The Rathmullan Sailing and Water Sports Club

Thanks to all our club members who attended the recent AGM of RSWC. There was an excellent turnout on the night and it was very encouraging to see so many of our junior members in attendance.

Outgoing club secretary David Browne acknowledged the work of all members of the RSWC committee 2011. Aengus Kennedy was commended for his outstanding commitment to club development over the past year. David also highlighted the need for additional safety boat operators to accommodate club expansion in the coming year. Any club members who are interested in becoming safety boat operators should contact Damian Rodgers on 0868033344, who can organise ISA Powerboat training. The club also plan to run practical RIB sessions on the water which will enable people to gain useful experience in power boating. These sessions will be notified to club members via club texts. Thanks goes to James Gallagher for volunteering his time and invaluable knowledge/experience in accommodating members who wish to improve their RIB piloting skills.

An exciting development this year is the addition of two children’s representatives to the club committee. Congratulations to Shauna Rodgers and Adam Khavia who are the clubs first junior committee members. As representatives of every junior member of the club we look forward to their suggestions and schemes for the coming year!

We were also delighted to have the opportunity to elect two junior race reporters who will diligently report on all the racing and training which takes place this year. This huge responsibility has gone to two of our youngest and very talented sailors Eithne Boyle and Eimear Rodgers. Go girls!!

For a full list of newly elected committee members 2012 please check out the club website.

Wishing all our members another great year on the water for 2012.

February’s Junior Race Workshop is taking place on Saturday 18th from 1 – 4 pm.  Another great opportunity for our young members to advance their racing knowledge and skills ahead of the spring/summer racing schedules.

Don’t forget to book early to ensure a place! Contact Aengus on 086 8123019.

The Annual General Meeting of RSWC will take place on Tuesday 31st March 2012 in Rathmullan Resource Centre, from 8 – 9 pm.

All our members, including our junior members, are encouraged to attend as this will be a great opportunity to voice your opinions and views on where/how you see your club developing over the coming year. It’s also a chance to meet and communicate with other members of the club and get the full ‘low down’ on how we’ve been doing so far!

See you all there!

Aengus Kennedy is running the first of the New Year junior racing skills workshops this coming Saturday 14th January.  Meet at the compound at 1pm and finish time will be approx 4pm. If interested please contact Aengus on 0868123019.

These workshops are proving to be very popular so to ensure a place please book early!

RSWC Annual Frostbite Sail will take place tomorrow Sunday Jan 1st 2012 at 12md. Contact James to book your place on 086228881. Come along and join in the fun of our very first club sail of the New Year. A promising forecast of fresh southwesterly winds and mild temperatures should provide ideal sailing conditions to start off our 2012 season!

Wishing all our members a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

On October 22^nd a very successful junior racing tips and skills workshop was held by Aengus Kennedy, our hugely popular and talented sailing instructor. Aengus plans to run these afternoon sessions right through the winter months, weather permitting. So if you want to leave the competition in irons and be first over the line please book your place with Aengus on 0868123019 for the next session. Set to take place this coming Saturday afternoon, 19^th November from 1 – 4pm. Judging from the 100% positive feedback we have received from our junior sailors this is one event not to be missed. But if you did miss out last time, here’s what one of our youngest talented sailors had to report about the day.

Junior Race Training with Aengus Kennedy by Eithne Boyle.

One damp and windy Autumn Saturday, a group of junior sailors gathered on the shores of Lough Swilly open minded and willing to learn how to become even better sailors. Unfortunately the heavens opened and the rain beat down hard so we retreated under the roof of the local community center.

For 40 minutes our trusty instructor Aengus explained some basic theory and rules of racing to us. After our helpful class the sun came out of hiding and the rain died down to a light drizzle. We headed out on the water and put our theory into testing.

Angus plotted out a few race courses for us to compete and practice our new skills on. A steady South Easterly wind guaranteed us a brilliant sail.

The day had been wonderful. We had great wind, a little rain, a bit of sunshine, loads of fun and a brilliant instructor. We are definitely looking forward to the next one!

Thanks Aengus!

RSWC successfully launched their 2012 calendar at the St Vincent de Paul centre in Rathmullan on Friday 4^th November. This is the 2^nd edition of the calendar and RSWC intend it to be an annual production, raising funds for the SVdP and RSWC.

Hundreds of photos of Rathmullan and its environs were submitted for inclusion in this year’s calendar and Donal Maguire had the difficult job of deciding which photos should make the cut. The result is a collection of diverse and engaging images of Rathmullan, its people, locality and activities both on land and water. Once again, Rathmullan based award winning Carton LeVert Design voluntarily gave their time and expertise to produce this stylish and engaging edition of the calendar.

Conal Dryslane of the SVdP was MC for the night and he thanked James Gallagher, supported by the RSWC for the original concept of the calendar and Carton LeVert for its production. Proceeds from the night went to the SVdP and over €300 was raised, for this very worthy charity. The SVdP in Rathmullan provide services for senior citizens in the locality and also facilitate the wider community in many ways.

We hope you will enjoy the images contained in the calendar and you might even see a face or two you recognise! Demand is high for these calendars so hurry and get your copy (or copies) now, available to buy in local businesses and in the SVdP centre.

A practical and enjoyable addition to any home or a delightful Christmas present for friends and family both at home and away!

For all our hardy sailors here is the November/December Club open sail schedule. Sail on Saturday 19th November will be a junior racing tips and skills course provided by our very talented sailing instructor, Aengus Kennedy. Aengus plans to run these very popular courses right through the winter months, so if you want to get ahead of the fleet and be in with a chance of being the first over the line, contact Aengus – next sesssion 19th November.

Saturday sails are now from 2 – 4pm and Sunday sails continue from 10 am – 12 md. Please contact safety boat operators with intent to sail. Have fun!

Saturday 12th November – Karena 0863866801

Sunday 13th – James 0862288181

Saturday 19th – Aengus 086123019 Please note this sail will be a juniors racing tips and skills sail and will be from 1 – 4pm.

Sunday 20th – Damian 0868033344

Saturday 26th – Joan 0876890542

Sunday 27th – David 0868162389

Saturday 3rd December - Rick 0863863455

Sunday 4th – Pauline 0863396095

Saturday 10th – Caroline 0860733164

Sunday 11th – Karena 0863866801

RSWC would like to invite everyone along to the launch of their 2012 calendar on Friday 4th November at 8pm in the St Vincent de Paul centre in Rathmullan.

Proceeds from the calendar will go to the SVdP and RSWC. Thanks to everyone who submitted their photos of Rathmullan’s people and places for inclusion in this year’s calendar. Why not come along and join us and see did your photos make the cut!

Friday 8pm – see you there!

Following the huge success of last years event Rathmullan Sailing Club are once again delighted to host a dinghy race on Friday 6th May 6.30pm, to coincide with the Lough Swilly Yacht Club White Harte Regatta. This is an open event so non-club members are very welcome to attend. We hope to see Lough Swilly Yacht Club dinghy sailors once again joining in this event. Plenty of fun and competition guaranteed, and hopefully more wind than last year! This year rudders are strictly to be used only to steer the boat – not the course! This competition is being kindly and generously sponsored by Rathmullan Health Center with prizes for €30, €20 and €15. 1st, 2nd and 3rd.

The White Harte Regatta is being run in conjunction with the first leg of the Junior Race Series 2011. Race Officer for the day will be the ever competent and accomplished Aengus Kennedy.

UPDATE:

Strong southerly winds with intermittent gusts signalled the start of the White Harte Dingy Regatta 2011.

Eight dinghies took to the water in near perfect wind conditions. Ten RSWC members were joined by two experienced and enthusiastic sailors from LSYC one of whom, Stephen Doherty was defending his first place title from 2010. Some boats were single handed and some double handed crewed.

Wind strength increased dramatically as sailors took to the waters and the blustery conditions put an early end to the younger girls ambitions, as they retired gracefully from the race to seek shelter on the beach. Courageous older children however managed to put in stalwart efforts in very challenging conditions. Much praise to Aengus Kennedy, Race Officer for maintaining order and consistency.

Despite many boats bring tossed and turtled they were gingerly up righted time and time again. Stephen Doherty of LSYC comfortably won the first race on a triangular course. All other boats were disqualified for various misdemeanors and technical difficulties.

For the second race of the evening a sausage course was adopted. Stephen Doherty again flew across the finish line with ease. Samantha bravely fought for second place and her efforts were well rewarded. Euan Robinson and Dabhog Boyle took third place.

Thanks are due to all our keen young sailors, visiting sailors from Fahan, club leaders, our sponsor under the watchful guidance of the Race Officer Aengus Kennedy. An exhausting but exhilarating start to the racing season!

John White ISA will be joining our club on the 14th of May to instruct and inspire our members on the skills required to be first over the line! Starting time to be confirmed. We will keep you posted. Contact Caroline to reserve your place 086 0733 164.

Come the first weekend of July, the sheltered waters of Donegal’s Lough Swilly will spring to life with sails big and small, with the slap of oars and paddles. The shoreline and golden sands of its beaches will play natural backdrop to theatre and games, to families and friends celebrating in the unique surroundings of our coastal environment.

No celebration would be complete without plenty of our coastal food culture: fresh fish and shellfish from our local waters; lamb, beef and pork from our local fields – all of it turned into simply exceptional regional cuisine by our talented local chefs.

Come and join us — on the water, on shore, and at the table.

This just in – follow SeaFest on Facebook or Twitter and you’ll be in with a chance of winning a SeaFest Taster*! This includes 2 night’s bed & breakfast for 2 people at Rathmullan House An introduction to sailing at the Rathmullan Sailing & Watersports School, a boat trip on Lough Swilly and a tour of An Grianán Estate, the largest organic farm in Europe.

*Valid 21st & 22nd June 2011

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/SeaFest2011/212346675466492?ref=ts&sk=wall

Twitter: @SeaFest2011

Calling all club members to join in our open sail sessions on Sunday mornings and due to commence 2nd June, Thursday evening sailing. The windy month of May has proved to be great fun on the water for the first of our junior race series and following on from this the club now encourage our members to join in our open sails on Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings. Friday evening sails – 10th, 17th & 23rd June are reserved for the first of our adult race series this season!

Please contact safety boat operators if interested in getting in on the action!

Sunday 29th May – Karena 0863866801

Thursday 2nd June – Joan 0876890542

Sunday 5th June – Damian 0868033344

Friday 10th June – James 0862288181

Sunday 12th June - Pauline 0863396095

Thursday 16th June – Karena 0863866801

Friday 17th June – Joan 0876890542

Sunday 19th June – Rick 0863863455

Thursday 23rd – Pauline 0863396095

Friday 24th – Damian 0868033344

Sunday 26th – James 0862288181

With the unusually high winds during the month of May finally abating we are planning an action packed June sailng schedule. The final of the first of our junior race series takes place this Friday and its all to play for, with all of our young nautical stars sailing the first challenge of the season with great gusto.

Adult Race Series

So far the young ones have led the way this year but now its time for the older ones to get in on the game and show what they’re made of! Starting on 10th June the adult race series will run for three consecutive Friday evenings – 1oth, 17th & 24th June.  All sailors to be at the boatyard and ready to sail by 6.30 pm. Contact James 0862288181 if interested.

Ramelton Excursion

As part of our open sail format RSWC are introducing occasional trips/excursions to our calendar this year.

The first of these will take place on Sunday 12th June and will involve a sail with the tide to Ramelton. We plan to set sail 1 -2 pm, weather and winds permitting, time will be confirmed. This sail will replace the 10am sail on that Sunday. Contact Pauline – 086 3396095, with intent to sail.

Blessing of Boats

The annual boat blessing ceremony will take place at Rathmullan Pier on 17th June at 8pm. As usual the local clergy, RNLI and Coastguard will be in attendance. Everyone welcome and we hope to see as many boats/watercraft on the water as possible.

The Blessing will coincide with the Official Opening of the new pontoon at Rathmullan pier, so make sure to join us there at 8pm.

Beach Bar B!

On Friday 17th June, following the Adult race series and  boat blessing ceremony, we are having the first of our summer beach BBQ’s. This will be a fun and social event for everyone and all are welcome to attend.

Please bring food and drinks. BBQ & bonfire will be provided and will take place near the childrens play area. Come along and get social with us!

SeaFest Lough Swilly in now only a month away and on the first weekend in July the beautiful waters of Donegal’s Lough Swilly will spring to life with sails big and small and the slap of oars and paddles. The shoreline and golden sands of it’s beaches will play natural backdrop to theatre and games, to families and friends celebrating in the unique surroundings of our coastal environment. This festival offers something for everyone – on the water, at the table and on shore.

Here is an idea of what to expect:

Try a dive pool

Sheephaven Sub Aqua Club will be causing quite a splash in the car park in Rathmullan with their try a dive pool.

SeaFest Menu

Expect plenty of our coastal food culture on the table, fresh and 100% donegal. fish and shellfish from our local waters, lamb, beef and pork from our local fields – all of it turned into simply exceptional regional cuisine by our talented local chefs. You can alco look forward to a helping of culinary theatre staged against the stunning backdrop of Rathmullan’s historic seaside Battery – pigs roasting on a spit, fish being smoked before your eyes, oysters being shucked, our chefs’ skills on display.

Besides serving food in the Battery there will also be culinary themed activities including a coastal food tour taking in the An Grianan Estate, kitchen gardening with Brendan Little, butchery and bakery demonstrations and foraging for our coastlines edible delights with John Hanlon.

On Shore

Friday 1st July – 5pm – Rathmullan 5km Road Race.

Saturday 2nd July & Sunday 3rd July – SeaFest Landlubbers. SeaFest and Earagail Arts Festival host two days of landlubbing - vintage fairground games, beach races and sea urchin workshops on the beaches of Rathmullan – all accompanied by some very fishy storytelling characters and aquatic street theatre. Throughout the day, on both days workshop facilitators will provide one hour arts and maritime themed workshops for young creative minds.

ON THE WATER.

Cruiser/Keel Boat Racing - IRC, Club and White Sails Fleets

Saturday 2nd July – The Saldhana Cup

Sunday 3rd July – Olympic style regatta.

Dinghies - Saturday 2nd July & Sunday 3rd July

Dinghy regatta will consist of a minimum of four races run over two days around an olympic style course. Racing format will suit both novice and experienced small boat racers. There will be a pico fleet and a mixed fleet run on a PY system. For every class with six or more boats on the water a seperate fleet will be formed.

Windsurfers – Sunday 3rd July

Figure eight racing course, designed so all levels of skill can compete. No age categories and all racing will be run in accordance to international windsurfing rules.

Beginner lessons will also be available.

Paddle Boarding - Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd July.

Beginner lessons and racing – suitable for all skill levels in heats of four with top two of each heat advancing to next rounds on through to finals.

Currachs

Race notice TBC.

Early birds get the worm….

All SeaFest sailing and windsurfing competitors who return their entry forms and fees by June 20th will be put into a draw: first prize is a voucher for 2 nights B&B for 2 at Rathmullan Holuse Hotel (not valid during SeaFest). 2nd and 3rd prizes of delicious Donegal food hampers.

Air Sea Rescue demonstration

Sunday 3rd July – 3pm. Don’t be surprised if you see a rescue helicopter hovering into view about 3pm on Sunday. That’s just our friends from the Irish Coast Guard and the RNLI’s Lough Swilly lifeboat carrying out an air sea rescue demonstration.

All of the above details/race notices/entry forms can be found on www.seafestloughswilly.com

SeaFest Rathmullan is fast approaching and here are a few reminders of the racing rules for our enthusiastic sailors!

Check out SeaFest website for more info on racing rules and tips for racing!

www.seafestloughswilly.com

You can also click on the link below for the ISAF ‘Racing Rules of Sailing’.

http://www.sailing.org/racingrules.php

2^nd-3^rd July 2011

Rathmullan Sailing and Watersports Club

Rathmullan, Lough Swilly, Co. Donegal 

SAILING INSTRUCTIONS 

1. Rules.

The regatta will be governed by the racing rules of sailing 2009 – 2012 (RRS), the rules laid down by the Irish Sailing Association (ISA), the Notice of Race, these Sailing Instructions (Sis) and any amendments that might follow. 

2. Alterations to Sailing Instructions or Schedule of Races.

Any alteration to the Sailing Instructions will be posted on the official notice board located at the Rathmullan Club Compound no later than 1 hour prior to the scheduling of the first race.  It is the sole responsibility of each competitor to ensure that they familiarize themselves with any such alterations. 

3. Schedule of races

When more than one race is to be held on the same day, the warning signal for each succeeding race will be made as soon as practicable. The race committee will make every effort to alert competitors that a race or sequence of races is about to commence, but if the committee does not inform a competitor or if they do not hear the signals made, this shall not be cause for redress. 

4. Skipper’s Briefing.

A Skipper’s briefing shall take place at 11.30 am on both mornings of the regatta.  The briefing shall take place at the Rathmullan Sailing Club Compound.  Any Skipper’s not attending will not be deemed eligible for the race. 

5. Fleets.

Pico’s and Topaz’s will form a mixed fleet with any other class of dinghy that numbers less than six.

Depending on entrants there is a possibility of a separate novice fleet.  
If there are six or more of any class of dinghy other than  Pico’s and Topaz’s they shall be allocated their own class  flag and their own start.  These start times shall be  announced after final registration at the Skipper’s  briefing. 

6. Class Flags.

The mixed fleet of Pico’s, Topaz’s and any other dinghy numbering less than sixshall have Pennant 1* as their class flag.  If a novice fleet is formed they shall have Pennant 2* as their class flag. 

Any fleet of six or more dinghy’s other than Pico’s and Topaz’s shall have Pennant 3* as their class flag.  Any subsequent fleet’s of dinghy’s numbering six or more or a separate novice fleet shall have Pennant 4*, 5* and 6* allocated to them as demand necessitates.  These allocations will be announced at the  skipper’s briefing.

* See Appendix 1 for illustrations of pennants. 

7. Safety.

      Competitors shall wear life jackets, buoyancy aids or  other  adequate personal buoyancy at all times when afloat  (in amendment of RRS40). 

      COMPETITORS SHALL BE AWARE OF THE OF THE   HAZARDS HIGHLIGHTED AT THE SKIPPER’S BREIFING,  NAMELY THE FERRY CHANELL AND FERRY LOADING  AREA.. Competitors shall follow the guidance of the  rescue boat  co-ordinator and rescue boat drivers at all  times.   

8. Launching and Recovery.

      The launch times and co-ordination shall be explained at  the skipper’s briefing.  The launching area shall be on the  beach north the slipway and ferry docking area. Boats  must not launch until authorised to do so by the race  committee.  

9. Starting.

Races will be started using RRS 26.  The start line shall be highlighted at the Skipper’s briefing.  For more than one fleet refer to points 4. and 5.  There will be at least one minute between the starting signal of one class and the warning signal of the next class. Boats whose warning signal has not been made shall avoid the starting area. 

10. Recalls.

      RSS 29 shall apply in the case of any recalls. 

11. Finishing.

      The finish line shall be explained at the Skipper’s briefing.   All competitors shall clear the finish line as soon as  possible after finishing. 

12. Course and Schedule of Races.

      The course and schedule of races shall be announced at  the Skipper’s briefing.  Any change of course in between  races shall be communicated to competitors on the water  no less than one minute before their first warning signal.

      Change to a course during a race will be facilitated by the  laying of a new mark (or moving the finishing line) and  removal of the original mark as soon as practicable, along  with the appropriate signals.  The course may be  shortened at any rounding mark. Rule 32 will apply.

      When code flags “S” & “C” are displayed at a mark,  competitors shall round the mark leaving it on the  required side, then sail directly to the finish line.  Competitors shall pass straight through the finish line  from the previous mark.

      Except when finishing, a boat shall not sail through the  finishing line when a blue flag is displayed on the  committee boat. 

13. Time Limit.

      Each boat shall be allowed up to 4 minutes to cross the  start line.  Boats failing to do so shall be scored ‘Did Not  Start’ (DNS). Boats failing to finish within 15 minutes of  the lead boat shall be awarded a score of one more than  the amount of starters.  This changes RRS 35.

      There shall be a time limit of 50 minutes for the lead boat. 

      For abandoning a race RRS 35 shall apply. 

14. Protests, Protest Time and Hearings.

      In addition to the obligations in RRS 61.1(a) protesting  boats  shall, immediately after finishing inform the Race  Officer (on the Race Committee Boat at the Finish) of the  sail number(s) of any boat(s) against which they intend to  protest.

      Protest forms will be available from Rathmullan Sailing  Club Compound Race Office and all protests shall be  delivered to the Race Office within Protest Time.

      Protest Time will begin as soon as possible after the finish  of the last boat in  the last race of each day and will last  for 30 minutes.

      The sail numbers of boats involved in protests together  with the schedule of protests will be posted on the Official  Notice Board 15 minutes after the expiration of Protest  Time. 

15. Scoring System.

      The Low Point Scoring System as laid out in RRS A4 shall  apply.  For mixed fleets the Portsmouth Yardstick (PY)  handicap will be used.  A minimum of 2 races are required  to be completed to constitute a series.  When fewer than 3  races have been completed, a boat’s series score will be  the total of her race scores (i.e. no discards). 
 

16. Sail Numbers.

All boats shall compete using the sail numbers declared at registration for the series. Changes of sail numbers will not be allowed, unless approved by the race committee. 

17. Race Marks.

      Race Marks shall be Yellow and cylindrical. 

18. Equipment and Measurement Checks.

      A boat or equipment may be inspected at any time for  compliance with the class rules and sailing instructions. 

19. Prizes.

Prizes will be awarded for 1^st & 2^nd and 3^rd in each class. 

20. Radio Communication.

A boat shall neither make nor receive radio transmissions while racing that are not available to all competitors. This also applies to mobile telephones. 

21. Insurance.

Each participating boat shall be insured with adequate and valid third party liability insurance. 

22. Boats.

      There will be some boats available for competitors who do  not provide their own.  These boats shall not be modified  in any way or cause them to be modified in any way  except that:

      A compass may be tied or tape to the hull or spars;

      Wind indicators including yarn or thread may be tied or  taped anywhere on the boat;

      Hulls and foils may be cleaned, but only with water;

      Adhesive tape may be used anywhere above the waterline;

      All fittings or equipment designed to be adjusted may be  adjusted provided the class rules are complied with.

      All equipment provided with the boat for sailing purposes  shall be in the boat while afloat.

      The penalty for not complying with one of the above  instructions will be disqualification from all races sailed in  which the instruction was broken. Competitors shall  report any damage or loss of equipment, however slight,  to the organizing authority’s representative immediately  after securing the boat ashore. 

 The penalty for breaking this instruction, unless the  protest committee is satisfied  that the competitor made a  determined effort to comply, will be disqualification from  the race most recently sailed.

Class rules requiring competitors to be members of the class association will not apply. 

23. Disclaimer of Liability.

      Competitors participate in the regatta entirely at their own  risk as stated in RRS 4.  The organizing authority will not  accept any liability for material damage or personal injury  or death sustained in conjunction with or prior to or after  the regatta. 

Rathmullan Sailing and Watersports Club would like to thank everyone who participated in their inaugural Dinghy Regatta last weekend in Rathmullan, which was a titanic success. Thanks to the ever diligent and professional Race Officer, Steve Hayes and his assistant Emma Hayes, Bray Sailing Club. Thanks to all our safety boat operators and to all our behind the scenes volunteers, who kept everything running smoothly throughout the weekend. They effortlessly managed the traffic both on land and water ensuring smooth launch and recovery of boats, from dinghies to powerboats and currachs.

RSWC were delighted to welcome visiting sailors from Mullaghmore Sailing Club and Lough Foyle Sailing Club to SeaFest and the Dinghy Regatta.

The racing format was specifically suited to both novice and experienced small boat sailors. Race Area/Courses were set in the vicinity of Rathmullan Pier and followed a classic Olympic style. Saturday had near perfect sailing conditions with a force 3 – 4 blowing from the south/ south east. With no wind to mention and a powerful falling tide on Sunday our sailors had to wait patiently for wind and tide to behave appropriately, with race postponement of over an hour. Eventually the wind blew in from the north west, again force 3 -4 and provided another great days sailing for all.

Twenty three boats took to the water on Saturday, comprising two fleets. Fleet one consisting of 12 Laser Picos, 5 Topaz, and 1Topper. Fleet two was made up of 2 Bahias, 1 GP 14, 1 Laser 1 and a Laser 11.  Sunday saw nineteen boats take to the water, again two fleets raced. The Pico fleet was made up of 8 Picos and 4 Topaz and the fast fleet consisted of 3 GP14’s, 2 Bahia’s, a Laser1 and Laser 11.

Winners as follows:

 Saturday

Fleet One.

1^st Sarah Hawshaw – Topaz

2^nd Kate Caldwell – Topaz

3^rd Noah Demeuldre – Topper

 Fleet Two

1^st Kevin Lynch/James Lynch – GP14

2^nd Lisa Montgomery/AndyMontgomery – LaserBahia

3^rd Ghislain Demeuldre – Laser 1

 Sunday

Fleet One

1^st Kate Cauldwell – Topaz

2^nd Sarah Hawkshaw – Topaz

3^rd Catherine Hayes – Topaz

Fleet Two

1^st Daniel Gallagher/Gareth Gallagher – GP14

2^nd Kevin Lynch/James Lynch – GP14

3^rd Bill Johnston/Stephen Byrne – GP14

Congratulations to all.

Lough Swilly Yacht Club also ran a very successful series of Cruiser/Keelboat races over the weekend, Race Officer Paul Hasson, LSYC. On Saturday the Saldanha Cup was held with a start and finish at Rathmullan Pier. The course was approximately 20nm, passing near the wreck site of the HMS Saldanha. Sunday saw the Lough Swilly Regatta take place with an Olympic style course, again with start and finish at Rathmullan Pier. Winners of the Saldanha Cup were Boomerang, Tarla MacGabhann and Leda, John Hasson, and the Lough Swilly Regatta was claimed by Tempo, Anton MacGabhann and Leda, John Hasson. Congratulations to all.

Many thanks to the RNLI and Coastguard who provided great excitement in the form of an Air Sea Rescue Demonstration on Sunday afternoon close to the pier at Rathmullan, finally landing beside the Resource centre. Another highlight of Sunday’s activities on the water had to be the Parade of Sails past Rathmullan Pier at 11.30am. It was without doubt a beautiful sight to see the cruisers and keelboats sail majestically by the pier, in glorious sunshine with spinnakers flying in every colour of the rainbow.

No matter who we speak to, they’re telling us the atmosphere couldn’t have been better in Rathmullan and on Lough Swilly for SeaFest. Plenty of happy faces, families having a ball with the vintage games and the events of the landlubber’s cup, sailors on the water, kids fishing for crabs, windsurfers and paddle-boarders. You name it, it happened.

And the food – succulent spit-roasted pork, tender meaty oysters, fantastic salmon, whole brown crab, chowder brimming with fresh fish and shellfish – all of it 100% Donegal. For a small glimpse of the action, visit the SeaFest Photo Gallery.

Junior Race Series, Part 2!

OK ‘young ones’ the junior race series is back on for the next four Fridays. We know you are all just waiting to get back out there and show off your sailing and racing expertise. Thanks to all our junior members who took part in the dinghy racing on Seafest weekend, where all showed their racing talent and sportsmanship and provided great competition for our visiting sailors. Well done to all. Contact Karena to participate in this Fridays racing on 0863866801 and for the coming weeks contact safety boat operators below:

Friday 22nd July – Aengus 0868123019

Friday 29th July – David 0868162389

Fruday 5th August – Aengus 0868123019

Good Luck to everyone and good sailing to all.

Club Open Sails

Our club open sails are proving to be a great success, with the demand for boats booming. June has seen us take to the water in ideal weather conditions and we have no doubt that July will be just as successful. So get those wetsuits on, rig up your boat and come and join us for the fun on the water in July. Contact Safety boat operators detailed below with intent to sail:

Sunday 17th – David 086162389

Thursday 21st – Pauline 0863396095

Sunday 24th – James 0862288181

Thursday 28th – Damian 0868033344

Sunday 31st – James 0862288181

Beach Campout

We are still planning to have an overnight beach campout/bar b in the coming weeks. Kayaks and sails for a fun filled event, date will be set at short notice according to weather conditions. Location will be decided on wind and tides at the time. You really don’t want to miss this one so keep checking the website for details and notice! 

Kayaking

Rathmullan Sailing School’s Instructor, Andrew, has kindly offered to run an introduction to Kayaking this coming Monday evening 18th July for adult club members, with the intention of getting more of those kayaks out on the water for our open club sessions, Thursday evenings/Sunday mornings. If interested please contact Caroline on 0860733164. 

Sail School

Check out Rathmullan Sailing School’s website for details of courses ongoing this summer at www.rathmullansailingschool.com And don’t forget if you take a course with the sailing school and then join our club you get a 20% discount on your first years membership. An offer not to be missed!

This is our second year to run the very successful Rathmullan Dinghy Regatta to coincide with the LSYC Rathmullan Regatta this coming Bank Holiday Monday. With a promising weather forecast for the weekend we are hoping to see as many boats on the water as possible.

Start time will be 10am at the compound for course details. Course will be set on the day and will follow an olympic style. Please contact David with intent to participate on 0868162389.

Club open sails continue on Thursday evenings – 6 30pm at compound, and Sunday mornings – 10am at compound. Please contact safety boat officers with intent to sail.

Thursday 4th August - Pauline  0863396095

Sunday 7th August – Karena 0863866801

Thursday 11th August – Joan 0876890542

Sunday 14th August – Pauline 0863396095

Thursday 18th August – James 0862288181

Sunday 21st August – James 0862288181

Beach Bar B!

On Friday 12th August we are planning to have another of our popular beach bar b’s. Weather permitting, we will keep you posted on time and location nearer the event. We may consider having our beach campout on this date so keep an eye on the website for details.

Come along and join us on rathmullan beach tomorrow evening at 8 30 pm for another of our fun beach bar b’s. We will be on the beach near the children’s play area and bar b will be provided – just bring your food and drinks, buckets, spades whatever you like..! See you there.

With Kayaking being a wonderful way of exploring the coastline of Lough Swilly, Rathmullan Sailing School’s instructor Andrew has kindly offered to run an ‘Introduction to Kayaking’ session for adult club members on Tuesday 23rd August at 6.30pm - the intention being  getting more of those kayaks out on the water for our open club sessions on Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings. This will be a once off opportunity to be introduced to the basics of kayaking, including safety aspects on the water.  If interested in booking a place please contact Caroline on 0860733164.

August has proved to be a fun filled, action packed month on the water with demand for boats high for our Thursday evening, Sunday morning open club sails. So if you want to join in the fun before the end of the sailing season please contact safety boat operators, detailed below with intent to sail. If sailing isn’t your thing and you have some kayaking experience, come and join us on the water in our kayaks, six available for use by club members.

Thursday 25th August – Damian – 0868033344

Sunday 28th August – Pauline – 0863396095

Thursday 1st September – Michael – 0879752497

Sunday 4th September – Rick – 0863863455 PLEASE NOTE THIS SAIL WILL START AT 9.45 AM SHARP AND FINISH AT 11AM.

Thursday 8th September – David – 0868162389

Sunday 11th September – Joan – 0876890542

LATEST NEWSFLASH!!

Hoping all our young sailors are fighting fit for the grand finale of our junior race series tomorow night in rathmullan! All intending sailors MUST be at the compound by 5.45pm, ready to rig their boats followed by skippers briefing at 6pm. With fair winds forecast to blow from the south south-east we are all looking forward to a great evenings sailing and competition. Good Luck to all.

The weather gods are promising us a pleasent dry and possibly even a sunny evening for our beach bar b q, so if you are willing to help us out getting things going on the shore while the young ones are out competing on the water, come and join us on the beach near the children’s play area, where we will be lighting the bar b’s from 6.30pm on. Just bring your food and drinks, bar b’s will be provided.

This promises to be a fun filled evening and a great end to the junior race series of the summer. Everyone is welcome to join in and we would love to see as many club members as possible on the beach tomorrow evening (young and old!!) - you don’t have to have taken part in any of the races or you can have taken part in them all, and are hoping for victory tomorrow evening!! Just come and join us on the beach and the water from 6pm tomorrow. See you there.

RACE SERIES FINALE

Friday 9th Septmeber is an important date for all our junior sailors as it’s the date of our Junior Race Series Final. This is a one off race night with everything to play for. There will be a minimum of  two races with two classes, single handed and double handed. Race Officer is the talented and diligent Aengus Kennedy. All interested junior members should contact Caroline on 0860733164 with intent to sail.

Members should be at the compound ready to rig their boats at 5.45pm on Friday 9th and a skippers briefing will follow at 6pm.  ISAF ‘Racing Rules of Sailing’ will apply to all races. See http://wwwsailing.org/racingrules.php for details.

Prizes are kindly and generously sponsored by Ronnie and Belles Kitchen.

Following the evenings racing we will have a beach bar-b, weather permitting. We will keep you posted nearer the time, so keep an eye on the website for further details.

Dan Little sails to victory in the inaugural Belle’s Kitchen Trophy.

Fourteen junior dinghy sailors took the water on Lough Swilly last Friday to compete for honours in the Rathmullan Sailing and Watersports Club’s inaugural Belle’s Kitchen Trophy. Light winds and a strong tide made for tricky sailing conditions, forcing the young helmsmen to concentrate on the finer points of technique and tactics.

Seven sailors advanced from the preliminary heats to compete in the final, which saw Adam Khavia get the jump on the competition with a strong start and tightly sailed windward leg. He maintained his substantial lead over Dan Little through the first lap of the triangular course.

On the second windward leg, however, Little changed tactics. Sensing stronger wind conditions offshore he went over to a starboard tack, while Khavia stayed on a port tack and strayed into a pocket of lighter air near the beach. The move proved decisive.

Little took the lead before the windward mark and then kept the pressure on by sailing a nearly flawless final lap and a half of the course. Adam Khavia fought off stiff challenges from the rest of the fleet to hold on for second. Third place went to Eithne Boyle, and Ben Khavia pipped Samantha Algeo at the line for fourth.

Sponsored by Ronnie Blake of Belle’s Kitchen, the trophy marks the successful end of the Rathmullan club’s summer junior racing series. The action on the water will kick off again shortly with a planned Autumn/Winter series. Details will be posted here on the club website, so keep checking for updates.

Following the excitement on the water, sailors, spectators, club members and guests retired to the club compound for prizegiving and bar b q and a fun night was enjoyed by all.

A special word of thanks to Race Officer, Aengus Kennedy,  Sailing School Principal, Rick Le Vert, James Gallagher and Club Chairman, Damian Rogers,  without whom the summer race series would not have been possible. And to Ronnie Blake of Belle’s Kitchen, for sponsoring the event. Thanks also to all the committee members who have provided safety boat cover on the water thoroughout the summer sailing season and to all our junior sailors who took to the water with great enthusiasm and sportsmanship in all weather conditions. Thanks to Connor Blake who is always lending a helping hand on land and water  for all our sails.

Congratulations to Eimear Rogers, one of our youngest promising sailors who celebrated her 11th birthday on Friday. Congratulations also to Caroline Mc Gettigan and Rosemarie Rooney who successfully completed their Level 1 Powerboat Training lsat week and we look forward to seeing them out on the water showing off their skills! Rumour has it that they are insisting on doing all safety boat duties for the rest of the year to do just that…..! Thanks girls!!

Due to the shortening of the evenings the club has decided to cancel Thursday evening sails. However, no need to panic as we will sail instead on Saturday afternoons, fom 3 – 5 pm. Sunday sails will continue as usual from 10am – 12md.

Please contact safety boat operators below with intent to sail.

Saturday 17th Karena – 0863866801

Sunday 18th Caroline – 0860733164

Saturday 24th James – 0862288181

Sunday 25th Pauline – 086 3396095

Saturday 1st Oct Joan – 0876890542

Sunday 2nd - David – 0868162389 

Saturday 8th Karena – 0863866801

Sunday 9th James – 0862288181

Saturday 15th Rick – 0863863455

Sunday 16th Damian – 0868033344

Saturday 22nd – Junior Race workshop with Aengus Kennedy

Sunday 23rd Caroline – 0860733164

Saturday 29th Joan – 0876890542

Sunday 30th Damian – 0868033344

Saturday 5th November Pauline – 0863396095 Sail will take place from 2 – 4pm due to shortening of evenings light.

Sunday 6th Karena – 0863866801

The Christmas Party season is fast approaching and we are now inviting all our adult members to join in the festive spirit and come along to our Christmas party in Belle’s Kitchen, Rathmullan on Friday 2nd December. Venue is provisional, dependant on numbers so please reserve your place with Caroline before Friday 21st October on 0860733164. Confirmation of time, venue and further details will follow!

Junior racing workshop and race practice on Saturday 22nd October, 1 – 4pm. Tips and training in race starts, course choices and racing rules. An essential course for those who want to stay at the top of the league! Contact Aengus to book 086 812 3019.