WHSC Newsletter #9: Topper Nationals, Adult Sailing, Sea Legs is back
Welcome to WHSC Newsletter #9: It’s all happening…
Topper Nationals July 1 – 3
Next weekend, we’re hosting the Irish Topper National Championships sponsored by ToyotaWaterford.com and Suirway.com. A fleet of more than 50 Toppers from 10 sailing clubs around the country will be arriving in Dunmore East on Thursday evening or Friday morning to compete in the three-day event.
Racing starts at midday on Friday, 11am on Saturday and 11am on Sunday, with three races planned per day. Fourteen WHSC boats will be competing – 8 in the 4.2 fleet.
For some participants, the event is an opportunity to get in some final competitive sailing ahead of the Topper World Championships in Riva Del Garda in Italy. An all-Ireland container of Topper boats will be leaving from Dunmore East on Sunday. It will transport boats from Waterford, Cork, Galway, Tipperary, Dublin and Bangor and is expected to arrive in Lake Garda on July 20. The event there runs from Monday July 25 to Fri 29. Twelve WHSC sailors are among those travelling to Italy.
Competitors, their parents and members can enjoy the full range of WHSC hospitality over the weekend, including an a la carte dinner on Friday (booking required – watch this space for menu and booking form), teen disco and barbecues for both teens and their parents on Saturday night, and a barbecue on Sunday.
Volunteers wanted
Can you volunteer some of your time to help out at the Topper Nationals? We’re still looking for volunteers to help on the slip and one or two helpers for committee boat each day. No experience needed and it’s a great way to get involved.
Contact Mark Kettle on WhatsApp if you can help: 086 604 6828.
Sea Legs is back
Sea Legs, the place where all our best sailors started, is back from Saturday July 9 and will run in the morning for two hours. A fun and low pressure introduction to boats and the water, it’s open to all full family members aged between 6 and 8 years. All parents are asked to get involved either on land or on the water. Sailing experience is not required – just a willingness to get involved and maybe get your feet wet. The more parent volunteers we have, the better the opportunity for the kids. Kids will need a wetsuit, life jacket, hat & old shoes/water shoes. Thanks to Sheenagh for organising. If you’d like to get involved, please message Sheenagh on: 086 174 3772.
SSE Renewables Round Ireland Yacht Race
Congratulations to the WHSC sailors who took part in the Round Ireland Yacht Race last week in tough, turbulent conditions, especially Barry O’Donovan, Joss Walsh and the crew of Black Magic. Black Magic (First 44.7, Waterford Harbour SC & HYC) came 4th in IRC 2 class, 5th in the Corinthians class and 15th overall. WHSC’s Julian Hughes sailed on YoYo, skipped by Graham Curran, which placed 3rd in the ISORA class and 11th overall. Great to see WHSC representation at such an event.
Full report from Afloat.ie. (https://afloat.ie/blogs/sailing-saturday-with-wm-nixon/item/55120-round-ireland-detail-results-as-sailing-in-ireland-heads-for-high-stool-days)
Full results here. (https://roundireland.ie/wp/index.php/results-2022/)
Cruisers and ribs – dates for your diary
Some dates for the diary:
* Final race in the Marchant Engineering Thursday series Thursday June 30
* Friday July 15: cruise in company to Kilmore Quay Marina
* Saturday July 16: sail to Saltees
* Sunday July 17: returning to Dunmore in company.
Let Cruiser Capt Eoghan Hegarty know if you are interested. A rib trip will be organised to accompany us.
* Sunday July 24: Tramore Bay race and RNLI fundraiser, with support from the RNLI in Tramore and Ritz Bar.
Adult Sailing is back
Monday saw the return of the Adult Sailing Course in blustery but beautiful conditions. First-timers and improving participants took part in Wayfarers, Toppers and Lasers under the guidance of Matthew, Marcus and Max, with the help of the able assistant instructors.
More news from sailing courses
School sailing wrapped up last week. It was a huge success again this year with several local primary school pupils getting an amazing opportunity to get on the water.
The first Block of Kites and Wires started last week and is now into its second week.
In other news, Marcus Boggan has successfully passed his Senior Instructor Course and joins Max Kavanagh as joint Senior Instructor for the Summer. Congratulations Marcus! Fun Day Friday returned last week having been postponed due to Covid – all course participants got to sail or motor up river to Walls beach and have a barbecue.