The fleets, in a straw poll reported that they really enjoyed the Volvo Regatta festival for that's what it was, a great festival of racing. The fickle summer conditions with cells rolling across the bay twisting the gradient wind direction and vacuuming the wind behind in their wakes made for frustrating conditions for the SRO's: but the sailors were more sanguine having sailed much of the season in the same conditions. Remember the ICRA event in RCYC and the Soverigns in Kinsale more breeze but where was summer? The depth and professionalism of the race organisation in Dun Laoghaire was truely stunning delivering all that was needed for the first class regatta that it was and over 522 boats had great fun over the four days. Kudos to the Clubs for the shore events and the race organsation under Brian Craig and Ciara Dowling the miriad of volunteers for a really special event which now has transgressed the irritations of the weather. Thanks to Philip Smith for originally pushing the idea to the Dun Laoghaire Combined Clubs in early 2004 to resurrect the event from the ashes of the 60's Dun Laoghaire Week, getting the sponsors lined up and good luck to him as he takes over the Chair from Brian Craig for the 2009 Volvo Regatta.

Published - 25 July 2007

The RAYC Niobe Trophy will be raced for on the weekend of the 13/14 August in Howth Yacht Club. SI's are on the Website DOWNLOADS. The second Niobe Trophy will preceed the Etchells Nationals and Europeans to be sailed the folllowing weekend which provide for a busy Calendar for tha class in August. EItlean won the Trophy in 2004 and Dave Murnane wil be looking to retain the trophy with Jay Bourke. Harry Gallagher will preside as SRO in HYC.

Published - 29 July 2005

Eamon Crosbie’s Voodoo Chile was awarded the Royal Alfred John O’Leary Trophy for boat of the year for outstanding Corinthian achievement in sailing in 2004. The trophy was presented at the Alfred Annual Dinner and prize giving in the Royal Irish Yacht Club. Voodoo Chile, an easy choice for the RAYC flags to make, opened the score this season with a clean sweep of the Red Funnel spring event in Cowes, an anchor performance at the Commodores Cup providing a string of class wins and taking the Round Ireland Race with his sons and an amateur crew. Brian Mackle’s Rebel retained the Dublin Port Trophy for best points overall of the Alfred fleet in the Superleague. In accepting the trophy Brian Mackle paid tribute to the Commodore’s and Johnny Ross Murphy for winning the Record Dragon Jubilee Race in St Tropez in Rigmarole. Other boats celebrating were George Sisk’s WOW who added the CR0 Superleague to their Cork Week victory; Paul O’Higgins won Superleague in CR1 and Tony Fox took the Alfred Trophy CR0. Paddy Kirwan’s Errislannan won the cruisers RAYC Classic Trophy. Paul Reilly had a clean sweep in the 1720 this season taking Bailey Bowl, Niobe RAYC and Superleague trophies. Tim Pearson accepted the Dragon Trophy for Denis Bergin’s Sir Ohsis of the River who was continuing the christening celebration for his firstborn foredeck hand Joseph.

Published - 21 November 2004

RAYC Pheasant Dinner and prize giving will be held by kind permission of the Royal Irish Yact Club on Saturday November 20th 2004. 8.00 PM BLACK TIE Booking admin @RAYC.org TIckets €42.50

Published - 26 September 2004