Membership Renewals

   Like all clubs around the country, falling bar revenue and the recession are putting more strains on our finances. Our members have been very understanding and supportive over the last few years as we endeavoured to bring our ship back on an even keel. Therefore, we would earnestly ask those who still haven't paid their 2010 membership to do so as soon as practically possible. Subscriptions must be paid in full by 31st March 2010 or your membership will lapse- please continue to help your club.

Boatowners

  With lift-in (or should we say commissioning) only a month away, our Cruiser Boatowners are meeting on Good Friday 2nd April to put the final touches to preparations for the new season. Issues like mooring chain, o/s payments, racing programme, new mark layout, forms and fees, crane, crash boat etc etc will be discussed. All boatowners or a representative should be present.

  Hopefully, they will turn out again in big numbers to support our fellow members in their quest for Round Ireland glory on the Pride of Wicklow - a Table Quiz is being held to help raise funds on Fri 16th Apr at 8.30pm. Each boat could raise a team perhaps.

Mark Mills - Afloat Sailor of the Year 2009

   Former WSC Junior Trainee, Mark Mills, is now an internationally renowned Yacht Designer and enjoyed phenomenal success world wide with his designs last year. Allegre won the Rolex Malta Middle Sea race in October and several other boats won prestigious regattas in both hemispheres (see Mar/Apr Afloat). Recently, one of his designs, Windpower, a Landmark 43, won the South African IRC Championship. The success for the Landmark 43 means Mills Design currently holds a total of 6 National IRC Championship titles around the world on three continents: UK, USA, Ireland, South Africa, Italy and Scotland.    He very kindly presented prizes to our dinghy sailors last year and we presented him with the Liam Furlong "Irish Holly" trophy for his outstanding contribution to sailing. Well done Mark and all in Wicklow Sailing Club are proud of you.

St Patricks Day Parade

See Caption Competition below

  Having been honoured by Wicklow Town Council to be the lead float in this years parade, a great effort was put in to do ourselves proud. Thanks to some of our boatowners, we had 3 well presented floats representing our Clubs 60th Anniversary, the 30th Anniversary of our Round Ireland and our Training section. Members, young and old, dressed up accordingly, including the President on the 41st anniversary of his arrival on the Emerald Isle. Our efforts bore fruit as we were awarded the best Nautical float and 2nd Overall - well done to all who particpated. Check out photos here.

  Afterwards in the Club, a great turnout of families and friends brought a lively buzz to the place with a tasty stew served up afterwards by Sheila, Orlagh, Mary and Norma.

  Our esteemed President, Fred Drew met a pal on the parade route - a €20 voucher for Apache Pizzas for the best caption - closing date 3rd April. Replies to info@wicklowsailingclub.com

Boatowners Meeting

  Our Cruiser owners met on Fri 26th Feb to discuss plans for the coming season. The Commodore spoke about the positive input of younger members Connor Haughton and Jason Moran, who will help look after matters in the sailing section. Fees need to be paid up to date and all payments must be receipted in the WSC Receipt book. Help will be needed for our Round Ireland, 60th Anniversary and East Coast Regatta.

  Lift-in was agreed for Sat 1st May and a racing programme agreed in principal (check this link). A moorings reserve fund needs to be set up as a matter of urgency as renewal works will soon be required. Jim Vickers agreed to look after Cruising and hopefully trips to Portmadoc and Carnarvon as well as along the East coast will be organised. A new trophy to remember David Wilding has been put up by RWYC and it was agreed to award it for best log of the season. David O Gorman has been put forward for the vacant RC Sail position, subject to Committee ratification.

Round Ireland Photos/Videos

   “Wanted – records of the 1988 Round Ireland race – particularly the list of entrants. I have the results of the race but not the names of all the participating skippers” Also - 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.

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.

Round Ireland 2010

 

See News blog - Blind sailor to do 2 Handed race

   Facebook - we now have a 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 - it is called the Round Ireland Sail Fest - Come on down to Wicklow Town.

   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 27th Feb, we are now up to 6 confirmed entries and growing (3 returning and 3 new entries). It looks like Green Dragon might enter and also, 2 time winner Cavatina, is a likely entrant.

  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.