Liffey Ascent 08 Mar 2008

 

Sweet Mystery - IRL 1377 (Copyright 2008 Sailpix Ireland)

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

Dublin Bay Sailing Club Spring Chicken 2008 - Final Race

 

Humdinger - IRL 1357 (Copyright 2008 Sailpix Ireland)

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

Dublin Bay Sailing Club Spring Chicken 2008 - Race 5

 

Adrenalin - IRL 1348 (Copyright 2008 Sailpix Ireland)

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

Race 5 Photo Gallery HERE

Dublin Bay Sailing Club Spring Chicken 2008 - Race 4

 

D'Roxy - IRL 109 (Copyright 2008 Sailpix Ireland)

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

Race 4 Gallery HERE

'Irelande Douze Pointe!' VOTE FOR DUSTIN!

 

Just Jasmin - IRL 3506 (Copyright 2008 Sailpix Ireland)

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

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/