Sailpix Ireland: 2008

31 December 2008

Happy 2009!

Athbhliain faoi Mhaise Daoibh! A Happy New Year, Peace and Prosperity to all in 2009 from Sailpix Ireland.

06 December 2008

It's Christmas - Support your local RNLI Lifeboat

Support your local RNLI Lifeboat this Christmas! All Dublin Bay Sailing Club Turkey Shoot and Spring Chicken photographs are available as digital files only for the month of December 2008 in return for a direct donation to the RNLI, Dun Laoghaire. Remember, 100% of your contribution will go directly to the RNLI, Dun Laoghaire.
Email sailpixireland@gmail.com for full details.

25 October 2008

Dublin Bay Sailing Club Turkey Shoot 2008

Dublin Bay Sailing Club's Turkey Shoot 2008, a series of seven races for cruisers, cruising boats, one-designs and boats that do not normally race, commences Sunday 2nd November 2008. The six race series ends on Sunday 14th December 2008. Entries to Marina Office, Dun Laoghaire before Thursday 30th October 2008. The event is once again being sponsored by Viking Marine and this year is hosted by the Royal Irish Yacht Club.

For more information, click on the link to Dublin Bay Sailing Club's website HERE

14 October 2008

Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09 on TV

TG4
'Volvo Ocean Race' - 1st in a series of weekly programmes:

Saturday 18th October: 1100 hrs (local IST)
Sunday 19th October: 1400 hrs (local IST)

Check 'Volvo Ocean Race' programme listings on http://www.tg4.ie/ each week.

Eolas ó TG4: Beidh clár seachtainiúil 'Volvo Ocean Race' ag tosnú an deireadh seachtaine seo. Beidh an céad clár ag dul amach Dé Sathairn ag 11.00, le hathchraoladh Dé Domhnaigh ag 14.00.
Ina dhiaidh sin, beidh athruithe déanta ar na hamantaí, féach ar Sceideal Spórt ar http://www.tg4.ie/ gach seachtain.

CNN International
October's edition of CNN International's 'Mainsail' TV programme is from Alicante in Spain - host to the start of this year's Volvo Ocean Race. The programme features the eight teams preparing for the first leg including Ireland's Green Dragon and Irishman Ger O' Rourke's 11th hour entry, team Delta Lloyd. The programme also features the in-port race where the teams lined up with each other for the first time.

'Mainsail' on CNN International:

Thursday 16 October: 1300 (GMT), 1730 (GMT).
Saturday 18 October: 0700 (GMT), 1730 (GMT).
Sunday 19 October: 0300 (GMT), 0730 (GMT), 1330 (GMT).

04 October 2008

Ignominious fate of the loyal SS PORTLAIRGE (PORT LAIRGE)

Built in 1907

19 September 2008

Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09: Green Dragon unveils her new colours in Alicante

Today in Alicante, Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09 Irish entry Green Dragon unveiled its new livery.
19 Sept 2008.

Map HERE

16 September 2008

Bolinder Powered Barge 78 M on the River Barrow at Tinnahinch, Co. Carlow

Bolinder powered barge 78M close to Upper Tinnahinch (Tigh na hInse Uachtair) Lock on the River Barrow.
28 August 2008

PHOTO GALLERY HERE
Map HERE

23 August 2008

Ireland's Green Dragon sets sail for Alicante and the start of the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09

Ireland's entry in the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09 departing from Dun Laoghaire Harbour on August 23rd, 2008 carrying our sailing hopes and ambitions on board.

Green Dragon, IRL 888, a Volvo Open 70, is escorted by Dun Laoghaire RNLI Lifeboat Anna Livia and a flotilla of enthusiastic supporters.

Green Dragon Photo Gallery HERE

Green Dragon official website HERE
Volvo Ocean Race official website HERE

19 August 2008

Darkening Clouds at Gyles Quay on the Cooley Peninsula

The fishing boat Frisco, DK69, takes shelter at Gyles Quay on the Cooley Peninsula as the wind rises and the clouds darken.
19 Aug 2008.

Map HERE

09 August 2008

Sea Stallion from Glendalough (Havhingsten fra Glendalough) returns home safely to Roskilde

Having departed from Dublin on the 29th June 2008 the experimental voyage of the Sea Stallion from Glendalough (Havhingsten fra Glendalough) ended at 14:00 hrs on Saturday 9th August 2008. A deservedly rapturous welcome awaited skipper Carsten Hvid and crew as they arrived home, on schedule, at Roskilde. Well done to all involved in this tremendous project.

A visit to the official website (Dansk and English language versions available) is highly recommended:

http://www.havhingsten.dk/

Map of Roskilde with the Viking Museum (Vikingeskibsmuseet) indicated HERE

30 July 2008

Sea Stallion (Havhingsten) tacking into Den Helder Harbour

Extracts from Logbook 30th July:
09.30, log 743, wind south-east, 4 metres/sec. We have a 1.5-knot current against us as we begin our approach to Den Helder. Our speed over the ground is 0.3 knots. We tack and head for the northern part of the approach.
11.00, log 746, wind south south-east, 6 metres/sec. We have a 2-knot current against us, but have a good speed. We go close to land to find less current.
12.00, log 747, wind south south-east, 6 metres/sec. We sail closer to the wind and round the point of Kaap Hoold. Everyone sits down to reduce wind resistance. The countercurrent is 1.5 knots.
13.00, log 750, wind east, 6 metres/sec. We tack towards the harbour, rowing with every second oar as we sail so we can advance against the current. This is working well and is a good exercise for the crew.
14.47, log 755, wind east, 3 metres/sec. We sailed into the harbour under sail and rowed under a bridge to the innermost part of the harbour. Mooring ropes secured after 122 nautical miles in 30 hours. Average speed: 4.1 knots. Credit: Vikingeskibs Museet.
Sea Stallion's current position - HERE

15 July 2008

Tranquility Basin

Out of Scariff, Co. Clare - heading for the river Shannon via the river Scariff on the motor cruiser Laura May.
12 July 2008.

River Shannon Photo Gallery HERE

Map HERE

05 July 2008

Sea Stallion from Glendalough (Havhingsten fra Glendalough) in Wicklow Harbour

Sea Stallion from Glendalough in Wicklow Harbour waiting for favourable weather conditions before continuing its 1,400 nautical mile return voyage to Roskilde Fjord, Denmark.

Special thanks to crew member Werner Karrasch, staff photographer Vikingeskibs Museet, for a very informative guided tour.

Photo Gallery HERE (or click on photo above)

Sea Stallion Position Updates:
12:30 hrs Sun 06/07 left Wicklow bound for Portsmouth.
09:00 hrs Tues 08/07 south of Falmouth having rounded Land's End.
21:45 hrs Tues 08/07 in Torquay Harbour to allow crew sleep.

21:20 hrs Thurs 10/07 south of Bournemouth heading Isle of Wight.
11:00 hrs Fri 11/07 in Portsmouth Harbour.
13:00 hrs Mon 14/07 left Portsmouth bound for Ramsgate.
10:30 hrs Tue 15/07 in Ramsgate Harbour.

21:27 hrs Wed 17/07 SSE of Lowestoft heading NNE.

01:00 hrs Thu 18/07 in Lowestoft Harbour.

08:50 hrs Tue 22/07 still in Lowestoft awaiting favourable winds.

17:20 hrs Tue 29/07 crossing the North Sea towards the Netherlands.

14:25 hrs Wed 30/07 in Den Helder, Netherlands.

09:05 hrs Fri 01/08 outside Dan Helder heading to Denmark.

11:00 hrs Sat 02/08 sailing NE towards Thyborøn. Wind from SW.
12:20 hrs Sun 03/08 in the Limfjord heading for Glyngøre.
16:30 hrs Mon 04/08 in the Limfjord heading for the Kattegat.
23:30 hrs Mon 04/08 in Hals, east Jutland.
10:45 hrs Tue 05/08 in the Kattegat heading SE to Isefjorden.

10:55 hrs Wed 06/08 at Kongsøre in the Isefjord.
10:40 hrs Thu 07/08 heading for Roskilde Fjord.

23:10 hrs Thu 07/08 in Gershøj, Roskilde Fjord.

13:00 hrs Sat 09/08 rowing, in sight of its final destination at Roskilde.
Final Update:

14:00 hrs Sat 09/08 moored in Roskilde - historic voyage ends.

Sea Stallion's current position - HERE

29 June 2008

Sea Stallion (Havhingsten fra Glendalough) sets sail for Roskilde, Denmark

"Favourable winds and friendly waters. Take good care each of you of yourselves and of each other. Have a good and safe voyage."

That was the wish the 30 metre long replica Viking longship Sea Stallion from Glendalough and its 61 member crew received at Custom House Quay, Dublinia before setting off for Roskilde Fjord, Denmark on Sunday 29 June 2008.
The driving rain shower which coincided with the Sea Stallion's departure didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the hordes of well-wishers, both on land and on water, who turned out to see off the Viking invader!

Update 12:58 hrs July 4th: Sea Stallion in Wicklow Harbour awaiting a northerly wind to proceed.

For more information about the Sea Stallion from Glendalough, click on the link:
http://www.vikingeskibsmuseet.dk/index.php?id=1386&L=1

27 June 2008

Ireland West - Winner of the Round Ireland Yacht Race 2008

Congratulations to Ireland West, skipper Aodhan Fitzgerland, Galway Bay Sailing Club and crew Larry Hynes, Niall Spain, Seamas Moneley, Nigel Moss, Darach O Tuairisg, Martin Doran, Diarmuid McMahon, Tomas O Shea and Philip McCafferty - worthy Winners of the 2008 Round Ireland Yacht Race.
Wicklow Harbour, 26 June 2008.

Photo Gallery HERE (or click on photo above)

It's official: the rainbow ends at Wicklow Harbour!

For this year's entrants to the Round Ireland Yacht Race, the rainbow really does end at Wicklow Harbour!
2008 entrants White Tiger - IRL 4470, Kinsale Yacht Club and Aquelina - IRL 1661, Arklow Sailing Club in the foreground.

Wicklow RNLI Lifeboat Station and Wicklow Sailing Club in the centre of the photograph.

Wicklow Harbour, 26 June 2008.

Photo Gallery HERE

26 June 2008

Waiting for The Dutch Master, Formidable 3, to return

Shore support at Wicklow Harbour during the Round Ireland Yacht Race waiting for the (Dutch) Master, 'Formidable 3', to return!
25 June 2008.

Photo Gallery HERE (or click on photo above)

YouTube video of 'Formidable 3' fast sailing in 30 knots + HERE

So you set a new record! Icap Leopard 3 finishes Round Ireland Yacht Race 2008

"He says they set a new record. Pity there's only orange juice and tea to celebrate with!"

Wicklow Sailing Club, 25 June 2008.

25 June 2008

Mission Accomplished! Leopard 3 takes Line Honours & sets new Round Ireland Yacht Race record: 65 hours, 48 minutes and 47 seconds

A deservedly happy skipper, Chris Sherlock and several of Leopard 3's crew come ashore at Wicklow Harbour after taking Line Honours in the 2008 Round Ireland Yacht Race and setting a very impressive new record in the process. The crew receive a warm welcome from Commodore John Johnson and the race organisers at Wicklow Sailing Club. Click on any of the photos for the full story (link to official race website).

Meanwhile (bottom photo), Leopard 3, having barely coming to a halt after crossing the finish line outside Wicklow Harbour, immediately departs for Southampton for her next challenge, The Round The Island (of Wight) Race on June 28th.

21 June 2008

Leopard 3 under sail

YouTube video HERE of ICAP Leopard 3 under sail during its recent setting of a new Transatlantic Powered Sailing Systems Record, finishing the 2,925 nautical mile Atlantic crossing from New York to The Lizard, Cornwall, England in 7 days, 19 hrs and 21 mins.

2008 Round Ireland Yacht Race - Start postponed until 12 noon Sunday June 22nd.

Forecasts of strong gale force nine winds today (Saturday, June 21st) caused the temporary postponement of the 2008 Round Ireland Yacht Race. The race, organised by Wicklow Sailing Club, is due to start at 12 noon on Sunday, June 22nd. No further delays are anticipated.
On the eve of what promises to be a record breaking event, the fleet waited out the bad weather at Dun Laoghaire and Wicklow harbours. Race favourite Mike Slade's Leopard 3 is hoping to set a new record time for the event.

Photo Gallery HERE (or click on photo above)

06 June 2008

Laser SB3 Fleet Racing on the River Liffey

Laser SB3 Fleet Racing on the River Liffey, Dublin. LÉ Eithne (P31) provides the backdrop. 06 June 2008.

SB3 Photo Gallery HERE (or click on photo above)

03 June 2008

Turmoil in Dublin

Custom built by Danish yachtbuilders Royal Denship, the 209' expedition yacht Turmoil is meticulously maintained by its crew while berthed at Dublin City Moorings. In the foreground is Spirit of Docklands, the River Liffey tour boat. 03 June 2008.
Both vessels were designed by naval architects Ole Steen Knudsen A/S, Denmark.

Turmoil Photo Gallery HERE

23 May 2008

4 x 4 By The Shores of Lough Corrib

4 x 4 by The Shores of Lough Corrib - near Oughterard Galway.
23 May 2008.

Photo Gallery HERE (or click on photo above).
Content protected with password.

22 May 2008

The Primaries

Primary colours reflecting the light on a sunny, early summer's day at the Royal Irish Yacht Club, Dun Laoghaire Harbour. 13 May 2008.

13 May 2008

How many men does it take to change a light bulb?

Question:
How many men does it take to change a light bulb?
Answer:
Depends on the size of the light bulb I suppose!

Commissioners of Irish Lights, Harbour Road, Dun Laoghaire.

13 May 2008.

Map HERE

12 May 2008

The Crossing

The Crossing. 11 May 2008.

Photo Gallery HERE
Content protected with password.

27 April 2008

Carlingford Sailing Club - "Did you get a good one of me?"

Everybody helps out as the Flying Fifteen fleet is brought ashore at Carlingford Sailing Club on Sunday 27 April 2008.

Photo Gallery HERE (or click on photo above).

Map HERE

Cabo de São Vicente

Lighthouse at Cabo de São Vicente (Cape St. Vincent), Portugal - the most south westerly point of Europe and for a long time believed to be at the edge of the known world!

22 April 2008.

Map HERE

Photo Gallery HERE (or click on photo above)

06 April 2008

Through Dalkey Sound

Views of Dalkey Sound on an unseasonally mild February afternoon, 2008.

Photo Gallery HERE (or click on photo above)

26 March 2008

Liffey Ascent 08 Mar 2008

With occasional wind gusts of over 40 knots, Sweet Mystery - IRL 1377 and Temper Tantrum - GBR 6909T made a quick dash from Dun Laoghaire to the welcome shelter of Dublin Port on Saturday afternoon, 08 Mar 2008. After passing Poolbeg Marina we motored up the Liffey, under the raised East Link Bridge and shortly afterwards arrived at Dublin City Moorings. There we were welcomed by a helpful assistant who took our lines and were charged a reasonable 'winter' rate for our stay. An excellent meal was later enjoyed by all on the recently refurbished Cill Airne where we were again well looked after by the friendly bar and restaurant staff. Not easily embarrassed both crews rounded off the night by executing a version of 'Riverdance meets Salsa' at the nearby lively Floridita Club!!

A not too long but good sleep was had on board overnight followed by the obligatory big fry-up at 07:30 hrs. on Sunday morning 09 Mar 2008. The plan was to depart Dublin Port at 08:00 hrs., sail to Dun Laoghaire, pick up additional race crew there and compete in the final Spring Chicken race in Dublin Bay. That plan was soon scuppered when we received an unexpected radio call from Dublin Port. The pre-arranged (East Link) bridge lift for 08:00 hrs. was cancelled and re-arranged for 10:00 hrs., making it impossible for us to reach the start line in time.

'Plans are made to be broken!'

Photo Gallery HERE
Map HERE

10 March 2008

Dublin Bay Sailing Club Spring Chicken 2008 - Final Race

Dublin Bay Sailing Club Spring Chicken 2008 - Race 6 (Final Race) was held on Sunday 09 Mar 2008. Congratulations to skipper and crew of:

Humdinger - IRL 1357

Dublin Bay Sailing Club Spring Chicken 2008 Winner

Race 6 Photo Gallery HERE

03 March 2008

Dublin Bay Sailing Club Spring Chicken 2008 - Race 5

Dublin Bay Sailing Club Spring Chicken 2008 - Race 5.
02 Mar 2008.

Race 5 Photo Gallery HERE

24 February 2008

Dublin Bay Sailing Club Spring Chicken 2008 - Race 4

Dublin Bay Sailing Club Spring Chicken 2008 - Race 4.
24 Feb 2008.

Race 4 Gallery HERE

23 February 2008

'Irelande Douze Pointe!' VOTE FOR DUSTIN!

Vote for 'Irelande Douze Pointe' tonight in Eurosong 2008! The song 'Irelande Douze Pointe' to be performed by Dustin The Turkey was composed by Darren Smith and Simon Fine. Darren, a familiar figure in the Turkey Shoot and Spring Chicken series competing on Just Jasmin - IRL 3506, will be hoping for your support. Sailpix Ireland predicts the song will not only win tonight but go all the way to the Final of Eurosong 2008 to be held in Belgrade on Saturday 24th May.

Update 23:00 hrs 23rd February: The Turkey's done it - Go on ya good thing!! It's an omen - after Dustin' s win, Just Jasmin must be a certainty to win the Spring Chicken Series! No pressure!!
Update 24th February: Proving Darren Smith is not the only talented crew member on board, Just Jasmin rises to the pressure and pulls off the weekend double by winning Sunday's race in Dublin Bay Sailing Club's Spring Chicken 2008 series! Congratulations all round!
Update 2nd March: Proving the win on the 24th February wasn't just a flash in the pan, Just Jasmin - IRL 3506 wins again for the second week in a row and is now lying 5th overall in the Spring Chicken series. Looks like the pressure is back on the turkey!!

Watch Dustin Singing 'Irelande Douze Pointe!' HERE

19 February 2008

Portrush RNLI Lifeboat 'Katie Hannan' rescued

The Portrush RNLI Severn Class All-Weather Lifeboat was successfully towed off rocks at Rathlin Island on 15th February 2008. Katie Hannan ran aground in a heavy swell and gale force winds on the 29th January while attempting a rescue. The vessel is currently on her way by barge (the 80-metre long Terra Marique) to a specialist boatyard in Plymouth. There the RNLI will assess the damage and decide on salvage.

Congratulations to all involved in the operation and Best Wishes to the brave crew of the lifeboat Katie Hannan and all at Portrush RNLI.

Story courtesy of the Irish Examiner HERE

Photographs courtesy of RNLI Portrush HERE

Meanwhile, it's business as usual for the RNLI at Portrush with two call-outs for the crew of the relief Severn Class lifeboat Margaret Joan and Fred Nye on the 18th February. The first call out at 04:30 hrs was to a cliff rescue, the second at 22:30 hrs was ironically back to Rathlin Island to bring a sick child to the mainland for treatment.

Update 18 April 2008: The RNLI will provide a permanent replacement Severn class lifeboat for Portrush following the decision not to repair the Katie Hannan.
Full story at: http://www.portrushrnli.com/

17 February 2008

Dublin Bay Sailing Club Spring Chicken 2008 - Race 3

Dublin Bay Sailing Club Spring Chicken 2008 - Race 3.

17 Feb 2008.

Race 3 Photo Gallery HERE

10 February 2008

Dublin Bay Sailing Club Spring Chicken 2008 - Race 2

The start of Dublin Bay Sailing Club's Spring Chicken Series 2008 Race 2 was delayed briefly on Sunday the 10th Feb 2008 by the absence of wind. However the delay was soon forgotten when the breeze got up, thus ensuring a successful start to the series and a tremendous day's racing.

Race 2 Photo Gallery HERE

09 February 2008

Barcelona World Race: Paprec-Virbac 2 ETA for Finish 11th Feb, late evening

Barcelona World Race leader, Paprec-Virbac 2, crewed by Frenchman Jeanne-Pierre Dick and Ireland's Damian Foxall, almost home! ETA for Finish 11th Feb, late evening.

Official Barcelona World Race website HERE