Waterford Harbour Sailing - March 2010

Local sailing boats Zoom and Slack Alice at Dunmore East (Copyright 2010 Sailpix Irelan

Local sailing boats Zoom and Slack Alice are back in the water at Dunmore East, County Waterford in preparation for the season ahead.
28 Mar 2010.

Photo Gallery HERE (Regular updates to be posted)

Map HERE

The 2nd Coming: Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12 to Finish in Galway

 Face in the crowd, Torben Grael, skipper Ericsson 4, Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09. (Copyright 2009 Sailpix Ireland)

Torben Grael looks pleased to be in Galway as he walks past one of the city's institutions - McDonagh's Fish and Chip shop, Quay Street. It had taken Ericsson 4 just over seven days, ten and a half hours sailing before arriving from Boston to a tumultuous Irish welcome just after midnight on Sunday, 24 May 2009. Over the next five hours or so the remaining six boats completed the 2,550 nautical mile transatlantic crossing to an equally rapturous welcome including home port hero, Green Dragon which arrived in 3rd - the team's first leg podium of the campaign.

Green Dragon skipper Ian Walker summed up the experience from the crew's point of view:

When I saw the welcome we received on arriving in Galway I was speechless but when we left 2 weeks later it was with tears in my eyes. I knew Galway was a great city and a city that loves to party but never in my wildest dreams did I think Galway and Ireland would take so much to the Volvo Ocean Race. I can only say thank you from all of us for such a wonderful 2 weeks... What fantatsic memories we have of Galway Bay and I look forward to returning soon. 

 
Following the huge success of Galway in the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09, it was today (10 Mar 2010) announced Ireland will again feature in the new route for 2011-12.  The fleet will race from Lorient in France back to Galway on Ireland’s west coast. 

Galway, whose twin town since 1975 is Lorient, has fought an intense contest against the other bidding ports to win back the event for a second edition and the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12 will complete its lap around the globe in Ireland’s ‘cultural heart’, where the final prize giving will be held. 

The Taoiseach (the Prime Minister of Ireland) Brian Cowen stated:

“The 2009 stop over in Galway made an abiding impression on the sailors, support crews, organisers and media, who were immersed in the warmth of an Irish welcome.

Their presence, in turn, had an enormous beneficial impact on Galway, the west of Ireland and indeed the entire country. Their arrival here was spectacular and their visit helped generate a massive 55 million Euros for the regional economy, more than one third higher than the original projections.

Given its economic benefits and its importance to Irish tourism, I am more than happy to welcome the return of the Volvo Ocean Race to our shores and pledge our support for the event”.

The stopover in Galway during May 2009 fuelled the public imagination as never before.  Over 600,000 supporters visited the race village during the stopover, with the crowd peaking at 62,000 people on in-port race day alone.  The seaside resort of Salthill drew a further crowd of 120,000 to watch the dramatic close combat race from the shoreline.

Green Dragon, Inshore Race Galway, Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09 (Copyright 2009 Sailpix Ireland)

Galway’s ‘home town boat’, Green Dragon, became Ireland’s second entry in the race - the first was NCB Ireland in 1989-90.  Double Olympic medallist, Ian Walker, guided the team to a fifth place finish overall and claimed the third spot on the podium when the fleet crossed the finish in Galway, delighting the huge crowd that had gathered to welcome them. 

“The interest in hosting the Volvo Ocean Race, particularly in Europe, has been quite overwhelming,” said Volvo Ocean Race CEO, Knut Frostad, as the last of the European ports was unveiled. 

“I am very proud to confirm Ireland’s participation and Galway will be a magnificent port to stage the finish of the event.  We have already experienced the enthusiasm that abounds in Ireland for the race and we are looking forward to bringing the competition to its conclusion in a country that really knows how to celebrate,” he said.

Today's announcement completes the list of European cities hosting the event.  The remaining ports will be introduced throughout March.


Galway Map HERE

Dublin Bay Sailing Club Spring Chicken 2010 - Race 4

Muglins, Dublin Bay (Copyright 2010 Sailpix Ireland)

 

Following overnight snow flurries, Race 4 of Dublin Bay Sailing Club's Spring Chicken 2010 was keenly contested on a chilly Sunday morning, 21st February. Nowhere was the enthusiasm of the participants more evident than at the start, particularly amongst the tightly packed J109 entrants. Orna - IRL 532, NYC (Grand Soleil 40), stayed clear of trouble and started at the pin end of the line. After making steady progress in the initial windward leg, Orna was uncatchable downwind under spinnaker and rounded Muglins with only Just Jasmin - IRL 3506, DMYC, SHSC (Bavaria Match 35) ahead. Orna completed its dominance in the final windward leg and grabbed Line Honours at the finish outside Dun Laoghaire Harbour.

Congrats to Moonfish - IRL 3107 (Beneteau Oceanis 411) Race 4 winner on corrected time and to Pippa IV - IRL 4281 (Sigma 33) now lying 1st overall in the event.

Race 4 Photo Gallery HERE

Dublin Bay Sailing Club Spring Chicken 2010 - Race 1

Spinnakers Set (Copyright 2010 Sailpix Ireland)

 

Dublin Bay Sailing Club's ever popular Spring Chicken series is back. Perfect weather conditions prevailed as the first race got under way on Sunday 31 January 2010 on a course laid to provide plenty of action for everyone.

Line honours went to in form Another Adventure - IRL 3511 (Archambault A35) while Legally Blonde - IRL 3175 (Beneteau First 31.7) claimed 1st place under Echo Handicap rules.

Race 1 Photo Gallery HERE.

Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09: The Cat Pounces

The Cat Pounces - Puma Wins (Copyright 2009 Sailpix Ireland)

 

Puma won the in-port race series in Galway yesterday (30 May) after two thrilling races were held on Galway Bay. This is the first time that Puma has been on top of the podium for the Volvo Ocean Race and it brings her closer to second place in the overall standings.

Sadly Green Dragon didn't breathe fire on the day but I was glad to see Puma finally live up to their pre Volvo Ocean Race expectations. Though easy to say in hindsight, there genuinely was a palpable sense even before the racing started that Puma was going all out to win this one. The harmony between Ken Read the skipper, crew and boat was a sight to behold. The result of their combined efforts placed them deservedly at the top of the podium for the day's racing.

Volvo Ocean Race 2008-2009
Galway Stopover - Inshore Race 1 Photo Gallery HERE

Volvo Ocean Race 2008-2009
Galway Stopover - Inshore Race 2 Photo Gallery HERE

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

 

Bolinder Powered Barge 78M at Tinnahinch (Copyright 2008 Sailpix Ireland)

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

Darkening Clouds at Gyles Quay on the Cooley Peninsula

 

Frisco - DK69 at Gyles Quay (Copyright 2008 Sailpix Ireland)

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

Tranquility Basin

 

Laura May on the River Scariff (Copyright 2008 Sailpix Ireland)

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

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

 

Sea Stallion from Glendalough/Havhingsten fra Glendalough in Wicklow Harbour (Copyright 2008 Sailpix Ireland)

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

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

 

Sea Stallion from Glendalough (Havhingsten fra Glendalough) at Custom House Quay (Copyright 2008 Sailpix Ireland)

"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

Sea Stallion from Glendalough (Havhingsten fra Glendalough) under sail on the River Liffey (Copyright 2008 Sailpix Ireland)

Sea Stallion from Glendalough (Havhingsten fra Glendalough) departing Dublin (Copyright 2008 Sailpix Ireland)

Ireland West - Winner of the Round Ireland Yacht Race 2008

Ireland West - Winner Round Ireland Yacht Race 2008 (Copyright 2008 Sailpix Ireland)

 

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

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

 

Clubhouse, Wicklow Sailing Club (Copyright 2008 Sailpix Ireland)

Welcome to Wicklow Sailing Club (Copyright 2008 Sailpix Ireland)

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

Wicklow Sailing Club, 25 June 2008.

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

 

Wicklow Harbour on the eve of the 2008 Round Ireland Yacht Race (Copyright 2008 Sailpix Ireland)

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)

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)

4 x 4 By The Shores of Lough Corrib

 

4 x 4 by the Shore of Lough Corrib (Copyright 2008 Sailpix Ireland)

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

Photo Gallery HERE (or click on photo above).
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The Crossing

 

The Crossing. 11 May 2008.

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

 

Carlingford Sailing Club (Copyright 2008 Sailpix Ireland)

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, Portugal (Copyright 2008 Sailpix Ireland)

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)

Through Dalkey Sound

 

Dalkey Sound (Copyright 2008 Sailpix Ireland)

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

Photo Gallery HERE (or click on photo above)