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.

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.

  See press release re ICRA Nationals in Dun Laoghaire.

Junior Training

   Our Junior Training subcommittee are making plans for this years programme and will be meeting in the near future to put the package together and top of the bill is the appointment of a Senior Instructor. New JTC members Sandra Fitzgerald and Roisin Hennessy will be representing parents interests.

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.

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

 

   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.

   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.