Round Ireland Photos/Videos

   Wanted - Good quality, preferably action, photos of any Round Ireland. I will accept photos sent by e-mail (freddrew@eircom.net) but I would prefer the actual photo as I can have high definition scans made. Originals will be returned to the provider. The photos are required for a book I am writing on the history of the race (if used, attribution will be given). Also, anyone with a video(s) of any race, I would appreciate getting a copy to assist in my research, please.     Many Thanks,      Fred Drew, President WSC.

Steve and Gail Sailors talk

   Temporary Wicklow residents Steve Phillips and Gail Dawson from Darwin, Australia are on their second Round the World circumnavigation and gave a slide show with commentary in WSC on Fri 12th Feb at 9.00pm. They had some very interesting tales of rescuing 5 Sri Lankan refugees from the sea  near Christmas Is and of piracy off the Yemen as well as several accounts of beautiful places they visited. It was well worth the entrance fee! Follow their progress on www.gonetroppo.org

Powerboat Courses

   If you wish to get either a basic L1 or L2 Cert or the more advanced Safety Cert, check here for details of upcoming courses.

Tony and Rose

    

   Our very popular members, Tony Gillespie and Rose Dunne, are tying the knot on 29th January in a private ceremony. We liaised with them and organised a pre-wedding party in the Club on Sat 23rd January - a good turn out of our members, their family and friends came down to give them a proper send off. Music was provided by our younger members in Free Beer and a very enjoyable night was had by all. A small presentation was made to them on behalf of the members and they also received a wedding cake for their big day. Thanks to Sheila and Orlagh for their endeavours in the kitchen. Everyone in Wicklow Sailing Club wishes them all the very best on the day and for their future together.

   Members and friends gave generously to a collection in the Club on the same night in aid of the Earthquake Disaster in Haiti, donating the tidy sum of €300 which will be forwarded through Concern. Our petty troubles are nothing compared to their plight.

St Patricks Day Parade

  Wicklow Town Council have written to the Club offering us the Prime Slot in this years parade thanks to our Round Ireland Yacht Race. We would hope that our members will make a big effort to make this a suitable spectacle and bring pride to our club in its 60th year. We would hope that a Festival float will also join us in our endeavours. Any ideas for a suitable float on a Round Ireland theme? Maybe our intending RI racers could use the occasion also.

Round Ireland 2010

 

   Facebook - we now have Round Ireland Yacht Race page on Facebook and you might like to add your support by becoming a "friend". Plans are progressing well for a Town Festival to add an extra buzz to the event.

   Good News - Dennis informs us that we have our 1st official entry - previous 2 handed competitor Robin Wooton from the Isle of Man. There are also c.25 positive enquiries in the pipeline (about 20 more than usual for January!) - so it looks like the sailors are supporting us superbly this year. As of 17th Feb, we are now up to 5 confirmed entries and growing.

  The Town Festival is moving towards taking on the challenge of promoting Wicklow on the back of our Race also - more good news. We are still trying to find a race sponsor - any leads would be appreciated.

  Word on the grapevine in the Club has it that there might be 2 groups trying to put together a campaign to put in Wicklow entries. Word has it that a Corby 45 one off design is available and moves are starting to get funding and a team together. This type of pedigree racing machine will be a serious challenge for club racers and a lot of advance offshore miles in tough conditions will be needed to get them in the frame of mind needed to cope with possible gales off the Irish coast line in such a boat.

   I'm sure members will assist their endeavours where possible. We can assist by running courses to help bring qualifications up to date (mileage/1st Aid, VHF etc), events to help with fundraising and any other assistance needed within reasonable bounds. Fingers crossed all will work out well for all concerned.  

Sadie in the wars

   Word has reached your correspondent by bush telegraph from Tinahely, that Sadie Phelan had the misfortune to break her leg in the recent icy conditions. We wish her a speedy recovery.

New Year In WSC

  

(photos Fred and Norma Drew)

   Despite a relatively small turnout, Sheila and Frank laid on a very entertaining New Years Eve Party with food, music and a Crazy Auction. Star prize went to the Annie and Derek Stewart team who outbid the other 2 syndicates to secure a 69 piece tool set for their handyman grandson. We helped Harry Acheson celebrate his 80th birthday on the night - well done Harry.

  With all the snow and freezing conditions, we have to commend our very dedicated Bar Manager, Kerrie Gill, who kept the doors open throughout the bad weather.

Round Ireland Launch

 

   The 30th Anniversary Round Ireland Yacht Race was launched in Wicklow Gaol on Thursday 3rd December in the historic surroundings of Wicklow Gaol. A large turnout, with standing room only, enjoyed a wine and nibbles reception prior to the formalities, mingling with amongst others,  Leo Cullen, captain of the victorious Leinster Heineken Cup Rugby team. Most of the major Irish sailing organisations were represented, reflecting the important place our Race holds in the eyes of Irish sailors. Read here for the report.

   David Furlong presented his fathers "Irish Holly" Trophy to Mark Mills, a former junior member of WSC, for his services to sailing outside the environs of Wicklow Sailing Club. Mark is a very successful high performance designer of racing yachts with successes racked up all over the yachting world.

 2009 Annual General Meeting

    Wicklow Sailing Club held its 59th AGM on Fri 27th November.  Read here for report.

ISORA 2010

   Sadie Phelan represented WSC at the ISORA AGM and Annual Dinner on Sat 7th Nov in the National YC and is the bearer of good tidings - we will finish a major Offshore Race on Sat 5th June, and a healthy entry of up to 30 boats is expected. The ISORA fleet hopes to encourage participation in the Round Ireland and are a valuable organisation for promoting offshore sailing. Check here for more details.