the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale, with scientists on board to monitor and understand their movements with the hope of stopping the extinction of this incredible mammal.</p>
<p>The remarkable and worrying interactions of Orcas on the Atlantic coastline of France, Spain and Portugal is a subject of much debate amongst cruising sailors. We were honoured to have marine biologist and researcher, Monica Gonzalez of CEMMA and the <a href="https://www.orcaiberica.org/antecedentes" target="_blank">GT Orca Atlántica</a> join the conference to give a detailed explanation of Orca behaviour and her team’s hypothesis on why they may be interacting with sailing boats particularly. More on this in another article next week 😊</p>
<p>Another subject of much discussion amongst cruising sailors is Wind Farms – navigational hazard and environmental concerns being the general concerns. Jared Peters of Cork company <a href="https://www.greenrebel.ie/" target="_blank">Green Rebel</a>, specialist offshore site investigators, joined us to explain the work that goes into deciding where a windfarm is located. The level of research into the impact of a windfarm on the environment is incredible and it left the audience reassured that our coast and new energy sourcing is in good hands.</p>
<p>There were then professionals in every corner providing advice and guidance –</p>
<ul style="margin-left:40px">
<li>Conference sponsor <a href="file:///C:/Users/treasa.cox/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/K026V7ZT/rss%20version=%222.0%22%20xmlns:wfw=%22http:/wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/%22%20xmlns:slash=%22http:/purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/%22%20xmlns:dc=%22http:/purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/%22%20xmlns:trackback=%22http:/madskills.com/public/xml/rss/module/trackback/%22" target="_blank">Union Chandlery</a> presented a display of lifejackets for advice and offered free servicing</li>
<li><a href="https://www.sailing.ie/Cruising/Safe-TRX" target="_blank">Safetrx</a> gave presentations on the Irish Sailing tracking app</li>
<li><a href="https://sailcork.com/" target="_blank">Sail Cork</a> explained the Irish Sailing cruising training scheme and why going to a recognised training centre is so important</li>
<li>International Paints provided advice on what paint you should use and why</li>
<li><a href="http://www.cruising.ie">Cruising Association of Ireland</a> had great interest in membership (did you know it is only €35 ?)</li>
<li>Alex Blackwell, author of Happy Hooking, gave some great tips on anchoring on our coast</li>
<li>Expert drone pilot, Bob Foley, provided first hand advice on droning on the coast</li>
<li>And the members of the Irish Sailing Cruising and Representation Policy Group were on hand to share ideas on support for cruising sailors.</li>
</ul>
<p>“When and where is the next conference?” was the final request from attendees.</p>
<p>Roll on Spring 2024 for Cruising Conference in Dublin – venue TBA.</p>
<p><strong>Top Image</strong>: North Atlantic Right Whale / Song of the Whale. Thanks to: MCR/IFAW ... NOAA/NMFS permit #21371-01</p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 06 Apr 2023 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7980/from-whales-to-windfarms-orcas-to-ocean-adventures</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Across Three Oceans</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7981/across-three-oceans</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Acraoss_Three_Oceans_Saoirse.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h1>- A Voyage in the Yacht <em>Saoirse</em></h1>
<p>It will be of interest to those of us who are fascinated by the history of cruising in small boats and have a passion for adventures at sea, that the book by Conor O Brien about his pioneering circumnavigation of the world in the 42-foot yacht <em>Saoirse</em> that he designed himself and had built in Ireland, has been republished by the Irish Cruising Club together with the Royal Cruising Club.</p>
<p>The new print is now available on Amazon worldwide <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Across-Three-Oceans-Voyage-Saoirse/dp/B0BTC51DVY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2K9E0TOG64NE&keywords=across+three+oceans&qid=1680026719&sprefix=across+three+oceans%2Caps%2C159&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Amazon GB</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Conor-OBrien/dp/B0BTC51DVY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1WSMXTBIY0G38&keywords=%C3%BCber+drei+ozeane&qid=1680026774&sprefix=%2Caps%2C154&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Amazon DE</a> and if you do a search you will find that the original prints are collectors items !!</p>
<p>This 6<sup>th</sup> edition of Conor O Brien’s recounting of his epic journey includes the twelfth chapter from the first edition, later omitted. It also includes his logbook extracts that only appeared in the first edition.</p>
<p style="margin-left:48px"><em>“Mr. 0 Brien's plain seamanlike account is so modestly written that a casual reader might miss its full significance. But anyone who knows anything of the sea, following the course of the vessel day by day on the chart, will realize the good seamanship, vigilance and endurance required to drive this little bluff-bowed vessel, with her foul uncoppered bottom, at speeds of 150 to 170 miles a day, as well as the weight of wind and sea which must sometimes have been encountered.</em></p>
<p style="margin-left:48px"><em>... however common long ocean voyages in small yachts may become, Mr O Brien will always be remembered for his voyage across the South Pacific and round the Horn.”</em></p>
<p style="margin-left:48px; text-align:right">Claud Worth<br />
Introduction to the first edition</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Edward Conor Marshall O’Brien (1880-1952) was an architect, author, boat builder, and yachtsman. He was best known for his sailing exploits.</p>
<p>As a ship designer and builder, his notable boats include the <strong><em>Kelpie</em></strong>, the <strong><em>Saoirse</em></strong> and the <strong><em>A. K. Ilen</em></strong> built in Baltimore and currently providing some incredible sailing opportunities with <a href="https://www.sailingintowellness.ie/" target="_blank">Sailing into Wellness</a>.</p>
<p>You may be interested to know that in 1914 Conor used his yacht <em>Kelpie</em> to collect a cargo of arms for the Irish Volunteers from a German tug in the same gun-running operation in which Erskine Childers’ yacht, <em>Asgard</em>, took part.</p>
<p><em>Saoirse</em> would have been the first pleasure boat flying the tricolour to enter foreign ports and it was the first yacht to circumnavigate the world by way of the three Great Capes. O Brien, who was also a mountaineer known for climbing barefoot, had set out originally to join a climbing expedition in New Zealand but arrived there too late to take part due to a delay with his sea voyage.</p>
<p><em>Saoirse</em> has been restored in Baltimore and is sailing again.</p>
<h3><a href="http://www.ilen.ie/what-we-do-2/ilen/sailing-pioneer-1923-1925/" target="_blank"><strong>More on the restoration of Saoirse and the Ilen Project HERE.</strong></a></h3>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 06 Apr 2023 02:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7981/across-three-oceans</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Want to Join the 2023 Summer Squads?</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7982/want-to-join-the-2023-summer-squads</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/573/topper.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h3>Topper and ILCA 4 Summer Squads</h3>
<p>Summer is nearly here and the Irish Sailing Performance are now planning for the Topper and ILCA 4 Summer Squads.</p>
<p>The aim of the Irish Sailing Summer Squad programme is to prepare a team to compete at an international level. The programme will take the form of domestic training camps, followed by event support at the chosen major internationals. It will focus on the development of the sailors led by our lead coach with input from support services such as Sports Med Ireland, Irish Sailing’s partner in strength and conditioning and physical training. The number of sailors on the team will be determined by safety, with the secondary objective of teaching the sailors how a high-performance youth sailing team works at home and abroad.</p>
<p>Applications for the squads are now open and will close April 17th.</p>
<p>Please have a look at the selection document and programme schedule for more information on the training dates and venues and price.</p>
<ol>
<li><a href="https://www.sailing.ie/Portals/0/documents/2023/performance/ILCA%204%20Summer%20Squad%20Selection%20Document.pdf">ILCA 4 Summer Squad Selection Document</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.sailing.ie/Portals/0/documents/2023/performance/ILCA%204%20Summer%20Squad.pdf">ILCA 4 Summer Squad Programme</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.sailing.ie/Portals/0/documents/2023/performance/Topper%20Summer%20squad%20Selection%20Document.pdf">Topper Summer Squad Selection Document</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.sailing.ie/Portals/0/documents/2023/performance/Topper%20Summer%20Squad.pdf">Topper Summer Squad Programme</a></li>
</ol>
<h3 style="margin-left:8px; margin-right:8px">👉 <a href="https://forms.office.com/e/C35k6mucy0" target="_blank"><strong>Application for Summer Squads HERE</strong></a></h3>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 06 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7982/want-to-join-the-2023-summer-squads</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Darkness into Light 2023</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7979/darkness-into-light-2023</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Web_News_Temp_WHITE_LOGO__7_-2.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2>Interested in the 2023 Sailing Darkness into Light ?</h2>
<p>This year, Irish Sailing are once again working with <strong>Pieta House</strong> to support the annual Darkness into Light campaign taking place at dawn on <strong>Saturday 6 May.</strong></p>
<p>Darkness into Light is Pieta’s annual campaign to raise vital funds for people affected by suicide and self harm. The aim of the campaign is to bring people together in various events around the country, beginning in darkness at sunrise and continuing through to dawn to symbolise the journey from despair to hope.</p>
<p>We know that sailing and being on the water has huge mental health benefits – Darkness into Light is a great way of joining people together to be the light against the dark.</p>
<p>Last year, <strong>nine clubs</strong> took part with <strong>108 boats</strong> joined by paddleboarders and rowers went on the water to greet the dawn and raise thousands of euros – is your club interested in taking part this year ?</p>
<p>Irish Sailing are seeking expressions of interest from any club/class/group thinking about taking part. We aim to bring clubs together with a workshop, discuss learnings from last year, support through out communication channels, safety considerations, and promoting the mental health benefits of our sports.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Please get in touch via <a href="mailto:ciaran.murphy@sailing.ie">ciaran.murphy@sailing.ie</a> or <a href="mailto:treasa@sailing.ie">treasa@sailing.ie</a></p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 04 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7979/darkness-into-light-2023</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>2022 Annual Report</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7978/2022-annual-report</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Web_News_Temp_WHITE_LOGO__6_-1.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2><strong>2022 Annual Report now live</strong></h2>
<p>The <strong>2022 Irish Sailing Annual Repor</strong>t is now live on our website. In it, you can read reports from each of our functions including Training, Racing, Access, Performance, as well as Finance and Communications, the Irish Cruiser Racer Association (ICRA) and Sustainability.</p>
<h1 style="text-align:center"><strong><a href="https://www.sailing.ie/Portals/0/Irish%20Sailing%20Annual%20Report%202022%20FINAL.pdf">See the<br />
2022 Irish Sailing Annual Report<br />
Here</a></strong></h1>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Mon, 03 Apr 2023 02:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7978/2022-annual-report</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Calling all Powerboaters</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7976/calling-all-powerboaters</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/powerboaters_news.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2><strong>Powerboaters, Dusting off your boat? – Polish up your skills</strong></h2>
<p>With Easter just upon us and the weather warming up this is typically the time of year when the covers come off and boats get launched for the maiden voyage of the season. As your boat may have been laid up for some time it is essential to ensure that everything is in good working order before setting off.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type:disc">
<li>Check the hull, tubes (RIBs), bungs and any through hull fittings. </li>
<li>Check the Engine, in particular the fuel system, cooling, lubrication, battery, controls and killcord.</li>
<li>Check all of the safety equipment is present, in good working order and items such as distress flares are still in date.</li>
<li>Check your Lifejackets or Personal Floatation Devices, they may require servicing.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>As you may not have been afloat over the winter it is important to be aware that skills can also fade over time. It can be well worth investing in some training at this time of year to update your skills ensuring you have a safe and enjoyable time on the water during the season ahead.</p>
<p>Irish Sailing <a href="https://www.sailing.ie/Training/Find-A-Training-Centre" target="_blank">Training Centres</a> offer a range of <a href="https://www.sailing.ie/Training/Irish-Sailing-Training-Courses/Powerboat" target="_blank">powerboat training courses</a> for all levels and for a variety of specific requirements including:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type:disc">
<li><strong>Introduction to Powerboating</strong> – Perfect for those new to powerboating covering all the crewing roles and an introduction to helming.</li>
<li><strong>National Powerboat Certificate</strong> – Covering all the core skills and knowledge required to safely operate a powerboat.</li>
<li><strong>Intermediate Powerboat Certificate</strong> – An excellent progression from the National Powerboat Certificate aimed at giving you the confidence to take your boat further and enjoy a range of activities with family and friends.</li>
<li><strong>Safetyboat Certificate</strong> – This course is specifically for those operating in the sailing, watersports or safety cover environment. It covers close quarters boat-handling, group management afloat and rescue techniques for dinghies, windsurfers, kayaks, kites, rafts etc.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>If you’re not sure which is the course for you contact your local <a href="https://www.sailing.ie/Training/Find-A-Training-Centre" target="_blank">Training Centre or Club</a> to discuss your needs.</p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 30 Mar 2023 01:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7976/calling-all-powerboaters</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Olympian Finn Lynch and Laura Dillon honoured at Irish Sailing Awards </title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7975/olympian-finn-lynch-and-laura-dillon-honoured-at-irish-sailing-awards</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/TOMI1373.jpg" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2>Prestigious Irish Sailing Sailor of the Year was awarded to both Laura Dillon and Olympian Finn Lynch, with Eve McMahon winning Youth Sailor Award for fourth year running. </h2>
<p>Carlow sailor and <strong>Olympian Finn Lynch </strong>won the prestigious Irish Sailing Sailor of the Year for the second year in a row, along with <strong>Laura Dillon.</strong> Finn Lynch (National Yacht Club) was nominated on the basis of his <strong>World Sailing number 2</strong> in the world ranking, and Laura for her wins at Cowes Week, Women at the Helm and her representation of Ireland overseas.</p>
<p><strong>Eve McMahon</strong> of Howth Yacht Club won Irish Sailing <strong>Youth Sailor of the Year </strong>for the fourth year in a row. 2022 was a record year for the 19 year old who won gold medals at the ILCA6 Youth World Championships in Texas, the Youth Sailing World Championships in the Netherlands, and the European Youth ILCA6 Championship in Greece. She also claimed silver at the U21 ULCA Youth World Championships in Vilamoura, Portugal. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>CEO of Irish Sailing Tim Bourke</strong> said</p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>“we are delighted to have a double-win in tonight’s Sailor of the Year.  Finn and Laura represent different parts of racing and it’s great to see two equal winners up on stage inspiring others.  Eve’s fourth win of the Youth Sailor Award is a perfect reflection of the year she’s had – three gold medals last year alone.  We are also pleased to have 13 awards representing the broad churches of our sport and the recognition of all nominees from the sailing community in these awards, is something we can all be proud of.” </em></p>
<p>Galway Hooker Sailing Club took home the popular <strong>Irish Sailing Training Centre of the Year award, </strong>having been nominated as winners of the West Region. The two other nominees were Courtown Sailing Club (East Region winners) and Gecko Adventures (winner of the South Region). </p>
<p><strong>The Sustainability Award </strong>was won by Ballyholme Yacht Club for their campaign to ensure that their sailing events had as little impact on the environment as possible, and the planting of 700 saplings in their local area. </p>
<p>Royal Western Yacht Club in Clare won the <strong>Inclusion Award</strong> for their work helping to launch the Irish Sailing accessible fleet of boats and project to introduce children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to sailing. </p>
<p><strong>The Leadership Award </strong>went to David Lovegrove, one of this country’s foremost international race officers who has dedicated many years to racing in Dublin Bay and beyond. </p>
<p><strong>Volunteer of the Year</strong> went to Colum McCaffery of Malahide Seascouts, and Senior Instructor of the Year Award went to Tim Lowney. The ICRA Boat of the Year was presented to Michael and Richard Evans of Snapshot. </p>
<p>This year’s Awards included three new categories – <strong>Club of the Year won by Sligo Yacht Club, the Cruising Sailor Award to Norman Kean. </strong></p>
<p>Third of the new awards was the<strong> Irish Sailing Communications Award </strong>given to James Roulston Mooney, a journalism student from University of Limerick who won the inaugural Irish Sailing Future Journalist Prize. </p>
<p>The <strong>Irish Sailing President’s Award </strong>was given to Ramor Watersports Club in Cavan for their drive to make on the water activity available to all, with wheelchair ramps in their new marina and a new wheelchair accessible powerboat. </p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Sat, 25 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7975/olympian-finn-lynch-and-laura-dillon-honoured-at-irish-sailing-awards</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Pat Lawless, Sailor of the Year Nominee</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7974/pat-lawless-sailor-of-the-year-nominee</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Copy_of_Web_News_Temp_WHITE_LOGO__34_.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2>Pat Lawless and his Golden Globe Adventure</h2>
<p>Pat is nominated for his incredible and relentless passion on his racing journey. Pat had a very impressive performance in the <strong>Golden Globe Race</strong> before having to take an early retirement to the race. However the preparation alone for this Solo Race around the world is an achievement of its own.</p>
<p>He began his vendee globe journey on the <strong>14th of August</strong>, but preparation began weeks and months before this.</p>
<p>A Solo, non-stop, unassisted round the world<strong> 30,000 mile race.</strong> Nine months at sea alone in a small boat <strong>(GREEN REBEL)</strong>, the Golden Globe Race is the longest and loneliest sporting event in the World. It will entail stepping back to the Golden Age of solo sailing, with no modern technology.</p>
<p>He was born and bred in Limerick, on the banks of the river Shannon, and had always dreamed of sailing in a race solo around the world. In 1996 his father at the age of 70, was the first Irishman to do a solo circumnavigation of the globe. You could say that he had a big influence on his son, as Pat's goal was always to be the first Irishman to sail solo, non-stop, unassisted around the world. He is pondering another attempt in 2026.</p>
<p>Pat is currently sailing Green Rebel home from St Helena.</p>
<p>Congrats Again on this amazing achievement.</p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 24 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7974/pat-lawless-sailor-of-the-year-nominee</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Oisin Van Gelderen, Sailor of the Year Nomination</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7972/oisin-van-gelderen-sailor-of-the-year-nomination</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Copy_of_Web_News_Temp_WHITE_LOGO__31_.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2>Setting records for speed with no sign of slowing down. </h2>
<p>Oisin has been nominated for his new speed record in windsurfing. At the Lüderitz Speed Challenge 2022 in Namibia, he reached speeds of <strong>49.89knots over a 500m stretch</strong>, (a new Irish Record ratified by the World Sailing Speed Record Council) not just for windsurfing but the overall Irish Sailing Speed Record. But where did this all begin? We caught up with Oisin to find out more. </p>
<p>Almost six years ago, after a lot of GPS speed-sailing in Ireland, Oisin dreamed of seeing if he could break the 50knot barrier (peak speed). In Ireland it is so difficult to get the ideal conditions - the tide is often wrong, the wind a few degrees off or not strong enough. </p>
<p>The first opportunity was to go to the South of France for the <strong>‘La Palme Speed Challenge’,</strong> and then have another crack at 50knots at <strong>' the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/princeofthespeed?__tn__=-%5dK" target="_blank">Prince of Speed</a>'</strong> event. </p>
<p>Oisin says that: </p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>“We never got the conditions at these events, and in the back of my mind the ultimate goal was always to get to Luderitz, where hopefully the ‘waiting for conditions’ part would never be in question.” </em></p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>“My motivation has always been: that I simply wanted to line up with the biggest fastest guys, at the best course in the world on a nuking wind day” </em></p>
<p>And that’s just what he did. His first time at Luderitz allowed him to experience going faster than he had ever been before. He says that potentially the most interesting part about this challenging course is that before trying to reach top speeds you have to deal with the stones flying across the start box in 50-60 knots of wind! Not sand; stones! Place this on top of having to manage not hitting the sand bags or the far wall. And, if you make it to the end, figuring out how to stop. </p>
<p>Luderitz is a WSSRC ratified event and to be in contention you have to complete the full video-timed 500m course. </p>
<p>Oisin writes that his<em> “immediate thoughts turned to whether it’s possible for an 81kg sailor to do 50knots on the 500m course? As soon as you achieve one goal, you start to dream of the next” </em></p>
<p>And what an inspiration this is, always looking forward to the next goal on your sailing journey! </p>
<p> </p>
<h3>Don’t forget to sign up for the Irish Sailing Awards taking place this Saturday, 25th March<a href="https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/irish-sailing-conference-2023-and-awards-2022-tickets-530502064957" target="_blank"> LINK HERE </a></h3>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 21 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7972/oisin-van-gelderen-sailor-of-the-year-nomination</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Hannes Louet-Feisser</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7973/hannes-louet-feisser</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Copy_of_Web_News_Temp_WHITE_LOGO__32_.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2>Nominated for his record breaking Windfoil around Ireland. </h2>
<p>Many have sailed or walked around our Island. But for Windfoil, this was a first and all in the aid of the RNLI. Hannes Louet-Feisser set out to Windfoil around the coast of Ireland to raise money for the RNLI and complete this record attempt. He raised just short of €12,000 over his 41 days around Ireland. </p>
<p>We caught up with Hannes to about how one of the highlights was getting to see and enjoy our beautiful rugged and wild coastline, but he can’t pick just one. </p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>“Starting out I was never sure it was possible to make it around on a Windfoil but I got a lot of support which made the trip very enjoyable.” </em></p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>“Every day had its highlights, ups and downs as the weather would change so much as you went around the coast. Also the support crew following me around, looking after me were amazing and people you would meet after coming ashore were great.” </em></p>
<p>One particular encounter he remembers was getting to meet Rob Henshall in Portnoo, when they stopped for lunch on the leg from Mullaghmore to Carrickfinn. Rob windsurfed around Ireland back in 1992 on a longboard with a tent – with no support crew and no GPS. Prior to that he had gone around in a kayak twice and a laser. </p>
<p>But a trip like this isn’t without its risk and hard decisions. Hannes comments that he had to make one hard decision in particular; </p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>“Stopping in Castletownbere. The plan was to go from Baltimore around the Mizen and Dursey but passing Sheep's Head the weather turns bad. Sailing west along the Beara Peninsula the coast line was white with the swell breaking on the cliffs. Had to U-Turn and come in the east entrance to Castletownbere as there was no way I was going through the west entrance with that swell. Was a hard decision but the correct one.” </em></p>
<p>He goes on to say that on an adventure like this, while the reward is great, the risks are too. </p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>“The reason I picked the RNLI is because I have been windsurfing since I was a kid and being on the water a lot it is nice to know the RNLI are there to help out if you get into difficulty. The RNLI is a community run organisation and it was time to give something back.” </em></p>
<p>A community that we all as water users are extremely grateful for in this country. Thank you to them for all their hard work. </p>
<p>Make sure you register for the Irish Sailing Award’s on Saturday the 25th March. <a href="https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/irish-sailing-conference-2023-and-awards-2022-tickets-530502064957" target="_blank">LINK HERE</a> </p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 21 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7973/hannes-louet-feisser</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Training Centre of the Year Shortlist</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7971/training-centre-of-the-year-shortlist</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Web_News_Temp_WHITE_LOGO__5_-1.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2>Training Centre of the Year Shortlist </h2>
<p>The Irish Sailing TRAINING CENTRE OF THE YEAR is one of the most popular categories on the night of the Awards. Each of the nominees listed below is a regional winner and goes forward for the overall nomination of Training Centre of the Year. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Courtown Sailing Club, Wexford (East Region winner) </strong></p>
<p>Courtown have had a very strong investment in their up-and-coming instructors over the last number of years. They have an efficient pathway for them as well as implementation of proper training for pre-entry. As such this has fed directly into the delivery of their training programmes as demonstrated by the really nice and friendly team of instructors. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Gecko Adventures, Cork (South Region winner) </strong></p>
<p>Established in 2018 as a windsurfing and multi-activity Training Centre, they have now developed to now also include Sailing and Powerboating and have become an Irish Sailing Training Centre in 2021. They are an innovative centre who over the past two years they have continued to expand and upgrade their fleet and developed an Academy programme for 13 – 17 year olds. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Galway Hooker Sailing Club, Galway (West Region winner) </strong></p>
<p>Although they are a relatively new Club and Training Centre compared to the long history of the boats themselves, there is a great drive for training across powerboating and keelboat sailing. Everyone is hands on deck involved in developing each other’s skills and knowledge. With<strong> 58% </strong>female membership, they work with local schools and Simon community groups to provide training courses to the community. </p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Mon, 20 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7971/training-centre-of-the-year-shortlist</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Rocco Wright takes bronze at ILCA European Champs !</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7962/rocco-wright-takes-bronze-at-ilca-european-champs</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/ROcco_Day_5.jpg" alt="" height="200"/>
<p><strong>Bronze medal for Rocco Wright at European Championships in Italy ! </strong></p>
<p><strong>Friday 17th March 2023</strong></p>
<p>After an eleven race series at the ILCA European Championships (Andora, Italy) defending title-holder Rocco Wright (Howth Yacht Club) emerged with the bronze medal for his event after a close final day of racing.</p>
<p>Mattia Cesana of Italy edged ahead to become the new ILCA6 men's champion.</p>
<p>Along with Greek sailor Athanasios Kyfidi who took the silver on tie-break, the leading trio had enjoyed a week long duel at the front of their 71-boat event in a range of conditions. Although winning second in one of the final day's races, a race win would have been needed to dislodge Cesana.</p>
<p>“Rocco was getting caught in a group on the starts today when he needed to do his own thing,” commented Rory Fitzpatrick, Irish Sailing’s Head Coach. “He also hadn't been sailing for four weeks as he was recovering from illness.”</p>
<p>The ILCA 6 event also saw Fiachra McDonnell (Royal St. George Yacht Club) place ninth overall with some very solid performances over the series that augurs well for the future.</p>
<p>In the men's senior ILCA7 event, Finn Lynch (National Yacht Club) worked back from twin disappointments on Thursday to finish tenth European and the 13th overall in his event.</p>
<p>“It was a very, very up and down week for me, a good start and a decent ending," he said after racing ended. "I was happy with how I was sailing but definitely lots of room to improve.”</p>
<p>The series had started with plenty of promise including straight fifth places in the qualification round, setting the Carlow sailor on a good trajectory into the final round.</p>
<p>"Today we tried to be at least top ten of the Europeans and we managed that, it's a good result, a good average but obviously we wanted to be in the fight for the medal," commented Irish Sailing Laser coach Vasilij Zbogar. "But a bad race and a lost protest makes that almost impossible in this tough fleet”.</p>
<p>“There are good signs - we're always there (in the top results) which is most important."</p>
<p>Although Ewan McMahon was able to comfortably qualify for the Gold fleet, including a race when he placed second behind Lynch in an unusual 1-2 result for IRL sail numbers, the Howth sailor ended the event in 45th overall.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, his sister Eve rounded off her regatta in the ILCA 6 women's event in 14th in the European Championship. The 19-year old is on her first full season at senior level and is making steady progress after her triple Gold medal season in 2022.</p>
<p>“Eve had a good day and is definitely making progress in the fleet and learning a lot with more to come,” commented Rory Fitzpatrick, Irish Sailing’s Head Coach. “She doesn't have as much time in the boat as the older seniors but is getting faster and just needs to improve her speed.”</p>
<p>The Irish squad are next in action at the Trofeo Princesa Sofia in Palma, Mallorca at the start of April.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Day 5, Thursday 16th March 2023: Podium beckons for Rocco Wright at European Championships in Italy</strong></p>
<p>After challenging conditions at the ILCA European Championships in Andora, Italy, defending title-holder Rocco Wright (Howth Yacht Club) faces a two-race challenge for Friday's finale with an almost certain prospect of a podium result.</p>
<p>Greek sailor Athanasios Kyfidis and Mattia Cesana of Italy edged ahead of Wright today but just seven points separate first to third places in their event, the ILCA 6 men's championship.</p>
<p>The leading sailors have opened up a large gap on the points table to the remainder of the 71-boat class that includes Fiachra McDonnell (Royal St. George Yacht Club) in eleventh overall.</p>
<p>However, the day ended with disappointment for top ranked world sailor Finn Lynch (National Yacht Club) who placed fourth in the day's first race for the senior men's ILCA 7 event. A protest by Australian event leader Matt Wearn against the Irish sailor for an alleged rules infringement saw Lynch accept an arbitration penalty ashore following the end of racing for the day.</p>
<p>The added points dropped Lynch to 15th overall and his best outcome for the championship would be a top ten placing on Friday.</p>
<p>"It's a back-handed compliment of sorts when the championship leader goes after you," commented Rory Fitzpatrick, Irish Sailing’s Head Coach. "If Finn was mid-fleet or not considered a real threat he wouldn't have bothered."</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Howth's Eve McMahon ended her penultimate day in 18th overall in her 56-boat ILCA6 women's senior event.</p>
<p>"It was all about no risk, no reward," commented Fitzpatrick. "Eve played the middle (of the course) but got passed on the sides. For both Rocco and Eve, the only form of defence today was attack."</p>
<p>Racing concludes on Friday with two races scheduled for all three events in the combined championship.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Day 4: Results tighten as the Team remain strong in final days of European Championships, Wednesday 15th March 2023</strong></p>
<p>With just two days remaining of the ILCA European Championships (Andora, Italy) the team are in contention in at least two events with top ten results also in sight as conditions improve for the 378 competitors.</p>
<p>Defending European champion Rocco Wright (Howth Yacht Club) in the ILCA 6 event moved into the overall lead thanks to a race win on Wednesday. He holds a two point overall lead from Greek sailor Athanasios Kyfidis and Mattia Cesana of Italy tied for second place.</p>
<p>Wright's lead would be slightly better but for a capsize in the final race of the day when he placed eighth, his worst result of the series so far which he discards. Nevertheless, his fourth day of competition still counted another race win and all top ten results to date.</p>
<p>There was a further strong showing for Fiachra McDonnell (Royal St. George Yacht Club) who had a very consistent day with a fifth, sixth and third places that shift him back up the ranks to sixth overall.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the ILCA 6 class is the senior level event for the women's competition where Eve McMahon (Howth YC) improved from 19th to 15th overall thanks to sixth and third places as well as a 12th as her event moves into Gold fleet finals racing from Thursday.</p>
<p>"Eve had a solid day with good improvements from training in terms of boatspeed," said Rory Fitzpatrick, Irish Sailing’s Head Coach. "She goes much better at the top of the fleet when she gets up there now."</p>
<p>In the ILCA 7 event for senior men, top ranked world sailor Finn Lynch had a setback before the day's first race began when gear failure struck his new boat. The device that stops the centreboard from popping up failed and a repair at sea was needed. He couldn't compete and incurred maximum points which he discarded.</p>
<p>A 19th place followed with the repair in place which dropped him to ninth place overall in his Gold fleet.</p>
<p>"We had quite nice wind from 15 to 22 knots," commented Vasilij Zbogar, Irish Sailing's Laser Coach. "Unfortunately Finn had gear failure before the first race but everything is still open."</p>
<p>Racing across all fleets continues with the final for the coming two days.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Day 3: Team in strong positions going into finals of European Championships, Tuesday 14 March</strong></p>
<p>At the mid-point of the ILCA European Championships in Andora, the Team are holding strong overall positions at the conclusion of the qualifying round of four races to determine the Gold fleet ahead of Friday's final result.</p>
<p>Finn Lynch (National Yacht Club) delivered another two fifth places on Tuesday before ending the qualification round with a race win.</p>
<p>There was a historic moment when second place in the same race was taken by team-mate Ewan McMahon (Howth Yacht Club) with a 1-2 result for IRL sail numbers at a major championship event.</p>
<p>In the men's ILCA 6 fleet, Rocco Wright (Howth Yacht Club) rounded off his qualification round with an emphatic race win and lies second overall in his event by a single point.</p>
<p>As defending champion, the young sailor overcame a shaky start to the day when he capsized while in second place but recovered to finish sixth. In the next race, he placed third before going onto his race win.</p>
<p>As lowest scoring boat overall in his 71-boat event, he is well placed for the coming three days of racing to decide the championship.</p>
<p>Team-mate Fiachra McDonnell (Royal St. George Yacht Club) also had a mixed day and lies 14th overall in the event thanks to a 14th place in the final race.</p>
<p>In the senior ILCA 6 women's event, Eve McMahon (Howth YC) recovered from a port-starboard incident shortly after the first race started and sailed well to place 14th and then ninth in the second race of the day.</p>
<p>“It was still quite a shifty day, breeze up and down and quite tricky,” said Rory Fitzpatrick, Irish Sailing’s Head Coach, speaking of the Irish Youth World Champion. “She's worked quite hard at her boatspeed in the past two months and is able to pick off boats (while recovering places)."</p>
<p>With just three races sailed in the qualification round for the ILCA 6 women, Wednesday will see a further three races scheduled before deciding the finals line-up to be sailed over the remaining two days of the event.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Solid performances on Day 2 at European Championships, Monday 13 March.</strong></p>
<p>Although light winds again played havoc with the racing schedule at the ILCA 7 European Championships (Andora, Italy) all three Irish boats racing today delivered solid performances in their opening race of the series.</p>
<p>In the senior ILCA 6 women's event, Eve McMahon (Howth Yacht Club) recovered from a poor start to the race and over the first lap of the course worked into the top ten boats of her flight. On the second upwind leg, she slipped back a little and placed 12th which is still a good start to the event in her 116-boat event.</p>
<p>“It was another fickle day. There was breeze to start with but it faded away,” said Rory Fitzpatrick, Irish Sailing’s Head Coach, speaking of the Irish Youth World Champion. “There was plenty of learning for the day for such a young sailor.”</p>
<p>Also on the same course area, the Men's ILCA 6 class had their first race of the series that saw both Irish sailors place in the top five.</p>
<p>Fiachra McDonnell (Royal St. George Yacht Club) placed second while Rocco Wright (Howth YC) had a fifth.</p>
<p>"Fiachra and Rocco executed their plans well, so a solid start to their series," said Fitzpatrick. "A couple of other guys went for the race win strategy a little harder than they did but it’s still a solid start to the series for them."</p>
<p>The senior men's ILCA 7 class had no wind on their course to allow a second race so Tuesday will again be a waiting game to see if the weather delivers enough wind for a planned three-race day across all fleets.</p>
<p>Finn Lynch (National YC) had a fifth place on Sunday while Ewan McMahon (Howth YC) placed 20th in their single qualification round race sailed to date.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Day 1 and a Solid start for the Team at the ILCA European Championships in Italy</strong></p>
<p>In spite of near calm conditions for the opening day of the ILCA 7 European Championships (Andora, Italy 12/3/23), Ireland's sailors that did have races delivered a good start to the six-day series.</p>
<p>Rio Olympian Finn Lynch (National Yacht Club) scored a fifth place in his qualification race while Ewan McMahon (Howth Yacht Club) sailed most of his race in the top ten before slipping to 14th at the finish.</p>
<p>A total of 191 entries are competing with the finals scheduled to begin on Wednesday for Gold, Silver and Bronze fleet splits.</p>
<p>"We had very light conditions, shifty and unpredictable with a lot of current that was the key factor today," commented Vasilij Zbogar, Irish Sailing's ILCA coach. "Both (Irish sailors) had quite good results though the race was very much on the limit from beginning to end; it was a good day and a good start to the event."</p>
<p>However, there was no racing for the women's ILCA 6 event although multiple attempts were made to get races away in the windless conditions.</p>
<p>"We had very light, fickle conditions," commented Rory Fitzpatrick, Head Coach with Irish Sailing. "No complete races for ILCA 6, lots of attempted starts and Black Flag disqualifications though none for Irish sailors."</p>
<p>The men's event was sailed in breeze of three to five knots with a one knot current running across the course area.</p>
<p>"Finn got out of the blocks well so he'll be happy to start the regatta with a nice counter," said Fitzpatrick.</p>
<p>An improved weather forecast is expected for Monday when both events are expected to sail three races to catch up on the regatta schedule.</p>
<p> </p>
<h2> </h2>
<h2>Irish Sailing Team head for European Championships </h2>
<p>Members of the Irish Sailing Olympic Team have arrived in Andora in Italy for the first international competition of the season. The ILCA team will compete at the <strong>2023 ILCA Senior European Championships</strong> which sees both men and women competing in the ILCA 6 and 7. </p>
<p>On the team are Olympian and world silver medallist<strong> Finn Lynch (National YC)</strong> and World and European youth champion<strong> Eve McMahon (Howth YC)</strong>. Also competing for Ireland is <strong>Ewan McMahon </strong>an experienced campaigner and older sibling of Eve. </p>
<p>Competing in the non-Olympic ILCA 6 men’s division are Irish Sailing Academy teammates <strong>Rocco Wright and Fiachra McDonnell.</strong> While not a major event in their calendar, it will be good for them to get competition in early in the season. </p>
<p>This summer Finn Lynch was placed second in the world in the World Sailing rankings, thanks to a consistent string of results that included a silver medal at the ILCA7 World Championship in Barcelona in November 2021 and his 6th place at the 2022 ILCA 7 Men’s World Championship in Mexico in May 2022. </p>
<p>Andora will be Eve McMahon’s third senior level European championships but her first not competing as a Youth. She had an extremely successful summer in 2022 winning a hat-trick of gold medals at the ILCA 6 Youth European Championships in Greece, the World Sailing Youth World Championships in the Netherlands, the ILCA 6 Youth World Championships in Texas, and finishing with silver at the U21 ILCA Youth World Championships in Portugal in August. </p>
<p>In the men’s ILCA 7 fleet there are 195 sailors representing 42 countries, including the reigning Senior European champion Pavlos Kontydes, the reigning World champion Jean Baptiste Bernaz (France) and the reigning Olympic Gold medallist Matthew Wearn (Australia). The ILCA 6 women’s fleet sees 117 sailors representing 40 countries, including the reigning Senior European champion Agata Barwinska of Poland, and the reigning World champion and Olympic Gold medallist Anne-Marie Rindom of Denmark. </p>
<p>The team is supported by Irish Sailing Head coach<strong> Rory Fitzpatrick (OLY) and ILCA 7 coach Vasilij Zbogar,</strong> three-time Olympic medallist from Slovenia. In addition to the coaching team Ireland will have psychologist Kate Kirby and physiotherapist Mark McCabe in attendance at the event. </p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>“It is quite unusual to have a peak event so early in the season but it provides a great opportunity for our ILCA sailors to get a gauge on how their winter programmes have impacted their progress” </em>said <strong>James O’Callaghan, Irish Sailing Performance Director. </strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Racing begins on <strong>Sunday 12th March </strong>and concludes with the medal races on <strong>Friday 17th March. </strong></p>
<p>To follow the competition and results: <a href="https://2023-senior.eurilca-europeans.org/" target="_blank">https://2023-senior.eurilca-europeans.org/</a> </p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 17 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7962/rocco-wright-takes-bronze-at-ilca-european-champs</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>ICRA 2024 Venue Announced</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7968/icra-2024-venue-announced</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Copy_of_Web_News_Temp_WHITE_LOGO__27_.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2>ICRA 2024 Venue Announced</h2>
<p>ICRA last week announced at its annual conference that it is delighted to announce that the 2024 ICRA Nationals would be held at the <strong>Royal Irish Yacht Club on September 6-8<sup>th</sup></strong>.</p>
<p><strong>Commodore David Cullen </strong>spoke highly of the team in the Royal Irish who undoubtedly will put together a very attractive and professionally run event.</p>
<p>He also added that ICRA were now inviting expressions of interest from Clubs wishing to host the <strong>ICRA Nationals in 2025 </strong>and asked anyone interested to formally send their interest to <a href="mailto:info@cruiserracing.ie" target="_blank">info@cruiserracing.ie</a> before May 1<sup>st</sup>.</p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 16 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7968/icra-2024-venue-announced</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Nominees for Club of the Year</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7969/nominees-for-club-of-the-year</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Web_News_Temp_WHITE_LOGO__4_.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2>Irish Sailing's Club of the Year Shortlist</h2>
<p>The newly created Irish Sailing Club of the Year Award has been put in place to highlight all the hard work Irish Sailing affiliated clubs do around promoting and supporting sailors and our sports.</p>
<p>There are three <strong>regional winners</strong>, and each of them have been put forward for the overall title.</p>
<p>And the nominees are:</p>
<p> </p>
<h3><strong>Cove Sailing Club, Cork </strong></h3>
<p>There is an incredibly strong sense of community in Cove Sailing Club. This is a club that is keen to boost participation within the community and they have a strong commitment to racing and their own local classes. They are particularly dedicated to encouraging women to take the helm in powerboating and providing a strong support team on and off the water. </p>
<p> </p>
<h3><strong>Sutton Dinghy Club, Dublin </strong></h3>
<p>Since Sutton Dinghy Club was formed it has been a pillar of Irish Sailing activity boasting seven Olympians and hosting 25 National Championships for various classes. The Club has always supported the vision to make sailing and boating more accessible to all by developing their inclusion programme and engagement with local Fingal underserved and special needs groups. They have built youth engagement in training, fleet racing, team racing and social sailing and the judges were impressed with their hosting of the Irish Sailing Champion’s Cup in 2022.</p>
<p> </p>
<h3><strong>Sligo Yacht Club, Sligo </strong></h3>
<p>Sligo YC have recently completed a significant redevelopment of their club facilities making it more open and accessible to the public in hope of gaining new membership. They are the leading club driving the Safehaven Project to encourage children from the local direct provision centre to do a sailing course and sponsoring those families who would like to continue to sail as members. They are now looking forward to see how they can open their doors to other sports in the community. </p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 16 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7969/nominees-for-club-of-the-year</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Meet the Team</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7970/meet-the-team</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Irish_Sailing_National_Conference_agm_awards__940_×_600_px_.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h1>Active, Happy, Healthy</h1>
<p>We are delighted to announce Dr Susan Crawford of Get Autism Active as a speaker at the 2023 Irish Sailing National Conference. Dr Crawford has a PhD in fundamental movement skills and autism and will discuss her work with the Royal College of Surgeons that looks at understanding the link between sport and our health and wellbeing.</p>
<p>Dr. Susan Crawford has supported Irish Sailing as the National Governing Body for sailing, windsurfing and powerboating, in their aim to becoming more inclusive with particular focus on people with autism. Her professional presentation and academic knowledge is only surpassed by her passion to share her personal experiences in an infectious and invigorating way to our team of staff, board members and volunteers.</p>
<p>As we move towards a season of activity on the water we all know the effect being active on the water has on our mental and physical health. At the National Conference we want to celebrate our sports and the many ways we can support and encourage others to join us on the water.</p>
<p>We have a line-up that includes a short session from each of Irish Sailing’s activities to bring you some inspiration for the season ahead. Sign up and join the team on Saturday 25<sup>th</sup> March, Royal Marine Hotel.</p>
<p style="text-align:center"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/530502064957" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://www.sailing.ie/portals/0/Images/2023/register%20now%20%283%29.png" /></a></p>
<h2 style="text-align:center"><strong><a href="https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/irish-sailing-conference-2023-and-awards-2022-tickets-530502064957" target="_blank">REGISTER NOW</a></strong></h2>
<h2><strong>Conference Talks </strong></h2>
<p><strong>Commence at 1500</strong></p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><strong>Presidents Welcome and President’s Report</strong></p>
<p style="margin-left:80px">- from John Twomey, Irish Sailing President</p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><strong>Observations on Irish Sailing and themes for the future</strong></p>
<p style="margin-left:80px">- from Tim Bourke, Irish Sailing CEO</p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><strong>Sport, Health and Wellbeing</strong> </p>
<p style="margin-left:80px">- the link between sport and our health and wellbeing with Dr Susan Crawford</p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><strong>Racing </strong></p>
<p style="margin-left:80px">- why it’s important to build a race management pipeline and how to go to about it - Sarah-Louise Rossiter</p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><strong>Training </strong></p>
<p style="margin-left:80px">- what Irish Sailing offers, how to get involved and how to get started on structuring your offerings - Dave Garvey</p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><strong>Diversity and Inclusion</strong> </p>
<p style="margin-left:80px">- getting as many people on the water as possible - Ciaran Murphy</p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><strong>Women Take the Helm</strong></p>
<p style="margin-left:80px">- bringing more women into sailing - Gail MacAllister</p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><strong>Cruising </strong></p>
<p style="margin-left:80px">- how to support your cruising sailors - Gail MacAllister</p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><strong>Sustainability </strong></p>
<p style="margin-left:80px">- making your events more sustainable - Gail MacAllister</p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><strong>Performance </strong></p>
<p style="margin-left:80px">- Guiding young sailors up through the pathway classes, and an update on the Irish Sailing Performance Team - James O’Callaghan & Rory Fitzpatrick</p>
<h2>Networking</h2>
<p>Meet the team and network with fellow stakeholders 16:30 to 17:30</p>
<h2>Awards</h2>
<p>17:30 is kick of for the Irish Sailing Awards 2022. It is time to celebrate a year of incredible sailing, adventures and achievements ...</p>
<ul>
<li>Sailor of the Year</li>
<li>Youth Sailor of the Year</li>
<li>Volunteer of the Year</li>
<li>Senior Instructor of the Year</li>
<li>Training Centre of the Year</li>
<li>Club of the Year</li>
<li>Cruising, Sustainability and more are being celebrated on Saturday night. </li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align:center"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/530502064957" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://www.sailing.ie/portals/0/Images/2023/register%20now%20%283%29.png" /></a></p>
<h2 style="text-align:center"><strong><a href="https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/irish-sailing-conference-2023-and-awards-2022-tickets-530502064957" target="_blank">REGISTER NOW</a></strong></h2>
<h1 style="text-align:center"><a href="http://www.sailing.ie/awards">www.sailing.ie/awards</a> </h1>
<p> </p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 16 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7970/meet-the-team</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Volunteer of the Year Shortlist</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7967/volunteer-of-the-year-shortlist</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Web_News_Temp_WHITE_LOGO__3_.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2>Irish Sailing’s Volunteer of the Year Shortlist 2023!</h2>
<p>The Volunteer of the Year Award recognises the incredible and selfless work and time that an individual invests in giving back to their club or local community. We simply could not enjoy our days on the water without them, whether it be race officer, junior organiser or a mentor in the club; these are the people giving their time for the rest of us.</p>
<p><strong>Ann Kirwan, of Dublin Bay Sailing Club:</strong></p>
<p>First up we have Ann Kirwan. Ann was Commodore of DBSC for most of the Covid 19 Pandemic. She not only pushed to get as much racing held as possible but also led an inclusivity drive to increase participation. As the second female commodore in the club's long history, Ann championed Irish Sailing’s Women on the Water events by successfully competing in, committing DBSC support to, and encouraging others to join the events. Hving stepped down as Commodore, Ann has left a legacy in racing on Dublin Bay and DBSC which will bring racing to more people and encourage those at all levels to participate in our sport</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Brian Stewart, Malahide Yacht Club</strong></p>
<p>After many years of hard work and commitment both on and off the committee, Brian took on the newly created role of Club Bosun on his retirement from work. Effectively "living" in the dinghy park, he has become the constant ‘go to’ helper. From saving the club money to innovative systems for the club, he now mentors the next generation of young sailors on practical aspects of boat maintenance. An all round rock for Malahide Yacht Club.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Suzanne McGarry, Dublin Bay Sailing Club</strong></p>
<p>Suzanne is an excellent mentor, particularly for women. She has been a key supporter of the dinghy fleet in DBSC, is always available to encourage others and was one of the key supporters of the 2022 Women at the Helm in Dublin Bay.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Sharon De Bhaldraithe, Galway City Sailing Club</strong></p>
<p>The epitome of a volunteer, 2022 was Sharon’s fourth year as the club’s Public Relations Officer and third as Safeguarding Liaison Officer. She was extremely proactive in promoting sailing for everyone and started the club’s programme for children in direct provision. Always going ‘above and beyond’, Sharon is always the last one there the night before any event and the first to show up the very next day!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Brendan and Sarah Foley, Royal St. George Yacht Club</strong></p>
<p>Brendan and Sarah have been instrumental in driving youth participation as Oppie class captains, IODAI committee members and heavily promoting RS Aero and Feva fleets. They have grown their Optimist class to be the largest in the country.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Colman Grimes, Skerries Sailing Club</strong></p>
<p>Colman is wildly enthusiastic about sailing and getting people on the water. He organizes and administers sail training for Juniors and Seniors and was the major driver of the very successful GP14 Worlds in Skerries. He is a veritable powerhouse for promoting sailing.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Colum McCaffrey, Scouting Ireland Malahide Sea Scouts</strong></p>
<p>Colum has invested hundreds of hours in putting sailing back at the heart of the Sea Scouting movement. Through his work in Malahide, hundreds of young people have gone afloat. In particular he has built a strong pipeline of sailing and powerboating instructors in order to multiply his impact. He lives and breathes sailing and never rests in his quest to spread the message around the country through the Sea Scout network.</p>
<p>Here’s to all our nominated volunteers and to the many more across the country, whom without our sport would not quite be the same!</p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 14 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7967/volunteer-of-the-year-shortlist</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Investwise Youth Nationals</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7965/investwise-youth-nationals</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/FACEBOOK_GRAPHIC.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2><strong>Ireland’s best young sailors taking part in the Irish Sailing Investwise Youth Nationals</strong></h2>
<p>Ireland’s biggest youth regatta will again see more than <strong>200 young sailors</strong> taking part at the 2023 Irish Sailing Investwise Youth National Championships, hosted this year by Howth Yacht Club in Dublin and sponsored by Investwise Financial Planning. </p>
<p>The sailors will be vying for their opportunity to be noticed by Irish Sailing’s coaches who are out and about talent-spotting, identifying young hopefuls for the Irish Sailing Performance Pathway. The Pathway Programme is the development pipeline that brings sailors from potential to medal winning performance, and ultimately the Olympic Team.</p>
<p>Host club <strong>Howth </strong>has a long track record of stellar youth sailors and is home to <strong>Tokyo Olympian Robert Dickson</strong>, the current <strong>ILCA6 Youth World and European champions Eve McMahon</strong>and<strong> Rocco Wright</strong>, and<strong> Aoife Hopkins</strong> who recently retired from her Olympic campaigning. </p>
<p>The Irish Sailing Investwise Youth National Championships are the biggest youth sailing event held in Ireland – and unique in that it’s the only time that different youth classes come together to compete, gain valuable experience on the water, and learn more about the Irish Sailing Performance Pathway Programme directly from the coaches.</p>
<p><strong>There are six classes identified as the best to facilitate progression through the Irish Sailing Performance Pathway: Optimist, Topper, ILCA 4, ILCA 6, 420s and 29ers. Irish Sailing coaches will be talent spotting throughout the event.</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Sean Evans, Irish Sailing Development Manager said</strong><strong> </strong></p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><strong>“</strong><em>the Youth Nationals is the diamond event for those starting off their sailing career. It’s an opportunity for sailors from across the nation to test what they have been developing and perfecting within their clubs against the best competition on offer. The event covers an opportunity for all, from those who will be competing in this as their first major event after training hard at their clubs, to those who will be fighting it out at the top end of the results sheet. Regardless of where you are in your development it’s a journey and Irish Sailing’s youth and junior coaches will be out on the water and on the land to watch every start, tack and gybe</em>”.</p>
<p>Sean adds:</p>
<p style="margin-left:40px">“<em>Howth is a tidal venue so knowing what the water is doing can be a big advantage. And spring in Ireland can bring a wide range of wind speeds and temperatures so make sure to keep a weather eye on the forecast</em>”.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>David Quinn, Managing Director of Investwise Financial Planning said<em> </em></strong></p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>“Myself and the team at Investwise are thrilled to be sponsoring the Irish Sailing Youth National Championships again this year. Our own motto is ‘Invest in your Future’, but for this event it feels more apt to say ‘Invest in their future’. Youth sailing was a hugely important and enjoyable part of my formative years, where I made life-long friends and learned valuable life lessons, so I’m delighted to be able to give something back and support this generation of competitors. Good luck to all the sailors and event volunteers”.</em></p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Mon, 13 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7965/investwise-youth-nationals</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>29er Clinics</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7966/29er-clinics</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/573/29er_clinics.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<p>With the season fast approaching Irish Sailing are organising a number of training opportunities. Ideal to kick start your season and fine tune your racing skills before the Invest wise Youth Nationals in Howth Yacht Club this Easter. Spaces are limited so get your applications in fast - go here <a href="https://forms.office.com/e/L9QTEKCZM3">https://forms.office.com/e/L9QTEKCZM3</a>.</p>
<p>Applications close the Wednesday before each training and attendance is confirmed with an acceptance email from Irish Sailing.</p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Mon, 13 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7966/29er-clinics</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Irish Sailing National Conference</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7964/irish-sailing-national-conference</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/1-9.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2><strong>Have you registered for the Irish Sailing Conference ?</strong></h2>
<p>The Irish Sailing Conference takes place before the Irish Sailing Awards on Saturday 25<sup>th</sup> of March at the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire.</p>
<p>You can read more on the agenda below, and register using the link<strong> <a href="https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/irish-sailing-conference-2023-and-awards-2022-tickets-530502064957">HERE</a> </strong></p>
<p>We look forward to seeing you in two weeks time !</p>
<p> </p>
<p>15.00 Welcome and President’s Report - <strong>John Twomey</strong></p>
<p>15.10 Observations on Irish Sailing and themes for the future - <strong>Tim Bourke</strong></p>
<p>15.25 Racing – why it’s important to build a race management pipeline and how to go to about it - <strong>Sarah-Louise Rossiter</strong></p>
<p>15.35 Training – What Irish Sailing offers, how to get involved and how to get started on structuring your offerings - <strong>Dave Garvey</strong></p>
<p>15.45 Diversity and Inclusion - getting as many people on the water as possible - <strong>Ciaran Murphy</strong></p>
<p>15.55 Women Take the Helm – bringing more women into sailing - <strong> Gail MacAllister</strong></p>
<p>16.00 Sustainability – making your events more sustainable - <strong>Gail MacAllister</strong></p>
<p>16.05 Performance – Guiding young sailors up through the pathway classes, and an update on the Irish Sailing Performance Team - <strong>James O’Callaghan & Rory Fitzpatrick</strong></p>
<p>16.20 Networking - <strong>All</strong></p>
<h3>17.30 Irish Sailing Awards</h3>
<p> </p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 10 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7964/irish-sailing-national-conference</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>New Faces to ICRA</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7963/new-faces-to-icra</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Copy_of_Web_News_Temp_WHITE_LOGO__21_.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2><strong>New faces to the ICRA committee!</strong></h2>
<p><strong>ICRA (Irish Cruiser Racing Association)</strong> is very pleased to welcome <strong>Alice Shanahan and Michael Evans </strong>to the ICRA Committee for 2023. Both were elected at the recent annual ICRA Conference held in the Royal St George Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire.</p>
<p>Alice comes from the very successful Shanahan racing family and currently races their well known J109, Ruth, based in the National Yacht Club. Michael is co-owner of the highly successful J99 Snapshot from Howth Yacht Club who is also ICRA’s Boat of the Year for 2022.</p>
<p><strong>Commodore Dave Cullen</strong> also passed on ICRAs thanks to former Committee Member and Commodore, <strong>Richard Colwell </strong>who stepped down after several years on the Committee. He also welcomed Alice and Michael to complete the Committee Members as follows:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type:disc">
<li>David Cullen – Commodore & Howth Yacht Club</li>
<li>Denis Byrne – Secretary & Royal Cork Yacht Club</li>
<li>John Leech – Treasurer & Lough Derg Yacht Club</li>
<li>Saoirse Reynolds – National Yacht Club</li>
<li>Alice Shanahan – National Yacht Club</li>
<li>Brian Raftery – Sligo Sailing Club</li>
<li>Mark Mills – Wicklow Sailing Club</li>
<li>Liam Lynch – Tralee Bay Sailing Club</li>
<li>Daragh Connelly – Royal Cork Yacht Club</li>
<li>Ric Morris – Royal Irish Yacht Club</li>
<li>Michael Evans – Howth Yacht Club</li>
<li>Peter Ryan – National Yacht Club</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>For all the latest ICRA news go to <a href="https://cruiserracing.ie/" target="_blank">https://cruiserracing.ie/</a></p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 09 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7963/new-faces-to-icra</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Women Take The Helm in Galway</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7960/women-take-the-helm-in-galway</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Copy_of_Web_News_Temp_WHITE_LOGO__19_.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2>Women Take the Helm in Galway Bay </h2>
<p>History is at the heart of the <strong>Galway Hooker Sailing Club (GHSC)</strong> who are committed to the preservation of our maritime heritage. They’re also paving the way in women’s participation, with attracting female members to the club and getting them out on the water. Irish Sailing asked them to share some of what they’d done. </p>
<p>The club started in 2019 and last year women numbered <strong>61</strong> out of a total <strong>107 members</strong>. The high female participation in what was predominantly a male arena is not accidental. The club welcomes anyone with or without sailing experience as long as they have an interest in the boats and are willing to make a contribution at some level towards their use and preservation. For many, their first practical experience is in the workshop sanding, caulking, varnishing and painting an old boat to make it fit for the sea again. It’s here that members learn from master craftsmen how hookers are built.  While the work can be hard it presents an opportunity for members to get to know each other.  The thrill of launching a restored boat and learning how to sail further strengthens the sense of community. </p>
<p>Currently the club has 14 skippers, 5 of whom are women, and it is prioritising the upskilling of competent crew to this level.  Club secretary <strong>Tina Concannon</strong> says,</p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>‘There is an abundance of skill and competence among the crew and the focus now should be on building confidence on the water and on upskilling in boat maintenance and woodworking’.  </em></p>
<p>The temporary presence of the Irish Sailing Hawk boats on the Corrib last September presented an opportunity to enrol 5 women in a group of 8 into an Instructor training programme. Those 5 women are now qualified instructors and will go onto sharing their knowledge and skills to increase women sailing participation further in Galway Bay. One of those women is <strong>Aideen Kelly</strong>, from the <strong>2022 Women in Sailing Mentor initiative.</strong></p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>“I am delighted to see the mentorship has really made a difference, not only to Aideen, but to her club and the many other girls and women that will now be going through their training scheme with Aideen and the other instructors at the helm.”</em> - <strong>Gail MacAllister, Women in Sailing</strong></p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>‘It’s really cool that other sea-faring folk occasionally are surprised when they see an all-female crew…it’s great to see that our club is at the forefront in promoting female participation. We look forward to continuing to contribute to sailing in Ireland’.  - </em><strong>Club Commodore Ciaran Oliver</strong></p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 07 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7960/women-take-the-helm-in-galway</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Laura Dillon Sailor of The Year Nominee</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7961/laura-dillon-sailor-of-the-year-nominee</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Copy_of_Web_News_Temp_WHITE_LOGO__6_.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2>Sailor of The Year Nominee!</h2>
<p>Laura has been nominated for her stellar year of racing. Most recently finishing up in her position as Overseas Rear Commodore of the <strong>RORC (Royal Ocean Racing Club)</strong> Dillon is no stranger to international waters. We interviewed Laura, to hear all about what she has taken away from 2022. </p>
<p>Here in Ireland she sails as part of the J99 Crew, who won <strong>Irish Cruiser Racing Association </strong>(ICRA) Boat of the Year 2022 <strong>‘Snapshot’</strong> that sails out of <strong>Howth Yacht Club</strong> and won their Autumn League in 2022. She also co-helmed Snapshot to win the <strong>Irish Sailing Sia Partners Women at the Helm </strong>event in August in the National Yacht Club. </p>
<p>Dillon was also delighted to win ICRA class 1 at Cork week, as tactician onboard Journeymaker II, J111. </p>
<p>Then just a little further afield in Cowes, UK, Dillon was named Top Female Helm at Cowes week, where her boat Winsome, also placed 2nd. Here Dillon sails on a Dutch boat, Winsome, with a crew she has sailed with for the past 12 years. Winsome had a good season in 2022 and Dillon skippered them to class wins in RORC Easter Regatta and also Round the Isle of Wight race.</p>
<p>Finally, we scale up and move a little further South; to an <strong>Oyster 82, Zig Zag </strong>and across to Antigua to be precise. In March 2022 and again this March 2023, Laura is doing tactics on ZigZag, an Oyster 82 from UK, whom she has raced with for over 10 years.</p>
<p>Dillon takes every opportunity to get in a mixture of sailing and is keen to promote the sport wherever she can. Whether this be in her home club of Howth, to a wider audience with Irish Sailing or through family and friends. Loving the team element of the sport she has now racked up over 35 years of competitive international sailing, she comments that; </p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>“The competitive element is what keeps me coming back! You are forced to switch off from work, as you simply can’t be thinking about anything else on a start line.” </em></p>
<p>When asked if she has any highlights from 2022, she recollected on her time at the Women at the Helm event in Dun Laoghaire. Mentioning how special the event was to be amongst such a great group female sailors on and off the water, only made better by the stellar weather and summer conditions in Dublin Bay.</p>
<p>Finally Dillon mentioned how privileged she feels to be a part of this group of Nominees and how amazing the wide span of nominees is for the sport as a whole.</p>
<p>Leaving us with the quote<em> <strong>“Sailing Is a Sport for Life!”</strong></em></p>
<p>Congratulations Laura Dillon on all your successes and here’s to more in 2023! </p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 07 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7961/laura-dillon-sailor-of-the-year-nominee</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Irish Sailing AGM</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7958/irish-sailing-agm</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Web_News_Temp_WHITE_LOGO__2_-1.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<p>Dear Members,</p>
<p><strong>Irish Sailing AGM</strong></p>
<p>Please see attached notice of Irish Sailing’s Annual AGM at<strong> 1300hrs on Saturday 25<sup>th</sup> March</strong> in the Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin.</p>
<p>We very much hope you will be able to attend.#</p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><a href="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Irish_Sailing_Notice_of_AGM_2023.pdf" target="_blank"><strong>NOTICE OF AGM</strong></a></p>
<p><strong>Irish Sailing Conference & Awards</strong></p>
<p>Later in the day we will have our Irish Sailing Conference and Awards.</p>
<p>The <strong>Conference, commencing at 1500hrs</strong>, will be a plenary session on Irish Sailing and the full range of activities it undertakes on behalf of its members, from certificates to training, women on the water, racing (in all its forms), autism and inclusion programmes and hearing directly from the high performance team after a year of unprecedented success and how this all connects back to our clubs. We will also discuss our thinking and strategies for the future. We will then have a feedback and networking session in order that members can meet the staff, experts in each of their disciplines, the Board and other members. Networking, learning and discussion about our sport.</p>
<p>The Awards, starting at <strong>1730hrs</strong> is our annual celebration of commitment and achievement, with thirteen award categories this year and promises to be a great evening.</p>
<p>Please see attached our invitation to the Conference & Awards – we hope that you and a selection of your team and staff will book and join us for the event here <a href="https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/irish-sailing-conference-2023-and-awards-2022-tickets-530502064957" target="_blank">https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/irish-sailing-conference-2023-and-awards-2022-tickets-530502064957</a>.</p>
<p>The more from our community attending, the more successful it will be for all. </p>
<p>As newly appointed CEO, I look forward to seeing and meeting you there.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Yours sincerely,</p>
<p>Tim</p>
<p>Tim Bourke</p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7958/irish-sailing-agm</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>New additions to the OSG</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7957/new-additions-to-the-osg</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Copy_of_Web_News_Temp_WHITE_LOGO__16_.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2>Top performers Murphy and Nucifora join Irish Sailing Olympic Steering Group</h2>
<p>Irish Sailing has secured some of sport’s top performers to join the <strong>Olympic Steering Group (OSG)</strong> with Olympic silver medallist Annalise Murphy, and Irish rugby’s performance director David Nucifora.</p>
<p>The OSG is approved by the board of Irish Sailing (the national governing body) and operates on a four year cycle in line with the Olympics to oversee the delivery of the performance plan with the goal of winning medals. Along with Sport Ireland, the OSG works to ensure that Irish Sailing meets the highest standards of good governance.</p>
<p>The OSG is chaired by John Menton who competed in the Sydney 2000 Olympics as a discus thrower. He succeeded Patrick Coveney as chair in April 2022.</p>
<p><strong>Annalise Murphy is a three time sailing Olympian and Rio Olympic Games silver medallist</strong>. She competed in the 2017/2018 series of the Volvo Ocean Race on Turn the Tide on Plastic and was awarded both the Irish Times Sport Ireland Sportswoman of the Year and the Volvo Irish Sailing Sailor of the Year in 2016. She recently completed her MBA at Trinity College Dublin and as a member of the Olympic Federation of Ireland’s Athlete Commission, recently launched the Olympic Mentorship programme.</p>
<p><strong>David Nucifora is High Performance Director for the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) </strong>and former Australian player. Nucifora brings a wealth of experience working with top athletes in Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, and has been in the Irish rugby Performance Director role since 2014.</p>
<p><strong>Chair of the Olympic Steering Group John Menton</strong> said</p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>“I am delighted to welcome two such distinguished and experienced high performance sportspeople to the group. Annalise and David bring with them a vast range of different skills and expertise and are both highly respected in their fields as people at the top of their game – they represent the very best of sport in this country. Their experience will bring enormous value to the Olympic Steering Group and to the sport of sailing as a whole."</em></p>
<p><strong>Colin Kavanagh</strong>, a keen sailor and partner in law firm Arthur Cox leaves the OSG board after ten years’ service to the performance programme. His legal expertise has been invaluable in maintaining the highest governance standards. Elaine Mettler, a sailor and employment counsel with Aer Lingus will now take up the legal brief. Also retiring after a long duration of service is Sarah O’Connor, Deputy CEO of Wilson Hartnell.</p>
<p>Menton went on to say</p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>“I’d also like to recognise the significant contributions of Colin and Sarah. They’ve both helped bring the programme forward to one of the most respected in the Irish sports scene”</em></p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7957/new-additions-to-the-osg</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Irish Sailing Awards - You're Invited</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7959/irish-sailing-awards-you-re-invited</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/1-8.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2>Join us for a night at the Awards!</h2>
<p>Registration is now open for the you to join us and celebrate the outstanding achievements of our sports at the <strong>Irish Sailing Awards.</strong></p>
<p>Before the Awards ceremony, we also invite you to join our annual conference as we outline our activities, speak to our members and network. More details to follow.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>Saturday 25 March 2023</em></p>
<ul>
<li>Conference 14.30</li>
<li>Reception 16.30</li>
<li>Awards 17.30</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin</p>
<p>Dress code: smart casual</p>
<p>To RSVP please register: <a href="https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/irish-sailing-conference-2023-and-awards-2022-tickets-530502064957" target="_blank">https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/irish-sailing-conference-2023-and-awards-2022-tickets-530502064957</a></p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7959/irish-sailing-awards-you-re-invited</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>EUROSAF celebrates 25 years</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7955/eurosaf-celebrates-25-years</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Copy_of_Web_News_Temp_WHITE_LOGO__14_.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h3>Dear members and friends,</h3>
<p><strong>In 2023, the European Sailing Federation EUROSAF </strong>in its present form celebrates its 2<strong>5th anniversary.</strong> The founding meeting took place in March 1998 in Rome with representatives from 23 Members. </p>
<p>Over the past 25 years, the Federation has become increasingly established. Today, the Federation counts 43 members and offers them numerous services. </p>
<p>EUROSAF members will meet again in Rome on 11 March 2023 for the 26th Ordinary General Assembly. In the evening, numerous guests will be honoured for their past contributions during a celebration ceremony.</p>
<p>You will find the complete information attached.</p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7955/eurosaf-celebrates-25-years</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Sport Ireland continues to support Performance Pathway</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7954/sport-ireland-continues-to-support-performance-pathway</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/573/pic_for_sport_ireland_HP_funding.PNG" alt="" height="200"/>
<p>Irish Sailing are very pleased to receive continued support from Sport Ireland for the High Performance Programme in 2023 with a budget of €800,000 for this year and next in the lead up to the Paris Olympic Games.</p>
<p>In addition, €94,000 goes from Sport Ireland directly to Irish Sailing Team athletes for individual carding support, effectively paying them a salary so they can continue to compete professionally.</p>
<p>The Sport Ireland funding, announced earlier today, goes directly to the Performance Programme which supports the Olympic Team as well as the six Olympic Pathway classes (ILCA 6 (formerly Laser Radial), ILCA 4 (formerly Laser 4.7), 29er, 420, Topper and Optimist).</p>
<p>Over 200 of these young sailors will compete at the upcoming Irish Sailing Investwise Youth National Championships in April in Howth Yacht Club.</p>
<p>Newly appointed CEO of Irish Sailing Tim Bourke said “<em>the summer of 2022 saw our youth programme perform outstandingly well, with Eve McMahon taking home three world and European gold medals. This continued funding support from Sport Ireland for the High Performance Programme for this year and into 2024 meaning we can continue to populate and nurture our pipeline of young talent feeding into the senior Olympic Team and ensure that Ireland continues to punch above our weight on the international stage</em>”. </p>
<p>Adding to this, Irish Sailing Performance Director James O’Callaghan said “<em>today’s announcement of the annual grant is a result of the long-term strategic thinking from Sport Ireland, and will have a big impact on how we plan this year and onto the Paris Olympic Games in 2024. This continued support allows us to plan for a very young team, who are already thinking ahead to the LA Games in 2028”. </em></p>
<p>You can read the full Sport Ireland performance funding breakdown here: </p>
<p><a href="https://www.sportireland.ie/news/sport-ireland-to-invest-eu24m-in-high-performance-sport-in-2023">https://www.sportireland.ie/news/sport-ireland-to-invest-eu24m-in-high-performance-sport-in-2023</a></p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Wed, 01 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7954/sport-ireland-continues-to-support-performance-pathway</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>What are your summer plans?</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7953/what-are-your-summer-plans</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Copy_of_Web_News_Temp_WHITE_LOGO__13_.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h3><strong>Instructors ! Have you started planning your summer ?</strong></h3>
<p>Although it’s only the beginning of March, the summer season is rolling around quickly. Now is the time to be nailing down your plans for work this year. Clubs and Training Centres are finalising their programmes, looking at the courses they can offer and how many places they can make available - having a commitment from instructors, particularly <strong>Advanced and Senior Instructors</strong> is a key piece of this puzzle.</p>
<p>If you have not yet finalised your summer plans you may be interested in some work even if it’s not for the full course duration. Connect with your local Club or to check out options around the country. You can have a look at our Instructor Facebook page or the <a href="https://www.sailing.ie/Training/Clubs-Centres/Instructor-Jobs" target="_blank">Instructor Jobs</a> page on our website.</p>
<p>Remember to check if your qualifications are in date by going to the <a href="https://www.sailing.ie/Training/Clubs-Centres/Valid-Instructors" target="_blank">Valid Instructor</a> page on our website. If your qualifications are out of date you’ll need to complete a 1 day CPD revalidation. These can be run by any Club or Training Centre for a minimum of four participants. More dates are being added all the time and are listed on our <a href="https://www.sailing.ie/Training/Courses/Current-Scheduled-Training-Courses" target="_blank">Upcoming Courses</a> page as soon as we are notified.</p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 28 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7953/what-are-your-summer-plans</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Speakers Announced for ICRA conference</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7951/speakers-announced-for-icra-conference</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Copy_of_Web_News_Temp_WHITE_LOGO__11_.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<p><strong>Speakers announced for ICRA Conference</strong></p>
<p>The new CEO of Irish Sailing, Tim Bourke, and the co-owner of ICRA Boat of the Year Mike Evans are both lined up to speak at this year’s ICRA Conference.</p>
<p>The conference takes place on Saturday 4<sup>th</sup> March at the<strong> Royal St.George YC at 10.00am,</strong> followed by the AGM.</p>
<p>For more details and to register: <a href="https://cruiserracing.ie/national-conference/" target="_blank">https://cruiserracing.ie/national-conference/</a></p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Mon, 27 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7951/speakers-announced-for-icra-conference</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Kinsailor, Sailor of the Year Nominee</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7952/kinsailor-sailor-of-the-year-nominee</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Copy_of_Web_News_Temp_WHITE_LOGO__12_.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2>The U25s from Kinsale that took the J24 fleet by storm!</h2>
<p>Back in the summer of 2021 a group of instructors came together in Kinsale Yacht Club when they heard about the opportunity to avail of a grant for under 25s from ICRA (Irish Cruising Racing Association). As an avid group of young sailors wanting to get more action on the water they approached their club who were all up for supporting the program, alongside the grant and a few saturday car washes to fundraise in the club car park!</p>
<p>With the help of club member <strong>Dave Sullivan</strong> (now team mentor) they sourced a J24 from the UK and got straight to work, and named the boat Kinsailer. </p>
<p>Training began swiftly and their first event was in <strong>Foynes at the J24 Nationals</strong>. They started off well taking home best U25 boat with many lessons learnt. All the crew commented that this was an immediately welcoming class, as people were straight over to welcome this new boat on their first day in the boat park and give them a few tips. </p>
<p style="margin-left:40px">Team member <strong>Micheal O'Suilleabhain</strong> comments <em>“we owe a lot of our success to the class from those first meetings”. </em></p>
<p>By the time the Eastern Championships came around they had taken their competitors’ advice on board and had made a few upgrades to the boat. Despite experiencing a snapped mast at this event they still managed to place 3rd with the generous lend of a mast from Brian McDowell for the remainder of the event. </p>
<p>They then headed to their final week-long event of the season, the<strong> J24 Europeans hosted by Howth Yacht Club</strong>. Lying in 6th on their final day of racing, Kinsailor set themselves the goal of beating the Italian team in the last race to try and place 5th overall. To their amazement they performed so well in their final day, coming 2nd in the final race that they came out of the event in <strong>3rd place ! </strong></p>
<p>This U25 squad has a rotation of 15 sailors and growing; all keen to get involved whenever they can. They plan to host more fundraisers this year to help them with their goals of heading to the Europeans in Greece this summer and the Worlds if they can. They are also aiming to enter an all-female crew to the <strong>Sovereign’s Cup </strong>hosted by their very own Kinsale Yacht Club this June. </p>
<p>Congratulations to all involved and fair winds for another year on the water! </p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Mon, 27 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7952/kinsailor-sailor-of-the-year-nominee</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>JELLYBABY - Sailor of the Year Nominee</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7949/jellybaby-sailor-of-the-year-nominee</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Copy_of_Web_News_Temp_WHITE_LOGO__7_.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2><strong>Jellybaby J122, The Jones Family:</strong></h2>
<p>The<strong> SCORA </strong>(South Coast Offshore Racing Association) Boat of the Year <strong>‘Jellybaby’</strong> Is Nominated for this year’s ‘Sailor of the Year’ award. After an immensely successful season on the water at local, regional and national events this <strong>Family run J122 40 footer</strong> has stood out amongst the fleet.</p>
<h3><em>What’s better than racing in a 40ft competitive class?</em></h3>
<h3><em>But doing it with family and friends!</em></h3>
<p>And this is exactly what Jellybaby encourages. The boat believes in a fully Corinthian ethos, in that all crew are either family or club friends. The boat is helmed by either Father Brian or son's Cian or David Jones. They encourage junior sailors from the club to get involved on JellyBaby to get the full cruiser/racer experience. Over 50% of the crew are under 25 and many have been sailing with the Jones’ family for many years now. Robin Lynch who was a mentee among the Irish Sailing Women in Sailing Mentorship Program also sails on this boat.</p>
<p style="margin-left:40px">“This gives the boat a great energy and makes it great fun to sail every weekend” Brian comments</p>
<p>They had a great start in 2022 with a podium finish at Kinsale Yacht Club’s April League and winning Class 0 at WAVE regatta in June. Then subsequently ended the year with some great honours culminating in Royal Cork Yacht Club’s ‘Yacht of the Year’ and SCORA ‘Boat of the Year’ awards.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>JellyBaby Honours 2022:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>KYC April League 2022 – 3rd Overall Class 1</li>
<li>Howth WAVE Regatta 1st Overall IRC Class 0</li>
<li>Cork Week 1st Overall ECHO Class 0</li>
<li>KYC Fastnet Race 3rd</li>
<li>KYC to Baltimore 2nd Overall</li>
<li>Calves Week 1st Overall ECHO</li>
<li>RCYC At-Home Regatta 1st Overall Class 1</li>
<li>Naval Race 1st Overall</li>
<li>RCYC Autumn League 1st Overall IRC & ECHO</li>
<li>Royal Cork Yacht Club Yacht of The Year 2022</li>
<li>South Coast Offshore Racing Association Boat of the Year 2022</li>
</ul>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 23 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7949/jellybaby-sailor-of-the-year-nominee</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Zoe Mulvey - Sailor of the Year Nominee</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7950/zoe-mulvey-sailor-of-the-year-nominee</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Copy_of_Web_News_Temp_WHITE_LOGO__9_.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2><strong>Zoe Mulvey, accessible powerboating:</strong></h2>
<p>Zoe is a sailor who uses a wheelchair and has some additional learning needs, and we are delighted that she’s made the nomination list for the <strong>2022 Sailor of the Year.</strong></p>
<p>We met with her in Insomnia in Dun Laoghaire to interview her all about her passion for the sport.</p>
<p>Zoe was first introduced to the world of sailing and powerboating through an <strong>Enable Ireland</strong> outreach program that was affiliated with Irish Sailing. Reluctant at first, Zoe did not think sailing to was something she would have much interest in. But little did she know that just one session was going to grasp her so much.</p>
<p>From not wanting to go on the first session at all, Zoe now can not be stopped from getting out on the water. Zoe has continued to sail at every opportunity but her true passion is powerboating and chasing her need for speed.</p>
<p>At the most recent <strong>Irish Sailing Watersports Inclusion Games in 2022 at Lough Derg Yacht Club,</strong> Zoe was out on the rib every day, hail, rain or shine. She has the proud accolade of being the only person to have attended every Inclusion Games since their inception in 2017.</p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>“Smiles are all that you see” </em>her mother Emma comments whenever she is aboard!</p>
<p>Zoe recently attended every session of the <strong>Winter Inclusive Series</strong> providing rescue boat support.</p>
<p>Despite Zoe’s physical and intellectual challenges, she is committed to logging her hours and is currently working towards attaining her National Powerboat Licence and planning on providing rescue cover in WHBTC at this year’s Games.</p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 23 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7950/zoe-mulvey-sailor-of-the-year-nominee</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Youth Sailor of the Year Shortlist</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7948/youth-sailor-of-the-year-shortlist</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Web_News_Temp_WHITE_LOGO__35_.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2>Irish Sailing Youth Sailor of the Year Shortlist</h2>
<p>The Irish Sailing <strong>Youth Sailor of the Year Award</strong> is given to a young sailor 18 or under who has achieved an excellent performance representing Ireland internationally. 2022 was a stellar year for our young sailors competing across the world with our national anthem being played nearly eight times over the summer alone.</p>
<p>So here are your 2022 Youth nominees...</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Eve McMahon, Irish Sailing Team ILCA 6:</strong></p>
<p>Three time Irish Sailing Youth Sailor of the Year winner Eve McMahon gathered a hat-trick of gold medals this summer. The Howth Yacht Club sailor retained her gold at the ILCA6 Youth World Championships in Houston, Texas. The victory added to the gold medals she won at the Youth Sailing World Championships in the Netherlands, and at the European Youth ILCA6 Championship in Greece earlier in July. She also claimed silver at the U21 ULCA Youth World Championships in Vilamoura, Portugal.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Rocco Wright, Irish Sailing ILCA 6 Academy:</strong></p>
<p>Another familiar name on the nominee list is Rocco Wright. The Irish Sailing’s Academy sailor, also a product of Howth Yacht Club, closed out 2022 with a neck full of medals. Rocco began his success claiming gold alongside teammate Eve McMahon at the Youth World Championship in the Netherlands in July. He then went on to emerge overall winner of the ILCA6 Men's European Championship in Hyeres, France.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Lucia Cullen and Alana Twomey, 29er Team:</strong></p>
<p>Lucia Cullen (Royal St. George YC) and Alana Twomey (Royal Cork YC) the 29er sailing duo took home gold at the U17 World Championships and overall 3rd place World Champions in Spain this summer. They then added to this with the 29er National Championship title.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Bobby Driscoll, Toppers:</strong></p>
<p>Bobby of Ballyholme YC and member of the Irish Sailing Topper Squad missed gold narrowly to take home the silver medal at the Topper Worlds in Lake Garda after winning the majority of races throughout the event. He then went on to finish second in the British Nationals a week later - an impressive feat for a strong wind sailor in a full week of 5 knots sailing in Weymouth. These results (to be confirmed) gives him the best overall performance for an Irish sailor at the two top Topper events in one season. To round off his year, Bobby finished 1st at the National Championships winning six out of eight races.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Calum Pollard, Toppers:</strong></p>
<p>Another rising star in the Topper Class, Calum claimed gold at the Topper Worlds in the 4.2 class in Riva del Garda. Calum impressed, winning four bullets over 11 races. Calum is from Country Antrim YC.</p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7948/youth-sailor-of-the-year-shortlist</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Safe Guarding Courses</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7946/safe-guarding-courses</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Copy_of_Web_News_Temp_WHITE_LOGO.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2>We now have SG2 and 3 courses scheduled!</h2>
<p><em>For centres, clubs and classes to get qualified and be fully compliant to the <strong>Sport Ireland Safeguarding policy.</strong></em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>We also have Safeguarding 1 courses available on a choice of dates. All courses are online.</p>
<p>Book your space on line <a href="https://www.sailing.ie/Shop?cId=89" target="_blank"><strong>HERE</strong></a><strong> </strong>all courses are €20.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Dates</p>
<ul style="list-style-type:disc">
<li>Safeguarding 3 <strong>2 March</strong></li>
<li>Safeguarding 2 <strong> 1 March</strong></li>
<li>Safeguarding 1 <strong>27 February, 7 March, 15 March, 22 March</strong></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>Who needs which in your organisation?</p>
<ol start="1" style="list-style-type:decimal">
<li><strong>Safeguarding 1 - Child Welfare & Protection Basic Awareness Course</strong></li>
</ol>
<p style="margin-left:40px">All Instructors, Coaches, Children’s Officers and Designated Liaison Persons (DLP) must complete an Irish Sailing or LSP (if over 18yrs) 3-hour Child Welfare & Protection Basic Awareness Course. This course educates participants on the implementation of best practice in protecting the welfare of children involved in sport.</p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<ol start="2" style="list-style-type:decimal">
<li><strong>Safeguarding 2 - Club Children’s Officer (C.C.O)</strong></li>
</ol>
<p style="margin-left:40px">A person appointed to the Club Children’s Officer position in a club must have completed safeguarding 1 (Child Welfare & Protection Basic Awareness workshop) and should complete the <strong>NEW Club Children’s Officer 3-hour workshop</strong>. This course will help the <em>Club Children’s Officer</em> to carry out the function of their role in the club and support the implementation of best practice in the club. Participants will also receive a Club Children’s Officer Action Planning document as part of the training.</p>
<p> </p>
<ol start="3" style="list-style-type:decimal">
<li><strong>Safeguarding 3 - Designated Liaison Person(DLP)</strong></li>
</ol>
<p style="margin-left:40px">A person appointed to the Designated Liaison Person position in a club must have completed the Child Welfare & Protection Basic Awareness Course and should complete the <strong>NEW Designated Liaison Person 3-hour workshop</strong>. A club may appoint the same person to both the CCO and DLP positions however best practice advises that they are kept as separate roles.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>To find out more about Safeguarding requirements for clubs, centres and classes take a look at <a href="http://www.sailing.ie/Safeguarding" target="_blank">www.sailing.ie/Safeguarding</a></p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 17 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7946/safe-guarding-courses</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>February Race Officials Update</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7947/february-race-officials-update</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Web_News_Temp_WHITE_LOGO__23_.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2>Irish Sailing’s Race Officials Policy Group</h2>
<p>A group of race officials who are charged with developing policies and best practices for race management and associated regatta management for all levels of events sailed under the auspices of Irish Sailing. It is not an exclusive group of Race Officers but incorporates people who have lent their time (and continue to lend their time) to mark-laying, processing race results, equipment inspections, safety management, judging, umpiring and of course, race management.</p>
<p>The Group is currently chaired by <strong>David Lovegrove (Howth Yacht Club).</strong></p>
<p>The most recent meeting of the Group took place in<strong> mid-January, </strong>an in-person meeting at the Irish Sailing offices in Park Road.</p>
<p>As the subjects that the Group considers span a number of meetings there may be an element of similarity in what is reported in this newsletter (and future newsletters) but that simply endeavours to reflect progress on the subject matter in question.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 17 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7947/february-race-officials-update</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>National Watersports Campus</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7943/national-watersports-campus</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Web_News_Temp_WHITE_LOGO__31_.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<p>Plans for Dun Laoghaire National Water Sports Campus</p>
<p><strong>Irish Sailing </strong>have been working with <strong>Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, Diving Ireland </strong>and our partners in the local watersports community on plans to increase watersports participation in the harbour and county through the provision of improved facilities. You can read more on the plans here:</p>
<p> </p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 16 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7943/national-watersports-campus</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Sport Ireland Grass Roots Focus Group</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7944/sport-ireland-grass-roots-focus-group</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Web_News_Temp_WHITE_LOGO__32_.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<p><strong>Sport Ireland</strong> have commenced work in the area of transgender and non-binary inclusion in sport and physical activity. We are currently planning a series of focus groups at the end of February as a part of this process.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Sport Ireland is seeking to facilitate a session for those involved at a grass roots level (coaches, athletes, committee members etc). This will take place on <strong>Monday February 27<sup>th</sup> from 6:30pm – 7:30pm</strong> in the National Indoor Training Centre on the Sport Ireland Campus. If you wish to attend, please complete the following form by close of business on Wednesday the 22<sup>nd</sup> of February: <a href="https://forms.office.com/e/84fLhC1uFW" target="_blank">https://forms.office.com/e/84fLhC1uFW</a> Further details regarding this Focus Group will be circulated to those attending in advance of the 27<sup>th</sup>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Please note, we will also be circulating surveys in due course so participants who are not in a position to attend the Focus Group will still have an opportunity to share their views.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>If you have any queries or if you would like any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact <a href="mailto:ethics@sportireland.ie" target="_blank">ethics@sportireland.ie</a></em></p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 16 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7944/sport-ireland-grass-roots-focus-group</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Shortlist for Sailor of the Year 2022</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7945/shortlist-for-sailor-of-the-year-2022</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Web_News_Temp_WHITE_LOGO__34_.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2>The Irish Sailing Awards 'Sailor of the Year' SHORTLIST</h2>
<p>With awards season in full swing the Irish Sailing shortlist for Sailor of the year has arrived! 2022 was a remarkable year for Irish Sailors on the water across the globe, with major achievements and adventures being explored all year.</p>
<p>There are <strong><em>11 nominees</em></strong> this year, ranging from dinghy’s to keelboats to windsurfing:</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Finn Lynch, Irish Team ILCA 7 Sailor:</strong></p>
<p>Finn has been nominated of the back of his world ranking status in 2022. Finn came in ranked at World No. 2 in the newly published World Sailing rankings, this is the highest ever ranking for a male Irish Laser Sailor. The rankings are due to his <strong>silver medal at the ILCA7 World Championships</strong> in Barcelona last November 2021, his 4th place at the Princess Sofia Regatta in Palma in April this year, and his 6th place at the 2022 ILCA 7 Men's World Championship in Mexico in May.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Jones Family, J122 Jellybaby:</strong></p>
<p>JellyBaby is a family run J122 40 footer that is campaigned at local, regional and national events throughout Ireland. It is a fully Corinthian ethos on JellyBaby in that all crew are family and club friends. Helmed by dad Brian or Son Cian. Taking both RCYC boat of the year and SCORA boat of the year.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Oisin Van Geldren, Windsurfer:</strong></p>
<p>Nominated for his New speed record in windsurfing. At the Lüderitz Speed Challenge 2022 in Nambia he reached speeds of 49.89knots over a 500m stretch, the official GPS reading (new Irish Record subject to ratification by WSSRC.)</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Laura Dillon, keelboat sailor:</strong></p>
<p>Nominated for a stellar year of racing. Laura is passionate about promoting sailing and ensuring that many others can enjoy the lifelong passion that she has enjoyed. Laura is an Overseas Rear Commodore at the RORC and very keen to encourage more participation at all levels of our sport. For the fact is that she is highly ranked regardless of gender. In August she won both the Women's Trophy in Cowes Week and skippered the Class 1 overall winner in the Irish Sailing Women at the Helm event in Dublin Bay</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Pamela Lee, Offshore Sailor:</strong></p>
<p>Pamela has been nominated for her dedication got offshore sailing throughout the year and for her guidance and inspiration on the Irish Sailing Women Take the Helm programme where she mentored 3 women sailors in 2022. Pam lives and works in France, with her latest roles as Co. Skipper and boat captain of ‘Influence’ Class40 campaign and on ‘Team Technique’ for the Primonial Ocean50.</p>
<p>Pam’s objective is to build her own international Class40 campaign. She envisages using her project to create industry and offshore opportunities and to continue breaking down barriers and stereotypes within the discipline of offshore sailing whenever possible.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Pat Lawless: Golden Globe Race Sailor:</strong></p>
<p>Pat is nominated for his incredible and relentless passion on his racing journey. Pat had a very impressive performance in the Golden Globe Race before having to take an early retirement to the race. However the preparation alone for this Solo Race around the world is an achievement of its own.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Ger Owens: Former Irish Olympian:</strong></p>
<p>Ger this year is nominated for Irish Sailor of the Year for his repeated success at the 2022 Irish Sailing Champions Cup, taking home his 3<sup>rd</sup> win of the cup and second consecutive win.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Hannes Louet-Fiesser: WindFoiling:</strong></p>
<p>Nominated for his record breaking Windfoil around Ireland. Many have sailed or walked around our Island. But WindFoil, this was a first and all in the aid of the RNLI. He raised just short of 12,000 over his 41 days around Ireland.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Kinsailor: Kinsale YC's U25 J24 Team</strong></p>
<p>Nominated for their 3<sup>rd</sup> place in the J24 Europeans in their first season on the water together. A highly impressive achievement amongst a very competitive class for a young team moving into their first Keelboat event.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Tom Dolan, Offshore Racer:</strong></p>
<p>Nominated for his top ten finish in the Solitaire Du Figaro. He finished in 7th place in the overall ranking and for the third time in a row in the top 10 of the most difficult race of the season. Congratulations Tom!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Zoe Mulvey, Powerboating:</strong></p>
<p>Zoe is a young disabled sailor accessing powerboating through all of Irish Sailings programs, such as the Water sports Inclusion Games and the Winter Inclusion series. Mulvey has the proud accolade of being the only person to participate fully in every Watersports Inclusion Games since it’s inception.</p>
<p>She has continued to sail at every opportunity but her true passion is powerboating and chasing her need for speed, Zoe recently attended every session of the Winter Inclusive Series providing rescue boat support.</p>
<p>Despite Zoe’s physical and intellectual challenges, she is committed to logging her hours and is currently working towards attaining her National Powerboat Licence and planning on providing rescue cover in WHBTC at this year’s Games.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Congratulations to all and we look forward to seeing you at the awards!</p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 16 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7945/shortlist-for-sailor-of-the-year-2022</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>2023 Cruising Conference 80% Sold Out</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7937/2023-cruising-conference-80-sold-out</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/cruising_conference_registration_now_open.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h1 style="text-align:center"><strong>2023 Irish Sailing Cruising Conference</strong></h1>
<h2 style="text-align:center"><strong>Saturday 11 March 2023 11:00 to 16:30</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align:center"><strong>Doors open at 10:00 for registration and coffees</strong></p>
<p style="text-align:center"><strong>Irish Sailing members €25 Non Members €35<br />
Includes lunch, teas n coffees</strong></p>
<p style="text-align:center">Royal Cork Yacht Club</p>
<p style="text-align:center">Tickets are limited to 80 and now available to purchase.</p>
<h2 style="text-align:center"><a href="https://www.sailing.ie/Events/Irish-Sailing-Cruising-Conference">Full details and ticket links here</a></h2>
<p><strong>At this year's conference, we celebrate the sea and our connection with her - the Sea is home to adventures, scientists, researchers, marine mammals and so much more. We have a Marine Biologist joining us from Spain to discuss the Orca Interactions in the Atlantic, Atlantic Crossing adventures, Windfarms and Sea Bed Mapping, Offshore Sailing in a Pandemic and workshops on paints, lifejackets journey mapping, anchoring and more.</strong></p>
<p>WAS <s>Saturday 18th February 2023</s></p>
<h3>Bringing you Adventures, Equipment, Wildlife, Workshops, Regulations Advice and more.</h3>
<ul>
<li>Wind farms, sea beds and more from Green Core</li>
<li>Find out more about the Orca boat incidents off the Atlantic coast directly from Marine Biologist Mónica González</li>
<li>Hear the adventures of an Atlantic Crossing</li>
<li>What paint for and why from International Paints</li>
<li>Import, export and visiting the UK and back from Revenue</li>
<li>Anchoring</li>
<li>Droning</li>
<li>Check your life jacket
<ul>
<li>and much more</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Plenty to learn and people to meet. This is always a day to remember</h3>
<p>AND of course prizes galore thanks to Union Chandlery, Kilrush Marina and ICC Publications</p>
<p>Full details and tickets available soon.</p>
<h3><strong>Sponsored by Union Chandlery and supported by Kilrush Marina and Cruising Association of Ireland</strong></h3>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 09 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7937/2023-cruising-conference-80-sold-out</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Joan and Pam Join The Famous Project</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7942/joan-and-pam-join-the-famous-project</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/joan_and_pam_the_famous_project.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<p><strong>100% female crew to break round the world record</strong></p>
<p>Vendée Globe sailor, Alexia Barrier, has set a new challenge for women in sailing.</p>
<p>She has called it The Famous Project. The goal is to conquer the Jules Verne Trophy, one of the most prestigious trophies in yachting and one of the most demanding races in the world.</p>
<p>The Jules Verne Trophy is given for the fastest circumnavigation of the world.</p>
<p>Alexia has gathered together a team of top-class skippers and sailors from around the world and Irish sailors Pamela Lee and Joan Mulloy are on board.</p>
<p>Joan and Pam join Alexia Barrier, Dee Caffari, Elodie Jame Mettraux and Helena Darvelid this week for a spot of team racing on dinghies in La Grande-Motte, South of France.</p>
<p>Yes, even large vessel offshore sailors benefit from small-boat sailing. Match Racing can fine-tune a team’s boat and wind awareness skills and is a quick and easy way to get lots of sailing in a short time - working together in a fast-action environment is a great way to build up a strong team.</p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>“We aim to be the first 100% female crew to set a benchmark time and attempt to break the record for the Jules Verne Trophy in 2025, aboard an Ultim multihull, a true Formula 1 of the seas” Alexia Barrier.</em></p>
<p>Congratulations Joan and Pam, we are watching you out there on the offshore scene and couldn’t be more inspired to get up and set our own goals for 2023 and beyond.</p>
<p>Watch this space.</p>
<p>Find out more about <a href="https://www.thefamousproject.fr/en" target="_blank">The Famous Project here.</a></p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WpeCaC6X9iY" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 09 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7942/joan-and-pam-join-the-famous-project</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>CHANGE OF DATE - ICRA Nationals</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7941/change-of-date-icra-nationals</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Web_News_Temp_WHITE_LOGO__30_.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2><strong>Change of date for the ICRA Nationals</strong></h2>
<p>The ICRA National Championships has been pushed back a week and will now take place <strong>8-10<sup>th</sup> September at Howth Yacht Club.</strong></p>
<p>The ICRA dates and venue are selected two years ahead and we were unable to foresee that the tides for the original dates are some of the lowest of the year rendering many of the boats stuck in the mud in Howth if it were to proceed. Moving the venue to Dun Laoghaire also wasn’t an option as the Howth boats would be unable to leave in time for Friday and would not be able to get back into the harbour on Sunday evening.</p>
<p>We are aware that the new date clashes with the <em>Ireland Vs Romania match in the Rugby World Cup</em> and HYC will make plans to ensure nobody misses the match.</p>
<p>The Notice of Race will follow shortly.</p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 07 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7941/change-of-date-icra-nationals</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Ireland's first HOPE spot</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7939/ireland-s-first-hope-spot</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Web_News_Temp_WHITE_LOGO__28_.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2><strong>MISSION BLUE ANNOUNCES IRELAND’S FIRST ‘HOPE SPOT’ </strong></h2>
<p><em>Greater Skellig Coast deemed critical to the health of the ocean by global organisation.</em></p>
<p>A large swathe of ocean off the south west coast of Ireland has been added to a list of <strong>‘Hope Spots’</strong> by a global marine conservation movement. Mission Blue is led by legendary oceanographer <strong>Dr. Sylvia Earle</strong> and now has a network of <em><strong>148 Hope Spots across the globe</strong></em>. It aims to inspire public awareness, access and support for a worldwide network of Marine Protected Areas.</p>
<p>Hope Spots are special places that are scientifically identified as critical to the health of the ocean. <em>Existing spots include the Galápagos Islands, the Great Barrier Reef, the Northwest Passage and parts of Antarctica</em>. Some locations are already formally protected, while others still need defined protection. </p>
<p>The Greater Skellig Coast stretches from <strong>Kenmare Bay</strong> in <strong>Co Kerry to Loop Head in Co Clare </strong>and covers an area of roughly <strong>7,000km<sup>2</sup> of Irish coastal waters. </strong>It is home to critically endangered sharks, globally important seabird colonies, and animals threatened with extinction which rely on these areas for breeding and feeding. </p>
<p>The area has been championed by Fair Seas, a coalition of Ireland’s leading environmental non-governmental organisations and networks, with the support of Sea Synergy, a marine awareness and activity centre based in Kerry. Fair Seas has been campaigning for the Government to designate a minimum of 30% of Irish waters as Marine Protected Areas (MPA) by 2030. The Greater Skellig Coast is one of 16 ‘Areas of Interest’ identified for possible MPA designation by the organisation.</p>
<p>Mission Blue was founded by American oceanographer, explorer and author Dr Sylvia Earle. She has been National Geographic’s Explorer in Residence since 1998 and was named the first Hero for the Planet by Time Magazine.</p>
<p><strong>Dr. Sylvia Earle, Founder of Mission Blue says, </strong></p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>“This Hope Spot is being announced at a crucial time for Ireland because in 2023, new national Marine Protected Area (MPA) legislation will be introduced for the first time. 81% of Irish people believe that we need to protect, conserve and restore the ocean. This legislation will help achieve this very desirable protection.”</em></p>
<p><strong>Aoife O’ Mahony, Campaign Manager for Fair Seas said,</strong> </p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>"The waters off the coast of Kerry and Clare are rich with fascinating creatures and marine life but there has been an alarming decline in the numbers of iconic species like angel sharks in recent years. We want to halt that decline and give species every chance to thrive. The Hope Spot will help us to raise awareness and bring the public closer to the ocean as we work to safeguard the water and the marine life within.”</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Image attached: </strong>Aoife O’ Mahony, Campaign Manager for Fair Seas and Lucy Hunt (right), Founder of Sea Synergy launching Ireland’s first (Mission Blue) Hope Spot. Photo Alan Landers </p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7939/ireland-s-first-hope-spot</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>JO Online Information Session</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7940/jo-online-information-session</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Web_News_Temp_WHITE_LOGO__29_.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2><strong>Junior Organiser Online Information Session</strong></h2>
<p>Are you new to the <strong>Junior Organiser role</strong>, would you like a refresh to make sure you are up to date on all the latest requirements or would you just like to talk to some other JO’s and share some tips and tricks? If so this information session is for you</p>
<p>The main items covered on the session will be:</p>
<ul>
<li>Junior Organiser Role</li>
<li>Senior Instructor and other roles</li>
<li>Training Centre Recognition Requirements</li>
<li>Instructor planning</li>
<li>Course organisation</li>
<li>Managing course standards</li>
<li>Sharing Ideas and experience</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>When?: </strong>February 27<sup>th</sup>, 19:00 – 21:00</p>
<p><strong>Where?: </strong>Zoom</p>
<p><strong>Who is it for?: </strong>Principally it is for Junior Organisers, particularly those who are new to the role or feel they need a refresh. Other Club Officers involved in training or Training Centre Principals are also welcome to attend.</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://forms.office.com/e/rYANxR74pp" target="_blank">Click Here To Sign Up</a></strong></p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7940/jo-online-information-session</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Race Official Weekend Success</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7938/race-official-weekend-success</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Web_News_Temp_WHITE_LOGO__27_.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2>Hitting the ground running in 2023 for Race Officials</h2>
<p>A Fantastic 10 Race Official courses were held in Royal Cork Yacht Club this weekend with 95 attendees over 2 days.</p>
<p>We ran 5 types of courses each day:</p>
<ul>
<li>Race officer,</li>
<li>Protest committee,</li>
<li>Safety leader </li>
<li>Mark layer</li>
<li>and results manager.</li>
</ul>
<p>Courses were delivered by <strong>Scorie Walls, Ian Rossiter, Siobhan Carmody, Ian Venner, Ed Totterdell and Oscar Doyle.</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The first 4 feedback comments received:</p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>“</em><em>Just to say thank you very much for organising an exceptional weekend… I can only imagine all the long hours and hard work it took to put it all together.”</em></p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>“It was perfectly organised in every way with some superb trainers, and excellent material… I walked away with some great information and hands on practical training, and to be honest, I enjoyed every minute of it! “</em></p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>“Really well organised and facilitated by Irish Sailing & RCYC! Lots of learning and great opportunity to meet others from around the Country.”</em></p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>“Really good courses, very knowledgeable facilitators and plenty to think about after the courses with lots of access to information and networking.”</em></p>
<p><em>A big Thank You to everyone involved who gave their time to teaching and learning! Here's to many more successful weekends this year.</em></p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7938/race-official-weekend-success</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>ParaSailing's bid for LA2028</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7933/parasailing-s-bid-for-la2028</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/parasail_back_the_bid-2.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<p>30 Jan 2023</p>
<h2>WORLD SAILING UPDATE </h2>
<p>Sailing Will Not Be Include Paralympic Games for LA28- <strong><a href="https://www.sailing.org/2023/01/30/world-sailing-pledges-to-continue-to-strengthen-para-sailing/" target="_blank">UPDATE FROM WORLD SAILING HERE</a></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>24 Jan 2023</p>
<h2>Decision over Para Sailing Reinstatement to be expected in the coming days.</h2>
<p>Since loosing Paralympic Status after the <strong>2016 Olympics in Rio</strong>, Paralympic Sailing have remained invested in trying to get the sport reinstated for the <strong>Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.</strong> A difficult feat considereing no sport is yet to have sucessfully been reinstated to the Paralympics and with 33 other sports up for reinstatement it is going to prove difficult. </p>
<p>However, World Sailing’s Para Sailing Development Programs will continue to expand the reach of the sport by training coaches and classifiers and by supporting athletes to enter the sport. Since its launch in 2017,<strong> over 210 sailors</strong> and coaches from <strong>39 countries </strong>on <strong>six continents</strong> have taken part and in 2022 alone we saw <strong>40 sailors and 31 coaches from 14 nations </strong>– many participating for the first time – join the program.</p>
<p>World Sailing remarks that,</p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>"Para Sailing is an integral part of our sport and we have already seen huge increase in participation. Regardless of the outcome of our campaign, this should be seen as a major success."</em></p>
<p>Attached is World Sailing's full statement.</p>
<p>#backthebid</p>
<p> </p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Mon, 30 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7933/parasailing-s-bid-for-la2028</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Mentees Follow Their Path</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7935/mentees-follow-their-path</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Pamela_Lee_Mentor.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2><strong>Mentee Success</strong></h2>
<p>The inaugural Women in Sailing Mentee project is now finished and Pamela Lee gives us her final update.</p>
<p>...............</p>
<p> It’s with a fantastic mix of pride, affinity and enthusiasm for the future, that I look back on our pilot Irish Sailing Mentorship program. We welcomed three extremely different women into the program, Aideen Kilkelly from Sligo, Robyn Lynch from Cork and Carla Fagan from Dublin.<br />
<br />
These assertive women were different from each other not only due to their locations, but also their stages in life - from working mum, to new graduate and high-powered career goer. Their differences also applied to their sailing background, their sailing ambitions and the role that sailing played in their lives.<br />
<br />
Looking back, these differences were the key to what became a dynamic, motivated, curious and mutually encouraging group of sailors, brought together through the aim of discovering and sharing their unique sailing pathways over the year long program.<br />
<br />
With the title of ‘Mentor’, I aimed to facilitate a space for the mentees to feel encouraged and supported in uncovering and taking the next steps on their sailing pathway. – by me, by Irish sailing, but also by each other.<br />
<br />
Through a mixture of continuous progress, evolving projects and specific experiences, it’s been incredibly enriching to speak to each of the mentees about their experience over the past 12 months.</p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><u><strong>Robyn</strong></u>, along with many other ambitions, had a specific goal of building her navigation skills and experience. Her focus and hard-work are admiral, as a result she and I now share ‘Gin and Adrena’* chats and I’d mark her as 'one-to-watch' for the future of Irish Offshore Sailing.</p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>Robyn shared “I got so much out of everything I did but one delivery in particular stands out to me. Learning to navigate was a goal of mine for the year and during a delivery to France, I felt the skill finally start to click and it was a big turning point for me.”</em></p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><u><strong>Aideen</strong></u>, is a powerhouse of multi-tasking and passion. While running her Galway hooker, her objectives included building her confidence in helming, watch leading and gaining offshore miles. When we caught up, she had just finished her second trip navigating the trade winds of the West Indies in <em>“lovely squally weather.”</em> It takes a certain level of confidence and on-the-water experience to consider squalls 'lovely'!<br />
<br />
<em>“I sailed with and received offshore mentorship from such inspiring professional sailors over the course of the year. I hope this year to do some offshore racing and also complete my Instructor training for Hooker Sailing.” said Aideen.</em></p>
<p style="margin-left:40px">Aideen is soon undertaking her Irish Sailing Keelboat Instructor Course, and alongside building her own sailing skills she continues making a crucial contribution to sailing in Ireland with her dedication to the magnificent Galway Hooker Sailing Club fleet.<br />
<br />
<strong>Carla’s </strong>aim was to progress to the ‘back of the boat’ and also consider her options in becoming a boat owner. An experienced 'bowie' already and a Laser sailor, in August she helmed to victory in Squib Easterns. “<em>The mentorship gave me greater confidence in my own ability to catalyse & create opportunities"</em></p>
<p>Through a series of one-to-ones, group chats, meet-ups and sailing adventures shared, I’m confident that we achieved what we set out to do – build community and network, discover pathway opportunities, open doors and provide support and encouragement. I’m looking forward to expanding on this solid foundation and expanding the mentorship program for the years to come.<br />
<br />
A special thank you to those who contributed directly to making this pilot project a success,<br />
Michael Boyd, Laura Dillon and Lisa O’Carroll Coaching. Your openness and enthusiasm were instrumental in the achievements and progress of the mentees.</p>
<p style="margin-left:40px">*Adrena is a high-powered, extremely technical, navigation software built in France and used by top offshore skippers.</p>
<p>Photograph: Natasha Gonzalez</p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 26 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7935/mentees-follow-their-path</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Membership Benefit Discounts</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7936/membership-benefit-discounts</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/573/Irish_Sailing_Membership_Benefits__3_.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<p>As a member of Irish Sailing you can avail of a range of great discounts.</p>
<p>There is something here for if you are heading to an event, gearing up or winding down ...</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Irish Ferries</strong> up to <strong>30% OFF</strong> your ferry cross to an overseas event.</li>
<li><strong>Stena Line</strong> are now back on our books with <strong>15% OFF</strong> on Irish Sea crossings to events.</li>
<li><strong>KAI Bottles</strong> and <strong>Chillies Bottles</strong> offer a <strong>10% discount.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Saltrobe </strong>a whopping <strong>20% OFF </strong>their robes and eco towels.</li>
<li><strong>Wildside Sports </strong>give <strong>10% OFF</strong> on all wetsuits and they have a great kids wetsuit exchange system.</li>
<li><strong>Matthews of Cork</strong> continues to offer <strong>10% OFF.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Royal Marine Hotel</strong> gives special rates and the <strong>Pier Health Club 50% OFF</strong> Sansana SPA treatments.</li>
</ul>
<h1 style="text-align:center"><a href="https://www.sailing.ie/Membership-Benefits" target="_blank">IRISH SAILING MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS</a></h1>
<p>Irish Sailing welcome new benefit providers, so if you have a product or service you would like to offer Irish Members at a special rate then get in touch with Gail directly with details gail.macallister@sailing.ie</p>
<p>As Irish Sailing members you also get preferential rates on a range of Irish Sailing services such as ICC, Commercial Endorsements and our own <strong><a href="https://www.sailing.ie/Shop?cId=70">KAI Bottle</a></strong>. </p>
<p>You can be a direct member of Irish Sailing or have automatic membership through your Irish Sailing Affiliated Club.</p>
<p>If you would like to become a Direct Member head to our shop <strong><a href="https://www.sailing.ie/Shop?cId=70">HER</a></strong><a href="https://www.sailing.ie/Shop?cId=70"><strong>E</strong></a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li>Ordinary membership €46</li>
<li>Junior Membership €20</li>
<li>Family Membership €75</li>
<li>Senior Membership €20</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 26 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7936/membership-benefit-discounts</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Volunteer of the Year</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7934/volunteer-of-the-year</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Web_News_Temp_WHITE_LOGO__26_.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2><strong>Who is your Volunteer of the Year ?</strong></h2>
<p>We’re looking for your nominations for the Irish Sailing Volunteer of the Year Award !</p>
<p>We know that volunteers are the backbone of our sports. We simply couldn’t be out on the water without them. You can now shine a spotlight on them !</p>
<p><strong>The Irish Sailing Volunteer of the Year </strong>aims to celebrate and recognise the hundreds of remarkable people across the country who selflessly give their time and talent to benefit others in our sports. Anyone can nominate a volunteer. The only requirement is that they give their time voluntarily and without pay. They can be of any age but must volunteer with an Irish Sailing affiliated organisation.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>You can nominate your Irish Sailing Volunteer of the Year <a href="https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=Ud_ItkUvGEmtniLHBkXXfec0D2QRi7pAvdR1yzG6c3VUNzAxQkk2QVRaT1pISjFEVTYxR0FDRjZDNy4u" target="_blank">HERE:</a></p>
<p>Your DEADLINE to vote is <strong>Sunday 12th February!</strong></p>
<p><em>All nominees will be invited the Irish Sailing Awards taking place on Saturday 25<sup>th</sup> March 2023 at the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. Times TBC. The winner will be announced at the ceremony.</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>PAST WINNERS:<br />
<a href="https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/3130/meet-john-leahy-volunteer-of-the-year" target="_blank">John Leahy</a></p>
<p> </p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Wed, 25 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7934/volunteer-of-the-year</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Ramor's 20 Berth Marina Extension</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7932/ramor-s-20-berth-marina-extension</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Web_News_Temp_WHITE_LOGO__24_.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2>€750,000 Ramor Watersports Club Marina Extension officially opened by Minister Heather Humphreys </h2>
<p><strong>In August 2022</strong>, Heather Humphreys TD, Minister for Rural & Community Development and Minister for Social Protection attended the signing of the contract to extend the Ramor Watersports Club existing Marina by<strong> 20 berths</strong>, bringing it to 52 berths. This extension was necessary as the demand for boat moorings meant that the existing marina was full.  The entire Marina project €750,000, funded by two Cavan LEADER Grants of €200,000, and a fundraising campaign by the Club that raised €350,000.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Speaking at the official launch<strong> Minister Humphreys</strong> said. </p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em> “In 2013 some €200,000 was provided to support the installation of the Ramor Watersports Club marina under the former LEADER Programme, which is now under my Department of Rural & Community Development. Ten years later you have taken this project a major step further to extend the marina from 32 to 52 berths. I commend the Ramor Watersports Club for the work you have put into raising close to €350,000 of your own funds to support this unique initiative.  I want to thank the Cavan Local Community Development Committee and their implementing partner, Cavan County Local Development, for their support for this project” </em></p>
<p><em>  </em></p>
<p><strong>Brendan Jennings, </strong>Director of Services, Cavan Co. Council & Chairman of the Cavan LAG said</p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em> "I am delighted to be here today at the official launch of the extended marina on the shores of Lough Ramor. This is another example of the great work being done by sporting and community groups across county Cavan. This project did not happen without the many local volunteers and I applaud all involved at Ramor Watersports Club.”  </em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>John Wilson</strong>, Commodore, Ramor Watersports Club said </p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>“To say we are delighted to be officially launching our new 52 berth marina is an understatement. This is another significant milestone in the development of our club, which goes from strength to strength, due to the commitment of the volunteers from within the club community, our sponsors and funders.  Without the support of Minister Humphreys, our local representatives, Cavan LEADER and Cavan Co Council we would not be at the stage of development we currently are at.  I want to thank most sincerely all who have supported Ramor Watersports Club, especially the Brady Family, our main Sponsor here at the Lakeside Manor Hotel”. </em></p>
<p><strong>John Wilson</strong> gave a special mention to J<strong>ohn Toland</strong>, LEADER Development Officer, for his patience in guiding Ramor Watersports Club through the funding process. </p>
<p>Among the invited guests for the official opening of the marina was <strong>John Twomey, President of the Irish Sailing Association </strong>and an<strong> Irish Paralympic athlete</strong> & sailor who has represented Ireland at 11 consecutive Paralympic games, winning medals at three of them, Britney Arendse from Mullagh, Cavan who is also a Paralympian and Kerrie Leonard from Meath, an ambassador for ‘The Lady Amanda – Accessible Boat’ at Ramor Watersports Club. </p>
<p>On the day of the official launch, the many guests were treated to a trip on “The Lady Amanda”, an accessible boat that was purchased by the Club in 2022. To date the team of 18 Ramor Watersports Club Volunteers have managed over 100 trips giving some 560 people guided trips on Lough Ramor.  The Club expects this number to triple in 2023 as word of the boat and the entertaining guided tours spreads. </p>
<p>The new Ramor Watersports Club Marina is already filling up from those who were on a waiting list to secure a berth when it was extended, with 14 berths pre-sold before the season even starts! </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Those wishing to secure a berth for 2023 Season at the Ramor Watersports Club Marina can contact the Club by email at <a href="mailto:ramorwatersportsclub@gmail.com" target="_blank">ramorwatersportsclub@gmail.com</a></p>
<p> </p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Mon, 23 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7932/ramor-s-20-berth-marina-extension</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Last Chance to get your tickets!</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7931/last-chance-to-get-your-tickets</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/PARIS-2024-ticketing-website-1-647x647.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h1><strong>LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER – TICKETS FOR PARIS 2024</strong></h1>
<p>In 2024 all eyes will be on France, with the Olympic Games taking place in Paris in July and August. For Irish people, the Games will be even more special, as it will be our centenary year, Team Ireland first competed in the Olympics in 1924, Paris also.</p>
<p>To be in with a shot of purchasing a ticket for Paris 2024, you need to register in their global lottery system by the <strong>31st January 2023<em>.</em></strong><strong><em> </em></strong><em><a href="https://olympics.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3d9670db08727ad01f4022b86&id=9b906566c6&e=36d602a9ec" target="_blank"><strong>REGISTER HERE</strong></a></em></p>
<p>Today also saw the opening of the pre-sales hospitality packages, which allows people to purchase food, drink, and accommodation, as well as tickets. More information <em><a href="https://olympics.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3d9670db08727ad01f4022b86&id=999a44b159&e=36d602a9ec" target="_blank"><strong>CLICK HERE</strong></a></em></p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7931/last-chance-to-get-your-tickets</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Leonie Conway Sets Sail</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7922/leonie-conway-sets-sail</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/573/leoini_alantic_sailing.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2><strong>FINAL blog from LEONIE</strong></h2>
<p>It’s coming to our last few days. It’s nice to cherish these few days before land and to reminisce on the journey we have been on. To think back to leaving <strong>Falmouth</strong> almost two months ago and having the feeling of drowning in the shadow of this amazing and highly skilled crew. I used to feel I was probably just getting in the way, but now I feel that I am a helpful part of the team. A huge step that has made me feel much stronger as a sailor.</p>
<p>With the wind nearly completely gone, and just the left-over swell. We spent the last few days in the cockpit trimming sails, trying to use any bit of wind that we could to push us towards our destination. <strong><em>“If we just”</em></strong> seemed to be the most common phrase. Adjust the preventor, take up the topping lift, would this create more belly in the sail? Or just make it hang loose? All tested and tried with little to no winning, we remained at the mercy of the swell.</p>
<p>We spend the afternoons getting the boat ready for our destination. Where we would pick up the scientists and start the research on the endangered <strong>North Atlantic Right Whales</strong>. But, it wasn’t all work as we laughed, sang songs and gave little gifts to one another.</p>
<p>Sad, but also excited to get to land. It was going to be strange to be back on land again, back to reality, back to family, work, timelines and even being aware of what day of the week it is. </p>
<p>This trip has allowed me to take a deep breath and made me feel thankful and appreciate where I am in my life. I found a sport that I can thrive at. Where my life revolves around the sea. <strong><em>Sailing has shown me, how I can help people</em></strong>. To think 3 years ago, I couldn’t have told you a single part of a boat. To now nearly finished an ocean crossing. I feel strong. </p>
<p>I cannot wait to get back to work this summer with <strong>Sailing Into Wellness</strong> and to do more of the work I am in love with. And I am hoping in the future to do more work like this venture, helping study and observe the beautiful animals of the sea. </p>
<p>...</p>
<p style="margin-left:40px">Leonie started her journey of sailing discover as a student on the <a href="https://kinsalecampus.ie/outdoor-leadership-6/" target="_blank">Kinsale College Outdoor Adventure Education and Leadership course</a> - you can rewind to our introduction of her goal setting journey here .. <a href="https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/5348/setting-goals-and-sailing-them">https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/5348/setting-goals-and-sailing-them</a>.</p>
<p>...</p>
<h3><strong>18th of December: 16'01.26N 030'01.91W:</strong></h3>
<p>In other words, the middle of the ocean, and today is my 30th birthday.</p>
<p>I woke up with a sense of excitement which I expected but what I didn't expect was the crew to be so excited with me. At around mid-day I went to the galley to grab a snack. I just manged to see the top of a cake before I was shunned away. I went up on deck and sat at the edge of the boat. Knowing what was coming I was filed with nervousness, but so in awe that these people I didn’t know a month ago have gone so out of their way. Then I heard a bellowing call <em>"Leonie to the bridge! Leonie to the bridge" </em>I was greeted by everyone with a carrot cake and two gifts wrapped in old nav reports. A bottle of red wine to be enjoyed on land and a book. "Barefoot navigator" by Jack Lagan (which I haven’t put down since).<br />
<br />
A day only made better by a<em><strong> swim!</strong></em> After 10 days at sea, hitting the cool refreshing water was sublime. <em>Swimming in the middle of the Atlantic for my 30th! Not bad! </em><br />
<br />
Next was <strong>Christmas!</strong> I don’t believe this year is going to be a traditional one. By the time the 25th arrived it couldn't have been more needed. Three days of high winds, heavy seas and a few late night manoeuvres, we all needed a pick me up. At around 10am and the galley was in full flow. Song of the Whale is a meat free vessel, so a tasty nut roast replaced a turkey in the oven, with spuds both roast and mashed, yummy Yorkshire puddings and greens.</p>
<p><br />
We sat around the table laughing a joking, while holding onto our plates with the role of each wave. This was certainly an untraditional way to spend Christmas. But, I feel truly lucky to be spending Christmas with such amazing people all with fantastic stories and vast life experience. The evening was finished by a very short call home over the Sat Phone. Although short, just hearing my parents’ voices was very special. We are about a week and a half from our destination. I’m enjoying my crossing but very much looking forward to being able to call home and talk to all my loved ones.</p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7922/leonie-conway-sets-sail</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Safety for Dinghy Events</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7930/safety-for-dinghy-events</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Web_News_Temp_WHITE_LOGO__18_.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2>Irish Sailing’s recommendations for safety at dinghy events. </h2>
<p><strong><em>Are you responsible for planning dinghy events for your club or class? </em></strong></p>
<p>Irish Sailing have launched a set of recommendations that outline the strong need for safety considerations at dinghy events, but that also cover keelboat, junior and adult sailing events.   </p>
<p><strong>The Race Official Policy Group (ROPG)</strong> have been working very hard to build safety teams, qualifications,  and presence at events for a number of years, and want to pass on this experience and learnings to all clubs and classes. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>From the chair of the ROPG,<strong> David Lovegrove: </strong>  </p>
<p style="margin-left:40px">As part of its ongoing review of policies relating to the running of dinghy races, the Race Officials Policy Group (ROPG) has developed a number of recommendations relating to the running of dinghy events. This document has been endorsed by the board of Irish Sailing, who requested the ROPG to proceed with its implementation.   </p>
<p style="margin-left:40px">While these recommendations are primarily aimed at larger multi-fleet events, the ROPG feels that there are many recommendations that can equally be applied to running any dinghy event.  </p>
<p> </p>
<p>It is hoped that this document, along with other Irish Sailing guidelines will be of assistance in promoting the running of safe dinghy events. </p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Wed, 18 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7930/safety-for-dinghy-events</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Keeping It Clean</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7929/keeping-it-clean</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/573/sustainability_event_awards.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h1>Sustainable Sailing</h1>
<p>We are delighted to announce <strong>Clean Regattas PLATINUM Certification from Sailors for the Sea</strong> has been awarded for the ... </p>
<ul>
<li><strong>SIA Irish Sailing Women at the Helm 2022</strong> at the National Yacht Club, and the</li>
<li><strong>Irish Sailing Youth National Championship 2022</strong> at Ballyholme Yacht Club.</li>
</ul>
<p>This is the highest standard of award available from the world’s leading sustainability certification for water-based events.</p>
<p><strong>Plus</strong>, Clean Regattas Gold certification has been awarded for the <strong>Irish Sailing Champions’ Cup 2022</strong> hosted by Sutton Dinghy Club and the <strong>Irish Sailing Junior Champions’ Cup</strong> hosted by Fastnet Marine Outdoor Education Centre.</p>
<p>Congratulations also goes to <strong>Royal Cork Yacht Club</strong>, <strong>Howth Yacht Club</strong> and <strong>Malahide Sea Scouts</strong> for their Clean Regattas <strong>GOLD Awards</strong> and commitment to sustainability.</p>
<p>Other awards achieved in 2022 with Sailors for the Sea Clean Regattas are …</p>
<ul>
<li>IODAI Optimist Ulster Championships @ Howth Yacht Club - BRONZE</li>
<li>Squib Easterns @ Howth Yacht Club - SILVER</li>
<li>Irish Student Yachting Nations @ Howth Yacht Club - BRONZE</li>
<li>Squib National Championship @ Kinsale Yacht Club - SILVER</li>
</ul>
<p>We encourage all events to register and follow the simple guidelines to help make your events cleaner and sustainable and ensure the future of our sport in clean waters and a healthy environment.</p>
<p>The Clean Regattas award system is based on the number of “Best Practices” you can implement at your event, see below. Go to <a href="http://www.sailing.ie/environment">www.sailing.ie/environment</a> for more information on sustainability for you, your club / centre and events.</p>
<h1 style="text-align:center"><strong><a href="http://www.sailing.ie/environment">www.sailing.ie/environment</a></strong></h1>
<p> </p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 17 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7929/keeping-it-clean</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Southern Race Official Training Weekend</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7928/southern-race-official-training-weekend</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Southern_Race_Official_weekend.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<p><strong>Race Officials Training Weekend is on the horizon</strong></p>
<p>A weekend of courses and a chance to network. The following courses are scheduled ...</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Race Officer</strong> - AVAILABILITY BOTH DAYS</li>
<li><strong>Mark Layer </strong>- FULL BOTH DAYS</li>
<li><strong>Safety Leader</strong> - AVAILABILITY BOTH DAYS</li>
<li><strong>Protest Committee</strong> - AVAILABILITY BOTH DAYS</li>
<li><strong>Results Manager </strong>- AVAILABILITY BOTH DAYS</li>
</ul>
<p>Royal Cork Yacht Club, Cork - 28th and 29th of January 2023 - 10.00 to 17.00 hours</p>
<p>€35 for one day or €60 for both days (these costs include a light lunch)</p>
<p><strong>To book your place - <a href="https://forms.office.com/r/BrE5x4jXLF" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a> </strong><br />
<br />
These courses are for anyone with an interest in the wonderful world of event management. You have the choice of choosing to develop your skills in 5 different disciplines: Race Officer, Mark Layer, Safety Leader, Protest Committee and Results Manager.</p>
<p>For more information on any of these disciplines, go here: <a href="https://www.sailing.ie/Racing/Race-Officials " target="_blank">www.sailing.ie/Racing/Race-Officials </a><br />
<br />
Minimum age 16yrs.<br />
Bring along note taking materials and wet gear.<br />
</p>
<p><strong>Please note:</strong><br />
1. Attendees to the Local Mark Laying course will be required to prove they have a valid National Powerboat Certificate or equivalent in advance of the course.<br />
2. Your booking is not completed until we have received your booking payment.<br />
3. Due to restrictions in boat capacity and course deliverers, there is a maximum number of 10 attendees to each day of the Local Mark Laying Course. This course is partly delivered afloat. All other courses are delivered ashore.<br />
All bookings to be made directly through Irish Sailing</p>
<p>Hear from some of the Race Officials share their thoughts of being a Race Official.</p>
<h2 style="text-align:center">📺 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdH2TgT3ioCbQJIbXJH2CR_hERxebUhJv" target="_blank">HOW TO JOIN RACE MANAGEMENT VIDEO SERIES HERE</a> 📹</h2>
<p style="text-align:center">Thanks to ...</p>
<p style="text-align:center">Mairead Ni Cheallachain / RACE OFFICER</p>
<p style="text-align:center">Dara Totterdell / RESULTS MANAGER</p>
<p style="text-align:center">Medb Glackin / PROTEST COMMITTEE MEMBER</p>
<p style="text-align:center">Scorie Walls / NATIONAL RACE OFFICER & NATIONAL JUDGE</p>
<p style="text-align:center"> </p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 13 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7928/southern-race-official-training-weekend</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Eve McMahon Award Nominations</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7927/eve-mcmahon-award-nominations</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/573/Eve_McMahon_Nominated.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h1><strong>Eve McMahon up for two more awards</strong></h1>
<p>It’s Awards season, and Eve McMahon has been nominated for another two awards on the back of her stellar summer last year.</p>
<p>You can vote for her in the <strong>Her Sport Youth Athlete of the Year</strong> here ...</p>
<h2 style="text-align:center"><a href="https://awards.hersport.ie/" target="_blank">HER SPORT AWARDS</a></h2>
<p>She’s also nominated in the <strong>Outsider Magazine Woman of the Year</strong> which is sponsored by Sport Ireland. You can read more here ...</p>
<h2 style="text-align:center"><a href="https://outsider.ie/outsider-awards/woman-of-the-year-2022/" target="_blank">OUTSIDER MAGAZINE AWARDS</a></h2>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 12 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7927/eve-mcmahon-award-nominations</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>A race to save the ocean </title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7926/a-race-to-save-the-ocean</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Web_News_Temp_WHITE_LOGO__17_.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2>The Ocean Race 2022-23 </h2>
<p><a href="https://www.theoceanrace.com/en/teams" target="_blank">11 boats and their teams</a> are assembling in Alicante, Spain this week in final preparation for the start of <strong>The Ocean Race 2022-23. </strong></p>
<p>This is the <strong>14th edition of the iconic around-the-world</strong>, fully-crewed, offshore race and will be the first to feature five of the high-tech, foiling, nearly flying, IMOCA boats. Six VO65 fleet, having previously competed in two around the world events, will now take on a shorter challenge, competing for the inaugural The Ocean Race VO65 Sprint Cup, which features three stages of racing that match Legs 1, 6, and 7 of the around the world race. </p>
<p>As in true Ocean Race style this event has a goal beyond the racing – a goal of learning about the ocean. </p>
<p>The round-the-world sailing race will measure <strong>microplastic pollution</strong>, gather information about the<strong> impact of climate change</strong> on the ocean and collect data to <strong>improve global weather forecasting. </strong></p>
<p>Every boat participating in the gruelling <strong>six-month </strong>around-the-world race will carry specialist equipment onboard to measure a range of variables throughout the 60,000km route, which will be analysed by scientists from eight leading research organisations to further understand the state of the ocean. Sailing through some of the most remote parts of the planet, seldom reached by scientific vessels, teams will have a unique opportunity to collect vital data where information is lacking on two of the biggest threats to the health of the seas: the impact of climate change and plastic pollution. </p>
<p>Launched during the 2017-18 edition of the Race in collaboration with <strong>11th Hour Racing,</strong> Premier Partner of The Ocean Race and Founding Partner of the Racing with Purpose sustainability programme, the innovative science programme will capture even more types of data in the forthcoming Race, including for the first time levels of oxygen and trace elements in the water. </p>
<p>11th Hour Sustainability Program Manager, six-time Ocean Race participant and Irish Sailing Sustainability Ambassador, Damian Foxall launched the 11th Hour Racing Sustainability Policy back in 2019 and that policy has brought sustainability to the core of all the team’s operations and has grown to be the incredible campaign both Ocean Race and 11th Hour Racing follow today. </p>
<p><strong>Stefan Raimund</strong>, Science Lead at The Ocean Race, said:</p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>“A healthy ocean isn’t just vital to the sport we love, it regulates the climate, provides food for billions of people and supplies half the planet’s oxygen. Its decline impacts the entire world. To halt it, we need to supply governments and organisations with scientific evidence and demand they act on it.” </em></p>
<p>In total, 15 types of environmental data will be collected during The Ocean Race 2022-23, including: </p>
<p><strong>Indicators of climate change: </strong>Two boats, 11th Hour Racing Team and Team Malizia, will carry OceanPacks, which take water samples to measure levels of carbon dioxide, oxygen, salinity and temperature, providing insights about the impact of climate change on the ocean. </p>
<p><strong>Plastic pollution: </strong>GUYOT environment – Team Europe and Holcim – PRB will take regular water samples throughout the race to test for microplastics. </p>
<p><strong>Meteorological data:</strong> The entire fleet will use onboard weather sensors to measure wind speed, wind direction and air temperature. Some teams will also deploy drifter buoys in the Southern Ocean to capture these measurements on an ongoing basis, along with location data, which helps to grow understanding about how currents and the climate are changing. </p>
<p><strong>Ocean Biodiversity:</strong> Biotherm is collaborating with the Tara Ocean Foundation to trial an experimental research project to study ocean biodiversity during the Race. </p>
<p>Recent studies have highlighted how higher temperatures in the ocean are fuelling extreme weather events and sea levels are projected to rise at a faster rate than anticipated, while whales have been found to ingest millions of microplastics every day. </p>
<p>Collecting all this data will help us to understand our oceans and plan for our future. </p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>“As Ocean athletes our sailors play the role of being the eyes and ears for the science community, the data they collect will be indefinitely valuable to understanding the ocean health in the future. The storytelling is crucial to this and Amory Ross our onboard reporter will bring this to life for the general public and our fans and followers, it is about shifting the perspective from being Ocean users to being Ocean Stewards.” <strong>Damain Foxall</strong></em></p>
<p> </p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 05 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7926/a-race-to-save-the-ocean</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Change at the Helm</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7925/change-at-the-helm</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/573/Tim_Bourke.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<p><strong><em>Change at the Helm of Irish Sailing</em></strong></p>
<p>The Board of Irish Sailing, the national governing body for sailing, powerboating and windsurfing, are delighted to commence the New Year with the appointment of their new CEO, Tim Bourke.</p>
<p>Tim is well regarded in both business and sailing circles, bringing a discerning blend of commercial and sporting experience, to lead the organisation.</p>
<p>Tim has a life-long passion for sailing which started with dinghies and continued with instructing, racing keelboats, cruising and volunteering. In sailing administration he ran a sailing school in the US, co-founded the SB20 class, recently rebuilt the Feva class and re-started an Adult Sailing programme locally. Commercially, Tim has successfully led large digital change management programmes in multinational environments for many years and looks forward to combining this experience with his passion for the sport in this role.</p>
<p>Irish Sailing was delighted with such high demand for this role, attracting great interest from exceptional fields of expertise. </p>
<p>Commenting on the announcement Irish Sailing President John Twomey said</p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>"We thank outgoing CEO Harry Hermon for his tireless efforts over the years. We are delighted to have Tim to take up the helm. With his previous experience in business and his vision for the future of Irish Sailing, we have every confidence in his ability to lead the organisation, support all stakeholders and sailors throughout Ireland and internationally".</em></p>
<p style="margin-left:40px">Commenting in his appointment, Tim added <em>“I really look forward to working with the Board, the dedicated members of staff and our sailing community to accelerate participation, accessibility and the reputation of our sport. Let's go sailing."</em></p>
<p>Irish Sailing has c. 24,000 members across 100 Clubs, 45 Affiliated Classes, 35 Affiliated and 40 Commercial Training/Activity Centres running accredited training programs. There is a team of over 20 including full, part-time and contract coaches working with the many volunteers who drive the sport on the water. It's focus is on supporting two complimentary elements in the sport - Core activities, the grass roots of learning, participation, cruising and racing in both clubs and centres, and Performance, Irish elite athlete's execution at international events.</p>
<p>For anyone wanting to learn more about being on the water in 2023, courses for young sailors and adults, racing, cruising or our Performance Team - let Irish Sailing help at www.sailing.ie.</p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 03 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7925/change-at-the-helm</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Another Busy Year for Training</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7924/another-busy-year-for-training</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Web_News_Temp_WHITE_LOGO__13_.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2>Another Busy Year For Training</h2>
<p>Although the <strong>2022 season</strong> was not without challenges we again saw very high levels of activity in Irish Sailing Training Centres with almost <strong>8000 people</strong> taking part in certified Sailing, Powerboating and Windsurfing courses. Following the restrictions of the past two years a significant number of our college age instructor cohort took advantage of the return of international travel and instructor availability was an issue for some during peak season. This was managed effectively through a contingency programme, inter Club co-operation and additional volunteer support. With a record number of instructors trained across all levels and disciplines in the past 12 months along with further instructor courses already scheduled for next year hopefully this issue will ease for 2023.</p>
<p>With the increase in activity and the training season getting slightly longer each year there’s not much time to put the feet up before the next one comes rolling round so now is the time to hopefully take a little pause and enjoy some quiet time before getting it all up and running again for the New Year ahead.</p>
<p>Once again a big thanks must go out to all the <strong><em>Volunteers, Instructors, Coaches, Senior Instructors, Junior Organisers, Training Officers, Centre principals, Instructor Trainers</em></strong> and everyone else involved in making this all happen and helping so many new people get involved and stay involved in the sports we all love.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and a wonderful 2023.</em></p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 22 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7924/another-busy-year-for-training</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>My Goals for 2023</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7920/my-goals-for-2023</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Web_News_Temp_WHITE_LOGO__10_.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2>What are your sailing Goals for 2023?</h2>
<p>As the year draws to a close, we asked some high-profile sailors what goals they have for 2023. </p>
<h3><strong>Pamela Lee, professional sailor: </strong></h3>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>“My goals for 2023 are to secure sponsorship to officially launch the Class40 project, continue building my skills as a sailor and technician for Ocean50 and IMOCA60, compete in the Transat Jacques Varbre, and provide motivation and support for other sailors in following their sailing pathway”. </em></p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"> </p>
<h3><strong>Eddie Totterdell, incoming Commodore Dublin Bay Sailing Club: </strong></h3>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>“My goals for 2023 as newly appointed Commodore of DBSC are to bring onto committee a team of young sailors who will have a special responsibility for developing sailing within the 20/30s age group. In addition I aim to ensure that DBSC acquires a new committee boat, spec’d and within budget, capable of delivering great racing to all of our members for many years to come. This should be delivered by 2024. I would also like to develop some exciting and different race formats for special one-off days such as the Bloomsday Regatta and perhaps another three days per year. More on this anon….. “. </em></p>
<p> </p>
<h3><strong>Karen Kissane, incoming Commodore of Wicklow SC:</strong></h3>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>“My personal goals for 2023 are to sail more during the season, hopefully complete a night race and to get over my fear of heeling over! My husband and son have sailed for many years in many different types of boats, I’m fairly new to sailing with only a couple of years of cruiser sailing under my belt and much to learn. Discovering the power of the wind & sea and its effects on our cruiser and myself has been very interesting. I also intend to improve my ‘sea legs’, they definitely need work!” </em></p>
<p style="margin-left:40px">My 2023 goals whilst wearing my Commodore hat, would be to continue to grow the club in both the dinghy & cruiser section, by supporting our very enthusiastic committee members and volunteers. Promotion of our 2024 Round Ireland Yacht Race is also top of my list, the 2022 race was amazing. We will endeavour to make 2024 even better with more entrants and larger boats, it is such a privilege to organise and host Ireland’s premier offshore yacht race. As Commodore, I have big shoes to fill, but I’m sure with the support of our wonderful committee and members, anything is possible! </p>
<p> </p>
<p>What are you sailing goals for 2023? Let us know, tag us in any posts on FaceBook, Twitter or Instagram!</p>
<p>@irishsailing</p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 22 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7920/my-goals-for-2023</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>700 Responses to Women Boat Ownership Survey</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7921/700-responses-to-women-boat-ownership-survey</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/women_own_boats_survey.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h3><strong>700 responses to the Women Boat Ownership Survey</strong></h3>
<p>Sailors, powerboaters, boaters and windsurfers from all over Ireland and overseas gave their input to the survey asking about women’s participation and boat ownership. We would like to thank everyone for the time taken to give us some very useful insights.</p>
<p>As well as analysing the survey results fully in the new year, we will be conducting small group discussions in January to delve deeper into the responses and use all the learnings to help us shape the next Women on the Water Take the Helm campaign. We will also share all the outcomes and insights with you.</p>
<p>The winner of the €100 voucher from the “Thank you draw” was Caroline Forde of Kinsale Yacht Club. Five Irish Sailing baseball hats have headed off in the post to the runners up.</p>
<p><strong>The survey remains open for anyone that wishes to share the link</strong> <strong>and we encourage ALL to share their opinions and insight. <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DoWomenOwnBoats" target="_blank">DO WOMEN OWN BOATS SURVEY LINK HERE</a>.</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<h2 style="text-align:center"><strong><a href="https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/5351/do-women-own-boats">DO WOMEN OWN BOATS?</a></strong></h2>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Wed, 21 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7921/700-responses-to-women-boat-ownership-survey</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Happy Christmas!</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7923/happy-christmas</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Web_News_Temp_WHITE_LOGO__11_.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2><strong>Happy Christmas from all of us at Irish Sailing !</strong></h2>
<p>The office is closed from 4pm Thursday 22<sup>nd</sup> December to 9am Tuesday 3<sup>rd</sup> January 2023.</p>
<p>We wish you a peaceful and Merry Christmas, and don’t forget our calendar of events when you’re filling out the new 2023 diaries: <a href="https://www.sailing.ie/Events" target="_blank">https://www.sailing.ie/Events</a></p>
<p>As usual, in lieu of sending Christmas cards we have made a donation to the RNLI: <a href="https://rnli.org/" target="_blank">https://rnli.org/</a> </p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Wed, 21 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7923/happy-christmas</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Safetrx Updates</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7919/safetrx-updates</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/573/3_20221214_133054_0002.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2>Safetrx Boat Monitoring App Updates</h2>
<p>We've made lots of improvements to the Irish Sailing Safetrx app since the app was launched. Get familiar with all the great new features and bring Irish Sailing SafeTrx on your next adventure!</p>
<p>Irish Sailing SafeTrx is a Smartphone App for both Android & Apple iOS devices (iPhone, iPad) that allows you to plan your journey on your Smartphone and monitors your boat’s journey.</p>
<p>There are two modes to choose from ...</p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><strong>Sail</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> mode which alerts Emergency Contacts should you fail to return on time and </p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><strong>Track</strong> <strong>Only</strong> allows you to track your trip.</p>
<p><strong>Sail</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> allows you to map your route directly from your Smartphone. You can enter your journey details and set off knowing that should you not return by the time given, your Emergency Contact will be alerted and advised to initiate appropriate action. The Irish Coast Guard will have access to your location and SafeTrx Trip data through a secure SafeTrx server. Since the Irish Sailing SafeTrx app periodically sends your location data back to our servers, the Coast Guard’s response team can get help directly to you, and quickly.</p>
<p><strong>Track</strong> <strong>Only</strong> allows you to track your trip but as no ETA is entered so there are no automated alerts sent. Trips can be shared if you wish so that your contacts can keep track of you on the move.</p>
<p>In both modes AND outside any tracking, you can use the app to initiate an emergency call to 112, then the Coast Guard can access the console to get their location.</p>
<ul>
<li>If you are in a trip, it will flag the trip as having an emergency.</li>
<li>If you are <strong>not </strong>in a trip, it will start an emergency trip. </li>
</ul>
<p>Whilst the app is not intended to be used as a replacement for normally approved safety devices (VHF, EPIRB, AIS etc), it is a resource that in some instances may help to raise an alarm earlier and assist emergency services to locate casualties more accurately as it shows the planned destination and direction of travel.</p>
<p><strong>Database</strong> <strong>Update</strong></p>
<p>In order to keep the Irish Sailing SafeTrx database up to date registered users of the free app that haven’t used their account in over two years are receiving direct emails inviting them to activate their account. They just need to log into the app or go directly to https://safetrx.sailing.ie to sign in if they would like to keep their account.</p>
<p>You need do nothing else other than log on, but it might be a good time to check your personal data, vessel data and your emergency contacts.</p>
<p>What can I do if I have forgotten my password?</p>
<p>You can either:</p>
<ul>
<li style="margin-left: 40px;">Open to the Irish Sailing SafeTrx App and choose 'Forgot your password?'</li>
</ul>
<p>or</p>
<ul>
<li style="margin-left: 40px;">Log on to <a href="https://safetrx.sailing.ie/forgotpassword.html" target="_blank">https://safetrx.sailing.ie/forgotpassword.html</a>. Enter your email address, choose 'Send Password Reset Email' then follow the instructions in the email that follows. (Remember to check your spam/junk folders if necessary).</li>
</ul>
<p>If you have questions or need help with your account, please contact Gail on safetrx@sailing.ie</p>
<p>Thanks in advance for helping us keep the Irish Sailing SafeTrx database up to date supporting safe and enjoyable boating.</p>
<p><strong>NB</strong>: Your Irish Safetrx account is NOT connected to your Irish Sailing qualifications and boat information account on sailing.ie.</p>
<h2 style="text-align:center"><a href="https://www.sailing.ie/Cruising/Safe-TRX"><strong>www.sailing.ie/Cruising/Safe-TRX</strong></a></h2>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Wed, 14 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7919/safetrx-updates</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Performance Update: Christmas Special</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7916/performance-update-christmas-special</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Web_News_Temp_WHITE_LOGO__7_-1.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2>Irish Sailing Performance Update: Christmas Special</h2>
<p>Welcome to the final Performance Update of 2022. Results continued to break records in the youth programme with Rocco Wright claiming gold at the ILCA European Championships, and Eve McMahon nominated for the high-profile RTE Sportsperson of the Year Awards. </p>
<h3>Rocco Wright takes gold in Hyères:</h3>
<p>After battling at the top of his 60 boat event, <strong>Irish Sailing Academy’s Rocco Wright emerged overall winner</strong> of the ILCA6 Men's European Championship (21st November) in Hyères, France. The 16 year old also won the U21 division. This win adds to his Youth World Championship gold won in the Netherlands in July. </p>
<p><strong>The ILCA6 Men's event</strong> is the stepping-stone class to senior level competition for the ILCA7 used at the Olympic Games. </p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>"Rocco has worked hard on his fitness since the summer; this work was rewarded with the stellar performances in breeze earlier in the week" said James O'Callaghan, Performance Director with Irish Sailing.  "The result and his superb 2022 season is not only a tribute to him but also to the support of his family and wider community in Howth Yacht Club." </em></p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>"I'm extremely happy with this week as the first few days were very challenging and that was my weakness coming out of summer," he said.  "I'm just speechless to be world and European champion this year. It was always a dream of mine to win a worlds and a European and to do it the same year... I'm just over the moon!" said Rocco. </em></p>
<p> </p>
<h3>Half Term action for the Irish Sailing Winter Squads  </h3>
<p>Even as the days get colder, the weather doesn’t stop our Youth and Junior Squads getting out and active on the water.  Half term saw over 150 Optimists, fifteen ILCA 4 (formerly Laser 4.7), twenty Toppers, ten Academy sailors and 29ers, and some 420s out on the water across the country.   </p>
<p>The Optimist National training week held at Lough Derg Yacht club was a resounding success. Despite a breezy start, this did not stop the fun and long list of onshore training activities for all the sailors. As well as top coaching the clinic also saw education around physical training and research led workshops on talent development, which over 50 parents attended.   </p>
<p>Meanwhile<strong> Liam Glynn,</strong> former Irish Sailing Team member held ILCA 4 and Topper junior squads coaching in Dun Laoghaire over the half term. </p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>“It was back to basics for the sailors, teaching them how the sail works and how the precise adjustments of shape they make are massively important to the speed of their boats” commented Liam. </em></p>
<p>He also had over twenty boats from other clubs in Dun Laoghaire join in some of the racing. Opening the clinics like this allows local sailors to see where the level is at in the country.  </p>
<p>Weeks like this are a key component for inspiring and driving the next generation of sailors. Irish Sailing Development Coach Sean Evans said “It is great to see so much activity still on the water after such a busy summer season, there has been really positive turnout in all the classes, and we aim to continue this through the coming winter months.”   </p>
<p> </p>
<h3>Award season for Eve:</h3>
<p>Thanks to her stellar summer, <strong>Eve McMahon </strong>has been nominated for two awards: the high profile <strong>RTE Sports Person of the Year Award</strong>, taking place on<strong> 17 December </strong>where she’s nominated in the Youth category alongside four other young sports stars, and the Outsider Awards, in the Woman of the Year category. These awards will take place in early 2023. </p>
<p> </p>
<h3>Major events to come in Q1 2023:</h3>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Princesa Sofia Regatta (ILCAs and 49ers) 1-8 April Palma, Mallorca, Spain </p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Irish Sailing Youth National Championships 13-16 April Howth YC </p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Olympic Week (ILCAs and 49ers) 22-29 April Hyeres, France </p>
</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>Follow us:</p>
<p>You can follow all the Team’s news and the team’s progress on Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tok and Facebook. </p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 13 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7916/performance-update-christmas-special</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>New Racing and Classes Policy Group</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7918/new-racing-and-classes-policy-group</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/573/Racing_and_Classes_Policy_Group.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h3><strong>Introducing our new Racing and Classes Policy Group</strong></h3>
<p>A brand new policy group has been set up to support Irish Sailing’s affiliated classes: the Racing and Classes Policy Group.</p>
<p>The aim of the group is to support Irish Sailing and its affiliated classes in areas such as development, participation and activity levels.</p>
<p>Lead by Katie Dwyer who sits on the board, the group draws together sailors from different backgrounds, experience, gender and age which will generate a wide range of recommendations and proposals. They include Mary McCormack of Foynes Yacht Club; Jocelyn Hill, a Northern Irish RS200 sailor; Kinsale-based Ian Travers who brings plenty of off-shore cruiser racing experience; Dave Love of Royal Cork YC and current 1720 class captain; Paddy Crosbie also of the Royal Cork YC and incoming National 18 class captain; Sarah-Louise Rossiter, current Racing Officer for Irish Sailing.</p>
<p>The group had their first meeting in early November when plans were outlined regarding goals and areas of potential interest. Specific subjects discussed included support and collaboration of ideas across the affiliated classes, a general event calendar link, support resources for classes, support awareness, the development of a classes page on the Irish Sailing website, the establishment of co-operation for multi-class events, collaboration with classes to provide competitive fun and accessible racing programmes, identifying and delivering core supports for Classes to increase participation in competitive activities for all, as well as many other topics.</p>
<p>This is the beginning of a group which will provide concrete advice certain to improve the growth of classes as well as their relationship with other classes. The policy group will continue to work over the next number of months, hoping to finish the year on a positive and helpful note, so that racing and classes can reap the benefits of the ideas proposed.</p>
<p>You can read more about Irish Sailing affiliated classes here <a href="https://www.sailing.ie/News/cat/3">https://www.sailing.ie/News/cat/3</a>, and more about the new Policy Group members here: <a href="https://www.sailing.ie/About-Us/Governance/Policy-Groups">https://www.sailing.ie/About-Us/Governance/Policy-Groups</a></p>
<h2 style="text-align:center"><a href="https://www.sailing.ie/Racing/Classes"><strong>www.sailing.ie/Racing/Classes</strong></a></h2>
<p> </p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 13 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7918/new-racing-and-classes-policy-group</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Sport Ireland praises Harry Hermon's Legacy</title>
<link>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7917/sport-ireland-praises-harry-hermon-s-legacy</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<img src="/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/566/Web_News_Temp_WHITE_LOGO__9_.png" alt="" height="200"/>
<h2>Sport Ireland praises Harry Hermon’s legacy</h2>
<p>The large crowd that gathered for<strong> Harry Hermon’s</strong> retirement party last week (Thursday 8 December) was testament to his popularity and length of his tenure. Harry has <strong>retired as CEO </strong>of Irish Sailing after nearly seventeen years in the role.</p>
<p>Joining <strong>John Twomey</strong> in the speeches was <strong>Dr Una May, CEO of Sport Ireland</strong> who said how Harry was one of the longest standing CEOs in sport and a pleasure to work with. She continued that for her and Sport Ireland, Harry’s outstanding legacy was the huge success of the performance teams and the performance programme, and the Watersports Inclusion Games.</p>
<p>Irish Sailing board member Vera Quinlan presented Harry with an image of the Dunmore East seabed from INFOMAR (Integrated Mapping for the Sustainable Development of Ireland’s Marine Resource) which is funded by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, and delivered by Geological Survey Ireland and the Marine Institute.</p>
<p>Among the many emails and plaudits wishing Harry well was one from<strong> David Graham, CEO of World Sailing</strong>:</p>
<p style="margin-left:40px"><em>“Everyone at World Sailing sends their best wishes to Harry on his retirement. He is someone who truly has sailing in his bones and his service to Irish Sailing and the wider sport is an inspiration to all of us."</em></p>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 13 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.sailing.ie/News/id/7917/sport-ireland-praises-harry-hermon-s-legacy</guid>
</item>
</channel>
</rss>
Like this:
Like Loading...
West Cork Sailing Centre 