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Regatta 2012

Read all about the September Regatta in this PDF Article Click Here

Regattas / Events

We also wanted to record the activities of our up-and-coming sailors. We have a very enthusiastic group of 11-14 year olds who are ready to take on the world. David Kelly performed very well in his first ever regatta in his laser at Clontarf SC, aided and supported by his roadie Maurice. A group of four headed to Malahide last weekend supported by their parents and roadies ....Maurice and Lorcan. Their confidence was fantastic - they had the benefit of two weekend sessions with Alan Ruigrok and after that they believed they could conquer the world.

At the Malahide regatta there were 65 boats on the water - in their laser classes Simon Jones was 4th, David Kelly 5th, Aoife de Faoite 7th. The Topaz class was very heavily subscribed and Michelle Ryan achieved 14th. Huge fun had by all and everyone very happy to be out on the water. All looking forward to their next challenge!

Well done to Erica Ruigrok who was 4th female at the Topper Worlds in Holland recently. This in in addition to her successes earlier this year in the 4.7 laser at earlier championships.

RAFT RACE GLORY FOR RSC

Over the years the list of water sports the Club has distinguished itself in has expanded, the latest being raft racing. At the Skerries Annual Raft Race in aid of the RNLI on Saturday 18th August, a six-person crew from the Club won the First Raft Home prize, as distinct from the first boat home (a fine distinction, more about which later). The raft race, which used to be a regular feature on the fund raising calendar, returned this year by popular demand after a gap of six years. Jomo Hughes took lots of pictures, which you can see on the gallery page.

It all began in the last week in July, when Clare Carthy put it up to the older members of the junior's section that they should enter raft. When they asked how would they build it, she said, "Sure Jomo will give you a hand!" One way or another, the idea caught on, and at six am the following Saturday, Kevin Whelan was consulting the Internet for designs. By three that afternoon, himself and Errol McGuiness had the body of the craft built in Errol's yard. Made from half a dozen blue plastic barrels in two rows, linked by a rib of split drain pipe, the double prow finished with half cones made a further barrel, the raft looked good. With a little sign painting and padding of sharp edges, it was soon time for a sea trial.

On the twelve of August, the test crew of four (Errol McGuiness, Matthew Whelan, Eoin and Alan Butterly) arrived for secret trials in Rogerstown. Initial trials showed that it wasn't perhaps the best idea to put the two big lads in the front, as bows tended to plough in, but that was soon rectified and the raft proved fast and seaworthy. Training began in earnest with practice of racing launches.

When the day of the race arrived, everyone was shocked to see the sun shining (proof that even God supports the RNLI!). The race crew of six arrived  (Lynn White and Sean Weldon having joined the original four) to join the colourful throng of rafts, rafters and supporters assembled on Skerries South Beach in ideal conditions. The rafts were a motley collection, built from any materials the crews could get their hands on, with more imagination than skills in naval architecture. The prize for the most colourful entry went to a group of women calling themselves 'Synch or Swim' – dressed in brightly coloured tutus, they performed dry land synchronised swimming to the delight of all present, both before and after the race!

The first crew home were extremely fast, and while they were rewarded for arriving first, it was decided that their craft was actually a rather well constructed canoe, rather than a raft, so they were nominated first boat home, leaving the honours for first raft to our gallant crew from Rush. Well done to designers and crew.

2012 Sail Spree at Rush Sailing Club – A great success

On Sunday 24th June we welcomed around sixty visitors to the club, for a taste of watersports, offering dinghy sailing, kayaking, power-boating and kite surfing. Most people had a taster of at least two of the activities on offer. Apart from a few monsoon style showers, the weather was kind, with enough wind for a bit of excitement, but nothing too scary. This was our contribution to the National Sail Spree sponsored by the ISA and a great opportunity to open up the club to the community.

Many children were overheard saying that they would only go out with 'Uncle Jomo' - he seems to be 'Uncle' to half the population! The volunteer effort was excellent, with around twenty five people, including a large contingent from the junior section, turning up and offering the best of hospitality. They created a terrific air of fun around the place, calming and encouraging the nervous. Many of our visitors were absolute beginners, never having set foot in a dinghy or a kayak before, and the response was extremely positive. Several people inquired as to how to apply for membership. Combined with the terrific response to the school day a few weeks ago, our junior section is going to have no shortage of applicants next year!

Many thanks to all who loaned their boats, Life jackets and wet suits for the day, we couldn't have done without them.
Click here to check out the pictures on the gallery page

Emilija Atlantic Crossing


As of Friday 25th May, Noel and Brenda Ruigrok together with Martin Redden and accompanied by Des Brady of Howth Y.C were within 150 miles of the Azores and making good time. They were 1st in their class and lying 4th in line honours.
The Azores stop-over will be the final one before the return leg of approx. 1400 N.M to Rogerstown where they will hopefully complete their adventure in late June, some 11 months after departure in July last year.
This current leg almost completed was approx 1800 NM and many stories of their exploits on the delivery legs, the original crossing and their time in the Caribbean have been stored up for retelling over the coming months.
A safe journey home is wished to all on board.

Schools Day, Wednesday 6th June


Following the success of our 'school' day last year we are hosting a class from Rush National School again on Wednesday 6th June. We can only do this with the help of volunteer members and we need people to do all sorts of things:
Rescue
'Senior' junior sailors for picos
On shore / slip duties
Loan of lifejackets
Loan of Kayaks
If you could spare the time from 12 noon to approx 4pm on Wednesday your help would be much appreciated. This was great fun last year and the children and school were very grateful.
Please contact Jacqui McCrum by text at 086 8542220 or by email jacqui.m.mccrum@aib.ie if you are free to help.

RSC News Archive

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