Furl Her On The Which?

Furling the jib, Miss Scarlett - IRL 4763 (Copyright 2010 Sailpix Ireland)

 

Furling the jib on Miss Scarlett - IRL 4763 (Jeanneau Sun Fast 40.3),  a scene from Race 4, Dublin Bay Sailing Club's Spring Chicken 2010 on Sunday 21 February.

Dublin Bay Sailing Club Spring Chicken 2010 - Race 3

Amid Ships, Dublin Bay Sailing (Copyright 2010 Sailpix Ireland)

 

Mother nature continued to smile on Dublin Bay Sailing Club's Spring Chicken 2010 series. Race 3 was held on Sunday 14 Feb 2010 in perfect conditions as we reached the halfway mark of the series.
This week's race was sailed over a new and longer course which provided plenty of technical challenges and additional enjoyment in equal measure. To the delight of early strollers turned spectators on East Pier, Dun Laoghaire, the fleet sailed close to the harbour mouth after rounding the leeward mark at the end of each lap.

For Miss Scarlett - IRL 4763, which clearly loves to win, it was business as usual as St. Valentine presented the crew with Line Honours for the second consecutive week! The crew's chances had certainly been bolstered by the addition of two new crew members for the occasion. One of them must certainly be in the running for the title of 'Youngest Spring Chicken' in the history of the event!?

Race 3 winner under Echo Handicap was Pippa IV - IRL 4281 (Sigma 33). After three races, Team Windmill - IRL 8088, RStGYC (J109) lies in overall 1st place after a masterful performance this week.


Race 3 Photo Gallery HERE

Alinghi 0 - BMW Oracle Racing 2

Bending the wind with a revolutionary wing sail in the 33rd America's Cup - follow the story of BMW ORACLE Racing's victory HERE.

Dublin Bay Sailing Club Spring Chicken 2010 - Race 2

Just Jasmin - IRL 3506 (Copyright 2010 Sailpix Ireland)

Race 2 took place on schedule on Sunday 07 Feb 2010. True to his word DBSC Spring Chicken 2010 race organiser Fintan Cairns included a long beat to the Muglins in a change of course this week with both the start and finish lines at Scotsman's Bay.
 

Line honours went to Miss Scarlett - IRL 4763 (Jeanneau Sun Fast 40.3) and crew, followed closely all the way from start to finish by Just Jasmin - IRL 3506, DMYC, SHSC (Bavaria 35 Match). 1st this week under Echo Handicap was Aoife M - IRL 7130 (Beneteau First 31.7).

Race 2 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.

Humpback 'HBIRL11' off Hook Head

For the full story and great photos click on the link to the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group's website.

Watch video footage of Humpback Whale HBIRL11 on YouTube HERE

Marine Notice No. 15 of 2005 provides the following guidelines intended to offer best practice to be followed in cases of any interaction between small craft and large mammals within Irish waters:

· When whales or dolphins are first encountered, craft should maintain a steady course.

· Boat speed should be maintained below 7 knots.

· Do not attempt to pursue whales or dolphins encountered.

· In the case of dolphins, they will very often approach craft and may engage in “bow riding”. Always allow dolphins approach a boat rather than attempt to go after them.

· Maintain a distance of at least 100m from whales.

· Maintain a distance of 200m between any other boats in the vicinity.

· Attempt to steer a course parallel to the direction whales or dolphins are taking.

· Do not corral whales or dolphins between boats.

· Special care must be taken when young calves are seen - do not come between a mother and her calf.

· Successive boats must follow the same course.

· Boats should not spend more than 30 minutes with whales or dolphins.

· DO NOT attempt to swim with them.

Craft that do encounter any species are encouraged to log all sightings and to advise the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) or officers of the National Parks and Wildlife Service.