Junior Training Art Competition

  To encourage more widespread interest in the wonderful sport of Sailing, WSC is running a schools Art Competition aimed at 10-15 year olds with a theme of "On the water" and the main prize is a coveted place on the Clubs summer Junior Training programme, worth up to €400. David Ryan has a poster campaign going out to all schools in the locality and hopes to spread the word near and far about our efforts to encourage new blood into sailing. Click here for Rules.

WSC Development Plan

  After conducting research on how other clubs have approach putting together a Club Development plan, Peter Shearer and his dedicated team have drawn up a survey in association with the ISA, which will be either in your e-mail folder or by post. It would be greatly appreciated if every member would complete the survey and return it to Peter to assist him in moving forward to the next stage. This is the link to the Survey and we would be obliged if you could take about 20 minutes to complete it, please - http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=MGpn8xQEtQYyTIiKx64ZRQ_3d_3d

WWU Open Day

   WSC, like many of our fellow sporting clubs, will suffer from this recession and with this in mind, we ran a very successful joint WWU Open Day, Sun 3rd May, 1-5pm in the hope we might encourage new members to join us.

  

(all photos compliments of Fred Drew)

  Richard Nairn did a fantastic job promoting the event with posters, newspapers, radio slots and window displays resulting in a fabulous turnout on the day. David Ryan and his team did sterling work cleaning the boatpark, setting up stands, organising dinghy and regular RIB trips, while Susan Hill co-ordinated the Cruiser trips - 15 in all with c.60/70 lucky individuals trying out big boat sailing with from 7  to 70 year olds giving it a go. Obliging boat owners were John Harte, Brian Malone, Mick Mulvihill, Fergus O Conchobhair and Charlie Kavanagh in perfect sailing conditions. In the club house, Christiana Norton and Catherine Malone with helpers made sure all were welcome to WSC. Several members helped out crewing, manning the barrier, fetching bits etc to make this a wonderful success and a huge PR boost for WSC.

     

  In the Round Ireland room, various local clubs and organisations mounted their own stands generating a lot of interest in their respective activities. Again, the feedback from these was very positive and fully justifies the new co-operation being promoted through Wicklow Waterfront Users, an ad hoc organisation representing all shades of boating and water based leisure activities and interests around Wicklow Harbour.

 40 Thieves descend on Wicklow SC

   Ali Baba (aka Chris Norton) has hitched a lift on a Turkish Carpet (Kilim) and is scheduled to arrive in WSC on Sat 16th May with 40 thieves in tow. Anyone wishing to get some of their booty at knock down prices should dress up and get down to South Quay - beautiful belly dancers are known to follow this crowd. Read here for more details........

WSC Entertainment Activity   

Pat and Olivia Murphy return

   Following on their very entertaining talk in WSC a number of years ago, Pat and Olivia have agreed to come down and give a talk on the 2nd half of their epic 9 year voyage around the world on Fri 24th April at 8.30pm. They had many very interesting and exciting experiences which make for a riveting talk, well delivered in a friendly and interactive way, using slides to illustrate the highlights. Voluntary contributions are encouraged to help them offset expenses back in the real world. Pass the word around - its a night you will enjoy thoroughly. Read more here....

Crisis Prices

   All boatowners, crew and friends - our lift -in supper on Sat 25th April will be €10 per head - the menu will be tasty but a surprise. Spread the word and help make this a success - your club needs your support. Bookings to Gerry Nolan 0404 68620 please. Music will be provided by Derek, Frank and Kevin Collins - bring in the new sailing season with a lively session.

Whales and Dolphins Talk

  Richard Nairn arranged with Faith Wilson of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group to give an illustrated talk in WSC on Fri 3rd April at 8.30pm, cost to Over 18's €5.00, younger free. We had a full house, with people turned away and Faith gave a very well illustrated talk on all of whale/dolphin species found in Irish waters, along with some photos from a recent trip to Mexico. It was very encouraging to see our younger folk taking such a keen interest in our sea cousins - lots of potential whale watchers growing up.

  Wham bam, Grand Slam! It was a long time coming for this team, but after many close calls over the last few years, Declan Kidney finally found the magic formula to bring home the bacon - and what a climax. WSC never had such a large and rowdy crowd on board and every nerve tingling minute was enjoyed and endured by those lucky enough to experience it. Wales (our Celtic neighbours) gave their all  to retain their Championship, forcing BOD's warriors to scrap for every inch gained - to see it all come down to an injury time kick to decide the spoils - heart attack territory, but Stephen Jones missed to the delight of all of Ireland. A wait of 61 years finally delivered, lets hope the next one doesn't take so long.

  Still on matters Rugby, our local U18's are in the All Ireland Final, with 5 or 6 of our young men in tow - lets wish them well as they attempt to win a 3rd title in a row on Sunday 19th April in Naas RFC, kick-off 2.30pm against Highfield RFC, a senior club from Cork.

  The Munster and Leinster road show comes back to Croke Park on Sat 2nd May for the Heineken Cup Semi-final - another sell out fixture, no doubt. Come on the Blues!