sailpix.ie news

DBSC Spring Chicken 2012 - Race 3 Photos

2012-02-19T23:33:00.000Z

For the third consecutive week an Archambault 35, Another Adventure - IRL 3511, RIYC, took the gun. Well done, again, skipper Daragh Cafferky and crew! Congrats too to Calypso - IRL 5643 (Beneteau Oceanis 361 Clipper) RStGYC, winner of Race 3 on Echo Handicap and to Legally Blonde - IRL 3175 (Beneteau First 31,7), RStGYC, overall leader at the halfway point of the series.

Legally Blonde - IRL 3175, RStGYC, leader DBSC Spring Chicken 2012 at halfway point of series.

Race 3 Photo Gallery HERE.

Race 3 Results HERE.

RYA Radar Courses in Ireland for Users of Small Craft

2012-02-18T13:30:00.000Z

Radar is probably the most versatile of all electronic navigation aids, but the best results are only obtained when you know how to use all the functions correctly. It is not an all seeing eye and can easily mislead those who do not understand its controls, allow for its limitations, or interpret its picture. The International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea state that if you have a radar, you must know how to use it.

RYA Radar Courses for users of small craft are being presented by RYA instructor Anthony Keane of Offshore Cruising Ireland at the Royal St. George Yacht Club, Dun Laoghaire Harbour. The one day courses, which provide an understanding of radar as an aid to navigation and collision avoidance, are being held on the following dates:

Saturday 25th February,

Saturday 24th March,
Saturday 21st April, 2012.

Course Duration: 1 Day - 09.30 hrs to 17.30 hrs.

Previous Experience Required: None.

At the end of the course students are awarded with an RYA Radar Course certificate.
Full details of the course are available online at Offshore Cruising Ireland's website:

http://www.offshorecruising.ie/

NOTICE: Scheduled Website Maintenance at www.sailpix.ie

2012-02-15T10:19:00.000Z

sailpix.ie will be undergoing scheduled maintenance on Friday February 17th, between 07:00 and 12:00 UTC (Thursday, February 16th, between 23:00 and 04:00 Pacific Standard Time). Systems updates will be performed and new features introduced to the site.
Photo Galleries service may be inaccessible or slow during that time; apologies for any inconvenience.

Sailpix News (this page) will not be affected.

Update 17 Feb 2012: Maintenance completed. Improvements:

Blog added to main site - http://www.sailpix.ie/blog
Mobile Makeover - sailpix.ie now has a whole new look on phones. With content and menus sized for small screens, you can easily navigate the site and view photos no matter where you are or what kind of device you have. Give sailpix.ie a try from your phone's web browser.

DBSC Spring Chicken 2012 - Race 2 Photos

2012-02-12T23:24:00.000Z

Dublin Bay Sailing Club's Spring Chicken 2012 series, sponsored by Viking Marine, Hyde Sails, North Sails, O'Brien Press, Offshore Cruising Ireland & UK McWilliams Sails and hosted by the National Yacht Club, continued with the second race in a series of six on Sunday 12th February.

For the second week running an Archambault 35, Another Adventure - IRL 3511, RIYC, sailed the course imperiously to take the gun in consecutive races. Well done skipper Daragh Cafferky and crew!

Photo Gallery HERE.
Results HERE.

DBSC Spring Chicken 2012 - Race 1 (5th February)

2012-02-05T23:30:00.000Z

Dublin Bay Sailing Club's Spring Chicken 2012, sponsored by Boatshed Dun Laoghaire and supported by the National Yacht Club, started with the first in a series of six races on Sunday 5th February.

Race 1 Photo Gallery at http://www.sailpix.ie/dbsc-spring-chicken-2012-race-1
Race 1 Results HERE.

Adrenalin - IRL 1348 (Archambault 35) competing in DBSC's Spring Chicken 2012, Race 1. Credit: sailpix.ie

Alex Thomson Keel Walk - 100K Views in 24 hrs

2012-02-03T01:44:00.000Z

Dublin Bay Sailing Club Spring Chicken 2012

2012-01-31T17:39:00.000Z

Dublin Bay Sailing Club's Spring Chicken 2012, sponsored by Boatshed Dun Laoghaire and supported by the National Yacht Club, starts Sunday 5th February and ends on Sunday 11th March. The six race series involving cruisers, cruising boats, one-designs and boats which normally don't race will be held on Sunday mornings under modified ECHO - performance based, personal handicapping system.

Anyone for Surf 'n' Turf? With Ireland v Wales in Six Nations rugby on the TV at 3 pm (Sunday 5th February), the après sail in the NYC after the opening (Spring Chicken) race could make for an exciting and memorable day's sport.

Details HERE (including Notice of Race and Entry Form).

Horn of Africa - The Pirate Menace

2012-01-17T18:15:00.000Z

Volvo Ocean Race 2011 - 2012

Race organisers have introduced a series of security measures because of the threat of pirates operating in a vast area off the coast of Somalia.

Legs 2 and 3 have both been split into two parts, with the fleet being transported by ship through the worst affected area to an undisclosed loading/unloading port in order to minimise the threat as much as possible.

In response to a request for help from the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon NATO has undertaken the responsibility to combat piracy off the Horn of Africa. NATO has recently issued a documentary video (filmed between February - July 2010) about its operation against piracy featuring the Royal Danish Navy's HDMS Absalon. Watch on YouTube in two parts (approx. 22 minutes in total):

Sailing Logic announce New Skipper for 2012 Round Ireland Yacht Race

2012-01-17T17:04:00.000Z

Leading UK yacht racing team Sailing Logic has announced a new skipper, James 'Chippie' Gair, for this year's Round Ireland Yacht Race. As the team proved in 2010 with twin Reflex 38 entries Visit Malta Puma (skippered by Philippe Falle) and Jaguar Logic (skippered by James Allen), Sailing Logic will be in the Round Ireland for the silverware, not for the scenery!

James is no stranger to the Round Ireland Yacht Race having skippered boat entry Incisor - GBR 8248 (Corby 45), renamed Pride of Wicklow by the team of Wicklow Sailing Club entrants who chartered the boat, in the 2010 edition of the race.

Link to story here: http://www.sailinglogic.co.uk/blog/post/2012/01/11/Round-Ireland-2012-Skipper-Announced.aspx

Round Ireland Yacht Race status raised by RORC

2012-01-17T16:33:00.000Z

A report on the 13th January 2012 by Irish Times reporter David Branigan signals a raising of the status of the Round Ireland Yacht Race to that of the classic offshore Fastnet Race by the Royal Ocean Racing Club.

Link: http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2012/0113/1224310194396.html#.TxAPhZkPGnw.twitter

Lifejackets - Useless Unless Worn

2012-01-16T23:18:00.000Z

Lifejackets - USELESS UNLESS WORN! Make sure yours is fitted correctly with crotch straps, a strobe light, reflective strips and spray hood.

Kish Bank - Dalkey Island Proposed Exploration Well Location

2012-01-11T00:39:00.000Z

Kish Bank - Dalkey Island Proposed (Providence Resources P.L.C.) Exploration Well Location

Providence Resources P.L.C. has applied for a Foreshore Licence from Ireland's Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government to conduct a site investigation and exploratory well drilling off the coast at Dublin and Wicklow approximately 6 kilometres from nearest landfall. The nearest mainland is at Dalkey, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

Public Consultation Commenced on 05 January 2012.
Public Consultation Closing Date is 02 February 2012.

Download higher resolution version of above Admiralty Chart HERE (.pdf).
Photomontages HERE.
'Draft Notice to Mariners' available HERE (.pdf download).
'Kish Bank Exploration Well - Oil Spill Contingency Plan' available HERE (.pdf download).

Time-lapse View of Earth from International Space Station

2011-11-15T16:48:00.001Z

Earth | Time Lapse View from Space, Fly Over | NASA, ISS compiled by Michael König on Vimeo.

Time-lapse photography shot at an altitude of approx 350 km from NASA's International Space Station between August and October 2011 with a Nikon D3s DSLR with Nikkor 17-35 mm f2.8 and Nikkor 14-24 mm f2.8 lenses.

Credits: Ron Garan, Satoshi Furukawa and the crews of expeditions 28 & 29 onboard the ISS.

Volvo Ocean Race 2011 - 2012: Watch Iberdrola In-Port Race Live

2011-10-29T12:27:00.000+01:00


Iberdrola In-Port Race 29 Oct 2011. Credit: Volvo Ocean Race Videos Channel

Watch the Iberdrola In-Port Race via live streaming

All the action of in-port racing and leg starts will be streamed through your browser with enhanced 3D graphics via the new Livestream service:

http://new.livestream.com/volvooceanrace

and also:

on the official Volvo Ocean Race home page: www.volvooceanrace.com
on the LIVE section of our YouTube channel: youtube.com/volvooceanracevideos

Streaming begins five minutes before the 10-minute warning signal.

Sailing's amazing Volvo Ocean Race 2011 - 2012 starts today

2011-10-29T11:39:00.000+01:00

Alicante, Spain - The 11th edition of the Volvo Ocean Race bursts into life today when, at 1200 GMT/UTC (1400 local time) the six world class professional sailing teams do battle for the first time in the Iberdrola In-Port Race in Alicante, Spain.

The six teams, who for many months have been meticulously preparing their state-of-the-art, multi-million-euro racing yachts, will line up for real in a quickfire sprint, their first chance to put points on the scoreboard in the 39,000 nautical mile race around the world.

The first of the 10 in-port races takes place one week before the boats set off on the first of nine ocean legs, a 20-day, 6,500 nautical mile passage from Alicante to Cape Town, South Africa. From there they will visit Abu Dhabi (UAE), Sanya (China), Auckland (New Zealand), Itajaí (Brazil), Miami (USA), Lorient (France) and Lisbon (Portugal) before the finish in Galway (Ireland) in July.

The fleet is the most competitive the race has ever seen with all six teams closely matched and fully funded.

Sanya skipper Mike Sanderson is the only sailor competing this time to have previously led a team to victory in the Volvo Ocean Race (ABN AMRO ONE in 2005-06). A late entry this time, Sanderson and his team will be racing a second generation boat and while the New Zealander is embracing the team's underdog position he is predicting a knife-edge contest.

"The level of the teams in this race is exceptionally high,” Sanderson said. “Never before has it been so hard to pick a favourite. We have an incredibly level playing field and it’s going to be an amazing race."

Having finished second in the last race in 2008-09, PUMA Ocean Racing, skippered by multiple world champion and America’s Cup veteran Ken Read from Newport, Rhode Island, are expected to mount another strong challenge.

“This race often puts the sailors in the most miserable spot they could be on earth,” said Read. “You are either boiling hot or freezing cold and you are always wet, sleep deprived and hungry. Other than that it’s fantastic!”

British double Olympic silver medallist Ian Walker is back for his second campaign as skipper, this time with Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing.

Telefónica are led by Spain’s Iker Martínez, an Olympic gold and silver medallist with Xabi Fernández, who is part of his crew here.

CAMPER is skippered by multiple Olympian and three-time Volvo Ocean Race veteran, Australian Chris Nicholson. With an extensive trophy haul that includes the America’s Cup, Emirates Team New Zealand are amongst the world’s most successful professional sailing teams.

Groupama sailing team, the first French entry in the Volvo Ocean race since Eric Tabarly’s La Poste in 1993, are led by Franck Cammas, a multihull record breaker and one of his country’s best known sportsmen.

During their marathon race around the world, the 11-man crews, 10 sailors and one embedded Media Crew Member, will have to deal with mountainous seas, extremes of temperature and hurricane force winds as well as having to negotiate some of the planet’s most hazardous commercial shipping lanes.

The escalating threat of piracy in the Indian Ocean forced the race organisers to redraw the course for the second and third legs. Now, on the way from Cape Town to Abu Dhabi, the teams will race to a ‘safe haven’ port, before being transported to a re-start venue to complete the leg in a sprint to the finish in Abu Dhabi. The process will be reversed for the third leg from Abu Dhabi to Sanya, China.

The Iberdrola In-Port Race will take around an hour to complete. Racing will be streamed live at www.volvooceanrace.com and will be accompanied by a live blog of the action.

HD live coverage for desktop browsers will also be available through the New Livestream platform, which includes video, photos, audio and text updates, at: new.livestream.com.

Europe Infrared Satellite Imagery 28 Oct 2011. Credit: Met Office UK

Where's The Octopus?

2011-10-05T12:26:00.000+01:00

Credits: Dr. Roger Hanlon Marine Biological Laboratory & Science Friday
Further Reading: 'Revealed: Secrets of the Camouflage Masters' - The New York Times/Science

Volvo Ocean Race 2011 - 2012: Team Sanya in Dublin

2011-09-05T13:07:00.000+01:00

Date: 05 September 2011.
Photo Gallery: Click HERE.

All Blacks Naval Training

2011-09-04T23:32:00.000+01:00

Good to see the New Zealand cousin (Corey) is just as formidable on the water!

Fastnet Race 2011: Ian Walker & Mike Slade - Take a Bow!

2011-08-16T23:44:00.000+01:00

Ian Walker and crew of Azzam (Team Abu Dhabi) for setting a new monuhull record for the race and winning the ('Volvo Ocean trial') race within a race in this year's Fastnet and Mike Slade and crew of Leopard 3 for abandoning a chance to set a new course record in going to the assistance of capsized Rambler 100 - TAKE A BOW!

Full story courtesy of Volvo Ocean Race:

AZZAM BREAKS MONOHULL RECORD FOR FASTNET RACE
Groupama 4 in second, Sanya third in race run at blistering pace

Fastnet Race, Day 3 – Finish
16 August 2011 – Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing's Azzam held off a relentless challenge from Groupama 4 to lead home the three Volvo Ocean Race boats and set a monohull record for the Fastnet Race.

Skippered by Britain's double Olympic silver medallist Ian Walker, the first Arab entry won the “race within a race” between three teams set to compete in the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12 starting in Alicante in October.

Groupama 4 and skipper Franck Cammas finished four minutes behind Azzam in the 608-nautical mile sprint from Cowes to Plymouth via the Fastnet Rock off the southern tip of Ireland.

Team Sanya, skippered by New Zealand's Mike Sanderson and racing in the refitted Telefónica Blue from the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09, could not quite compete with the other two teams' heavy air speed and finished just short of an hour behind.

All three times were inside the record monohull time of one day 20 hours 18 minutes set by ICAP Leopard in 2007. Leopard also competed in the current race and was in with a chance of a record time when her crew came to the assistance of Rambler 100 after she capsized. All 21 crew members were rescued in an operation co-ordinated by the Irish coastguard.

The blistering pace of all three of the Volvo Open 70s, and particularly the new boats, will have been of great interest to the other teams preparing for the 2011-12 Volvo Ocean Race starting in Alicante on October 29. Racing conditions were optimum for these boats - strong winds, big seas and very wet on deck.

Three other new boats will be competing - Camper with Emirates Team New Zealand, Puma Ocean Racing powered by BERG Propulsion and Team Telefónica.

Walker, speaking after stepping from the boat in Plymouth, savoured both the victory in the "race within a race" and the record, though he was even more satisfied to see confirmed that Azzam, designed by Farr Yacht Design, is competitive with the Groupama 4 boat from the board of Argentina’s Juan Kouyoumdjian. Juan K, as he is known in the sailing world, was responsible for the last two Volvo Ocean Race winners and also designed Puma's Mar Mostro and Telefónica for the forthcoming race.

"It's cool because I've never done any record-type stuff before," said Walker. "it always seems to be the 100-footers getting the records.

"But overall it's a relief to know that we're competitive. We didn't blow Groupama out of the water but it's a relief to know that we're at the party."

Groupama's navigator Jean-Luc Nélias, spelled out just how close the finish had been.

"We rounded the Fastnet Rock together but at night we couldn't see Abu Dhabi any more,” he said. “The night was violent and the route was straight and when the dawn broke, they were half a mile ahead of us. We could see the colour of their weather gear on deck when we crossed the finish line so it was pretty close."

Team Sanya only announced their Volvo Ocean Race entry seven weeks ago and skipper Sanderson was pleased to have given the refitted boat a good work-out.

"We were glad the conditions were fairly extreme for this race because it has served as a reminder to all of us that on Volvo Open 70s and in the Volvo Ocean Race itself the big gains are won in the windy conditions," he said.

"These boats want to go at 16 knots all the time. To get them to go 20 knots plus you really need to wring their necks. We had some issues at various points which prevented us from really wringing our boat’s neck but overall it was a good experience that we can be pleased with it as a team.”

The battle for overall supremacy between the Volvo Ocean Race teams was closely fought throughout the race. Groupama 4 shrugged off an early problem with their keel mechanism and were vying for the lead as the boats exited the confines of the Solent. After racing in close formation all the way along the English south coast, Team Sanya took the lead at Land’s End with a crafty tactical short cut which saved them eight miles on their rivals.

As the breeze steadily increased on the long leg out towards the southeast tip of Ireland, the new boats eased inexorably into the lead, with Azzam trailing Groupama 4 by just five minutes as they rounded the Fastnet Rock. The boats set a ferocious pace on the return leg from the Fastnet Rock with 30 knot winds on the second night before Azzam and Groupama 4 blasted their way towards the finish in Plymouth at speeds of over 25 knots.

Racing Yacht & Supertanker Collide at Cowes Week Regatta

2011-08-08T11:41:00.000+01:00

Dramatic video was taken of the collision between a Corby 33, Atalanta of Chester - IRL 7533, racing in Cowes Week Regatta in Class 4 IRC and the supertanker Hanne Knutsen. The incident occurred close to Gurnard North Cardinal Mark off Egypt Point, Isle of Wight on 06 August 2011.

The collision resulted in two overboard crew members from the yacht and another with a head injury. The yacht itself was dismasted after its spinnaker snagged on the tanker's port side anchor. Thankfully, the two crewmen in the water were quickly rescued by alert safety boats. The tanker continued on its way to the oil terminal at Fawley Marine Terminal, Southampton.

Miraculously, no one was killed or seriously injured.

Credit: Tim Addison.

Still Photos:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2023307/Yacht-ploughs-bulky-tanker-Cowes-Week-sailing-regatta.html

http://www.iwcp.co.uk/news/cowes-week/dramatic-pictures-of-collision-at-sea-40061.aspx

Discussion:

Yachting Monthly Scuttlebutt forum discussion: http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=282935

Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12: 100 Days To Get Ready

2011-07-21T10:01:00.000+01:00

The clock is ticking down for the teams in the Volvo Ocean Race, with Thursday, July 21 marking exactly 100 days to go before the first points are awarded in the opening In-Port race in Alicante.

All the teams are busy fine-tuning their preparations for a race that will cover 39,000 nautical miles, visiting 10 countries and finishing in Galway, Ireland in July 2012. But how exactly do you use the final 100 days of preparation for such a demanding nine-month test? Read on for a snapshot of what the teams are doing to put themselves in the best possible shape for what should be one of the most competitive editions of this classic race.

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing training in Cascais:
The 100-day milestone coincides with Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing starting serious testing of the team’s brand new Volvo Open 70, ‘Azzam’ in Cascais, Portugal. In August, the boat and the team will get a competitive run-out in the Fastnet Race, where rivals Groupama and Team Sanya will also compete.
Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing Skipper Ian Walker: “We know some of the other Volvo Ocean Race teams will be there for the Fastnet and we’ll all be looking to flex our muscles without letting too much out of the bag. It will be great to test ourselves against other teams and benchmark how far we have come, and equally importantly, how far is still left to go. It is also a welcome break from training and to will help rekindle that competitive drive which will serve us well over the coming 100 days. With our 2,000 mile qualifier, the Fastnet Race and the delivery back to Cascais for our final training run-in, we should clock-up over 5,000 sea miles in the next month alone.”

Telefónica raring to go in Lanzarote:
Team Telefónica have been training in Lanzarote, Spain, for two months, making the most of the windy conditions in this part of the Canary Islands. In September, Iker Martínez’s crew will leave the Marina Rubicón for Sanxenxo, in Galicia, where they have been sailing for years.
Telefónica skipper Iker Martínez: “We are starting to feel confident. Little by little we are getting to know each other and the boat is starting to feel like one of us. It doesn't feel so strange any more being in a boat so different from the last one we had, which will sail against us in the hands of Mike Sanderson (of Team Sanya). It's odd that we'll be competing against the old Telefónica Blue, even if she does have a new name.”

Puma start new phase in Canary Islands:
Another team will be training in Lanzarote this summer: Puma Ocean Racing, powered by BERG Propulsion, who arrived in the Canary Islands on Friday. Launching their boat in Newport on June 28, the team sailed to Europe – and won the Transatlantic Race in IRC Class 1 and IRC Overall. A new training phase now starts for Mar Mostro in the Puerto Calero Marina.
Puma Ocean Racing skipper Ken Read: “We have really tried to treat every day like its crucial, and these final 100 days are no more important than the beginning days were for this program. I believe this is a good thing. If we were behind in our planning or had a problem, the final days would surely carry quite a bit more significance. Final 100 days? Hopefully, they will just be treated like another day in the office… 100 times.”
Puma are one of three teams to have completed the qualification process with over 100 days to go. The other two are Camper with Emirates Team New Zealand and Groupama Sailing Team.

Camper heading to Europe:
Camper with Emirates Team New Zealand just left their Auckland base. Chris Nicholson and his sailors loaded their Volvo Open 70 to a Maersk Line container ship on Tuesday after a three-month testing period in Auckland. The team will now have a couple of weeks off before reuniting with Camper in the United Kingdom.
Camper skipper Chris Nicholson: “We have covered more than 8,000 miles of sail testing from the tip of the tropics to the edge of the Southern ocean. Now is a good time for some rest and relaxation for everyone. I am also really pleased to have seen the whole team gel. Many people say this, but it is clear that underneath all that is happening here, we have a group of people who are friends. After spending day after day with each other, working long hours and under pressure for deadlines, we all still want to go for a beer, and that’s a good sign for the next nine months.”
Meanwhile, in Lorient, France, Groupama Sailing Team are going through a three-week refit after a first sail-testing phase.

Groupama in home territory:
Groupama completed the 2,000 mile qualification sail at the end of June and the team are now back at their Lorient base. The team now have their sights set on the Fastnet Race.
Groupama skipper Franck Cammas: “We were one month late when we launched the boat this spring but it’s all fine today. We managed to qualify and to improve the boat after sailing here. We didn’t break anything and the gauge controls went very well. Groupama 4 is not in race mode yet, but we are working on it. On August 14 we will take part in the Fastnet Race in Cowes before coming back to our base in Lorient. We will head to Alicante at the end of September.”

Team Sanya heading for Fastnet:
Team Sanya only announced their participation in the Volvo Ocean Race in June and the team, skippered by 2005-06 champion Mike Sanderson, are actively recruiting the crew that will contest the race – including at least one sailor from China.
The other big task on the team’s hands is to refit the Volvo Open 70 Telefónica Blue boat from the last race. That is going ahead now in the UK, with the team due to take part in the Fastnet, with rivals Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing and Groupama.
Team Sanya skipper Mike Sanderson (speaking late last month): “This campaign is very late in getting going, and there is no doubt that we are handicapped by having to use an older generation boat. That said, we know we need to pitch the boat’s performance into a corner and Telefónica Blue last time was very quick in the light and moderate conditions and potent during inshore racing. Seeing the new boats launched so far, it appears she still might be okay in these conditions. Only time will tell of course, but we do feel that she will offer us a great opportunity to have our ‘day in the sun’.”

Credit: Official Press Information, Volvo Ocean Race.

Lyver Trophy 2011/ISORA 2011 Race 6 - Holyhead to Howth

2011-07-03T07:59:00.000+01:00

Arabella (J111), RIYC, RCYC, RORC - 1st to arrive at Howth. Credit: sailpix.ie

Lyver Trophy 2011 Offshore Race tracking. Credit: Yellowbrick Tracking.

With the scheduled 19:00 hrs start on the 1st July delayed by 15 minutes (due to the arrival at Holyhead of the MS Stena Nordica from Dublin), wind and tidal conditions at Holyhead made for a memorable Lyver Trophy Race 2011/ISORA 2011 - Race 6.

Crossing Skerries Traffic Separation Scheme at night in a light NW breeze and a north going tide required the full attention of skippers and crews alike. All safely made it through the TSS but at the back of the fleet the next concern was to work out if the finish could be reached by 19:00 hrs on the 2nd. By daybreak the wind had veered and crews heisted spinnakers in the southerly breeze.

Thankfully the course was shortened to 75 NW by the race committee and by the time the newly chosen (because of weather conditions) waypoint south of the Isle of Man at 53º47'.00N, 05º00'.00W was reached, the wind had strengthened. After a reach to Howth, 14 boats made it to the finish at speeds averaging 8 - 9 knots within the time allowed. Congratulations to skippers and crews of Arabella, RIYC, RCYC, RORC - Line Honours and Sgrech, PSC (Pwllheli Sailing Club) - 1st Lyver Trophy 2011 and ISORA 2011 Race 6 on IRC.

Full race report and results HERE.

Photo Gallery HERE.

Tall Ships 2011 Waterford Road Closures & Parking Info Maps

2011-06-29T16:25:00.000+01:00

Waterford City Council have detailed information now available via Google Maps on its website HERE showing Park & Ride, Park & Ride Walking Routes, Road Closures, Traffic Cordon, Disabled Parking, Coach Parking Overnight, Coach Parking Day Visitor, Coach Parking Waterford Crystal, Cycle Parking for the Tall Ships Race 2011 Festival from the 30th June - 3rd July.

Select a map from the categories listed under 'Show Map' > 'Tall Ships 2011 Parking Access Maps', to display it on screen.

Tall Ships Race 2011 Waterford Final Berthing Plan

2011-06-29T09:02:00.000+01:00

Tall Ships Race 2011 Waterford Final Berthing Plan with Traffic Flow. Credit: Hydrographic Surveys Ltd.

Tall Ships Race 2011 Final Berthing Plan with Traffic Flow: click on link to download (.pdf). Scale @ A1 is 1:2000 (Scale @ A3 is 1:4000).

Drawing is copyright to Fewer Harrington Lawlor & Partners.

Tall Ships Race 2011 - Waterford to Greenock Vessel Entry List

2011-06-29T02:43:00.000+01:00

The Tall Ships Races 2011 – Vessel Entry List (23 June 2011)
Vessel Name	Nation	Class	Prof Crew	Trainees
Alba Endeavour	U.K.	C	6	12
Alba Explorer	U.K.	C	6	12
Astrid	Netherlands	A	6	24
Black Diamond of Durham	U.K.	C	3	7
Camelot	Poland	D	4	8
Celtic Mist	Ireland	C	4	5
Christian Radich	Norway	A	30	85
Dar Szczecina	Poland	C	3	9
Eendracht	Netherlands	A	16	39
Endorfina	Poland	D	1	9
Europa	Netherlands	A	16	50
Gedania	Poland	C	6	13
Gloria	Columbia	A	76	87
Irene	U.K.	B	5	12
Jean De La Lune	U.K.	A	6	14
Johanna Lucretia	U.K.	B	4	8
John Laing	U.K.	C	6	12
Jolie Brise	U.K.	B	4	10
Juan de Langara	Spain	C	3	9
Lord Nelson	U.K.	A	11	39
Miles To Go	Belgium	D	2	4
Mir	Russia	A	55	144
Maybe	U.K.	B	3	11
Moosk	U.K.	B	2	8
Morning Star of Revelation	U.K.	B	4	10
Mutin	FRANCE	B	11	11
Ocean Spirit of Morlay	U.K.	C	6	16
4 Oceans' Dream	POLAND	D	5	6
Pelican of London	U.K.	A	12	28
Pogoria	Poland	A	11	41
Prolific	Norway	C	6	20
Provident	U.K.	B	4	12
Rona II	U.K.	D	8	15
Royalist	U.K.	A	9	24
Rupel	Belgium	B	6	10
Sorlandet	Norway	A	16	75
Spaniel	Latvia	C	6	6
Spirit of Fairbridge	U.K.	B	6	12
St Barbara V	U.K.	D	3	6
St Iv	Estonia	C	4	8
Swan	U.K.	B	5	10
Tecla	Netherlands	B	4	16
Tomidi	Belgium	C	3	15
Urania	Netherlands	D	5	12
Wylde Swan	Netherlands	A	12	38

Safety the Priority at Tall Ships Race 2011 Waterford

2011-06-27T16:19:00.000+01:00

Water safety will be a top priority for the organisers of this year's Tall Ships Race 2011 Waterford festival. Catering for participants and spectators alike, the event will witness unparalleled levels of co-operation between the Gardai, Irish Naval Service, Coast Guard, RNLI, Fire Service, Civil Defence, Irish Water Safety and the city's own voluntary service - Waterford City River Rescue (WCRR).

WCRR's floating base station WELLBOY (pictured) is ideally located for the event at Plaza Marina and will be manned round the clock.

Public Safety Advice for those visiting The Tall Ships Races in Waterford, issued by the Chairman of Irish Water Safety on 20th June 2011:

... This event is anticipated to attract large crowds of sightseers and a large flotilla of smaller vessels on each day to the quaysides during the period the Tall Ships are visiting Waterford. No doubt, it will be a wonderful spectacle for both young and old to see and enjoy, bringing back memories of days when we learned John Masefield’s poem “I must down to the seas again”. However, from June 30-July 3, when the ships are moored in Waterford and when we do go down to the quays to see them, the public must be aware of the dangers associated with closeness to water and be actively responsible for their own safety and that of their children! No doubt, every precaution will be taken to ensure as far as is practical that safety precautions and rescue equipment are in place for your protection. However, this does not alter the responsibility we have for our own personal safety and that of our children at all times.
For this reason, the host port team for the Tall Ships visit will have in place comprehensive safety and management arrangements, coupled with regimes for rescuing people in the event of a water related accident. Again, this in no way relieves any visitor to the quaysides of responsibility for their own personal water craft and all on board and the safety and care of all. Therefore:

Do not go too near to the quayside edges; remember falling down between a quay and a boat is one of the most difficult places to get rescued from.
If anxious to see or visit a particular tall ship, don’t push those in front of you towards the water’s edge. Take your time; the ships are in Waterford over three days.
If going on board any boat or ships, never jump from the quay onto the boat, or indeed from boat to boat. Always use a gangplank if available. If not, you must take extreme care when crossing.
Excessive alcohol and water do not mix. Therefore, visitors to the quaysides should ensure that they do not have excessive drink taken.
Those who invite people on board their vessels, regardless of size, must take a responsible approach to the availability of alcohol - bearing in mind the inherent dangers of being on board a vessel at all times under the influence of any alcoholic drink.
Do not climb on or over any railings, walls or other barriers that protect the quays from the water.
On smaller vessels, there is a definite legal requirement in relation to wearing life-jackets and one should be familiar with this requirement.
Ringbuoys and other lifesaving equipment placed on the quaysides should not under any circumstance be interfered with, they are provided to save lives in the event of someone falling into the water.
For those afloat, ~~MARINE NOTICE 047 of 2011~~ (correction by sailpix.ie webmaster) Marine Notice 28 of 2011 has significance and all should make themselves aware of this important document which covers all recreational craft afloat and the responsibilities with regard to their vessel.

In conclusion, it behoves every person to ensure that The Tall Ships Races will be a safe and memorable occasion to visit Waterford with its noble quays, a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle to have seen and enjoyed by all who visit the city and port.

Calling “112” or “999” – Ask for the “Coast Guard”.

If you see someone in trouble in the water (or you think someone is in trouble) don’t hesitate to dial one of the emergency numbers (112 or 999) and ask to be put through to the “Coast Guard”. When you are connected to the Coast Guard, give a brief description of what you saw and the Coast Guard will decide on the necessary action to take. Remember! Always ask for the Coast Guard, as this will avoid any unnecessary delay by being connected to the wrong service particularly if someone is in trouble in the water. During the Tall Ships visit to Waterford should a telephone not be available ask any Garda, Civil Defence Officer or other steward on duty for help.
Issued by
Frank Nolan
(National Chairman)
Irish Water Safety.

For the attention of Passenger Ship Operators, Passenger Boat Operators, Skippers, Harbour Authorities, Race Organisers and Recreational Craft owners:

Marine Notice No. 28 of 2011 - Tall Ships Race - Waterford - 30th June to 3rd July 2011

Notice for leisure boat owners issued 10 June 2011 by Capt. Darren Doyle, Harbourmaster, Port of Waterford Company.

Current Weather (detailed conditions) at Belview, Waterford Port.

Weather Forecast Waterford.

Tides at Cheekpoint, Waterford Harbour. Tramore and Dunmore East: - 10 minutes. Waterford City, Rice Bridge: + 35 minutes. Credit: Port of Waterford Tide Information.

Webcam Dunmore East at entrance to Waterford Harbour - glimpse the arrival and departure of the tall ships, between 29 June - 03 July 2011.

Nadim - a Sample of the Eye Candy in Waterford for Tall Ships

2011-06-27T07:40:00.000+01:00

Dutch steel barge Nadim moored next to yacht Celtic Mist at Waterford City Marina. If it's around for the week of the Tall Ships Race 2011, this one's good looks will certainly attract a lot of attention.

Nadim was photographed off Portovenere, Liguria, Italy in summer 2008.

Origin of the name: Nadim.

Celtic Mist in Waterford for Tall Ships Race 2011

2011-06-27T07:28:00.000+01:00

Celtic Mist, the yacht once owned by the late Charles Haughey, former Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister), has arrived ahead of the fleet in Waterford City Marina for the Tall Ships Race 2011.

Recently donated by the Haughey family to the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG), Celtic Mist will be skippered by Fiacc O'Brolchain in this year's race.

After the race, the yacht will be equipped by IWDG with research equipment and go into service promoting conservation and study of whales, dolphins and porpoise in Irish waters.

Tall Ships Race 2011 - The Wait is Over

2011-06-15T21:27:00.000+01:00

The Tall Ships Race, organized by Sail Training International, is returning to Ireland from 30th June to 3rd July 2011. An anticipated 500,000 people will enjoy up to 50 of the world’s most beautiful tall ships and experience Ireland’s biggest quayside festival, as Waterford once again hosts the start of the famous race series.

Official website: http://www.waterfordtallshipsrace.ie/

The Tall Ships

· The tall ships will all be in port by noon on Thursday, 30^th June, with many arriving on the evening of Wednesday, 29^th June.

· The 12 larger ‘Class A’ tall ships will mostly be berthed on the north side of the River Suir (across the river from the city centre).

· Full berthing plans will be posted at information points on both sides of the river and ‘Welcome Ambassadors’ will be visible across the city centre to help visitors with information.

· Ships will be open to visitors from 10:00 hrs - 16:00 hrs (Thursday - Saturday), though this will vary to some degree from ship to ship, depending on other commitments in port

· The magnificent tall ships will depart Waterford on the morning of Sunday, 3^rd July as they head downriver to the mouth of Waterford Harbour for the start of the Race, with some wonderful vantage points along the coast (Passage East, Dunmore East, Ballyhack, Arthurstown, Duncannon & Hook Head).

· The international fleet of Tall Ships, from 12 countries, will sail with more than 1,400 professional crew and trainees from Waterford to Greenock (Scotland). Later host ports for The Tall Ships Races 2011 are Lerwick (Shetland Isles), Stavanger (Norway) and Halmstad (Sweden). Map here.

Race Start - Sunday, 3rd July

· The ships will leave The Quays from 07:00 hrs for a spectacular Parade of Sail down the estuary.

· They will reach the mouth of the harbour between Dunmore East and Hook Head from aproximately 09:00 hrs.

· The race to Greenock will start from approximately five miles off the County Waterford coast and the ships will initially head west to sail around the south coast of Ireland. The Race will start at 13:00 hrs.

Estimated Million Dead Fish Surface in Marina

2011-03-09T13:29:00.000Z

Credit: BBC News 09 March 2011.

Came across this on the BBC News this morning about an estimated million dead fish having surfaced in Redondo Beach Marina, California. The BBC's Rajesh Mirchandani explains what scientists believe caused the phenomenon. Click on screenshot above for full story.

Volvo Ocean Race: Life At The Extreme Newsletter Vol. 36

2011-02-16T20:49:00.000Z

Ian Walker. Credit: Volvo Ocean Race.

Interested in the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12? Click on the photo of Ian Walker on the cover of Life At The Extreme for a link to a digital copy of the latest edition of the race newsletter - Volume 36. It's a great read and contains lots of material of Irish interest.

Page 4 has a report on Franck Cammas and crew's Groupama setting of a new Around Britain and Ireland (1,787 nautical miles) Monohull Record of 5 days 21 hours 26 minutes and 55 seconds!

Further in there is a four page report on (ex Green Dragon skipper) Ian's preparations for the 2011-2012 race, this time with Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing.

Also in this issue there is a brilliant photo of Ireland's Justin Slattery in action on pages 22 and 23.

RYA Radar Courses For Users of Small Craft

2011-02-11T15:57:00.000Z

Radar is probably the most versatile of all electronic navigation aids, but the best results are only obtained when you know how to use all the functions correctly. It is not an all seeing eye and can easily mislead those who do not understand its controls, allow for its limitations, or interpret its picture. The International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea state that if you have a radar, you must know how to use it.

RYA Radar Courses for users of small craft are being presented by RYA instructor Anthony Keane of Offshore Cruising Ireland at the National Yacht Club, Dun Laoghaire Harbour. The one day courses, which provide an understanding of radar as an aid to navigation and collision avoidance, are being held on the following dates:

Saturday 26th February,

Saturday 12th March,

Saturday 2nd April, 2011.

Course Duration: 1 Day - 09.30 hrs to 17.30 hrs..

Previous Experience Required: None.

At the end of the course students are awarded with an RYA Radar Course certificate.
Full details of the course are available online at Offshore Cruising Ireland's website:

http://www.offshorecruising.ie/

Download Poster HERE.

Dublin Bay Sailing Club Spring Chicken 2011

2011-01-26T12:06:00.000Z

DBSC's Spring Chicken 2011 starts Sunday 30th January.

Details HERE (including Notice of Race and Entry Form).

Farewell to the Foghorn

2011-01-18T18:53:00.000Z

RTE Podcast: Novelist and poet Joseph O'Connor says farewell to Ireland's Last Irish Foghorn on 11 January 2011:

Ireland's Fog Horns Are Gone Forever...

Victura - JFK's Dream Boat

2011-01-14T09:31:00.000Z


Victura - JFKs Dream Boat (Photo Credit: John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum)

President John F. Kennedy spoke of his deep attraction to the sea in a speech he delivered at the America's Cup races in Newport, Rhode Island in 1962:

I really don't know why it is that all of us are so committed to the sea, except I think it's because in addition to the fact that the sea changes, and the light changes, and ships change, it's because we all came from the sea. And it is an interesting biological fact that all of us have, in our veins the exact same percentage of salt in our blood that exists in the ocean, and, therefore, we have salt in our blood, in our sweat, in our tears. We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea - whether it is to sail or to watch it - we are going back from whence we came.

Victura, a Wianno Senior 25-foot (7.7 metre) gaff rigged sloop, has been described as JFK's true love. Interested in the sea from his earliest boyhood, the boat was gifted to him on his 15th birthday by his parents and avidly sailed all his life off Cape Cod. Made entirely of wood, it was built in Osterville, Massachusetts by the Crosby Yacht Yard in 1932.

In recalling Victura's rich history, Dave Powers, longtime aide to President Kennedy and former curator of the Kennedy Library, wrote:

Victura was among the President's most prized possessions... He sailed it as a young man, Navy hero, Congressman, Senator and finally as President. It was on the Victura that he began winning races at the age of 15, and on which he taught his wife Jacqueline how to sail. If the President wasn't sailing on Victura, he was thinking about it as evidenced by his many doodles of the sailboat. Even during his toughest crises like the Cuban Missile Crisis, President Kennedy's doodles reflect his love of Victura and of the sea... When the President visited Hyannis Port, he was never happier than when he was at the helm of Victura, sailing with family and friends.

Poignantly, the night before his assassination (in Dallas, Friday 22 November, 1963), JFK left a sketch of a sailboat, resembling his dream boat Victura, on a piece of hotel stationery in Houston before falling off to sleep for the last time.

NOTICE: Scheduled Site Maintenance

2011-01-11T23:14:00.000Z

sailpix.ie will be undergoing scheduled maintenance on Friday, January 14th, between 07:00 and 12:00 UTC (Thursday, January 13th, between 23:00 and 04:00 Pacific Standard Time). Systems updates will be performed and new features introduced to the site.

Photo Galleries service may be inaccessible or slow during that time; apologies for any inconvenience.

Sailpix News (this page) will not be affected.

2010 DBSC Turkey Devoured by Veloci-Raptor

2010-12-20T02:18:00.000Z

Proving it takes a combination of speed and cunning to survive DBSC's evolutionary F-ECHO Handicap system, Raptor - IRL 811 (Mills 30CR), RIYC clawed its way to the top in this year's Turkey Shoot. The successful series culminated in Race 6 on the 19th December 2010. Congratulations to Raptor's skipper and crew and commiserations to gallant 2nd & 3rd place contestants and fellow members of the RIYC pack, Indecision - IRL 9898 (J109) & Yikes - IRL 1883 (Beneteau First 211).

Well done to Dublin Bay Sailing Club, Fintan & team for succeeding in getting us all out of our lairs on what must surely have been the most frozen Turkey Shoot, though no less enjoyable, series thus far. The warmth, hospitality and excellent fare enjoyed apres sail at the RIYC was not just appreciated but needed, too, by all.

sailpix.ie Introduces New Mobile News Page

2010-12-17T15:17:00.000Z

Now you can visit this News page from your mobile phone. On the right is a screenshot of sailpix.ie's Mobile News Page.

No Pardon issued this week as Karukera Bags the Turkey

2010-12-05T23:35:00.000Z


Karukera - IRL 17195 wins Race 4 in DBSC's Turkey Shoot 2010 (Copyright 2010 Sailpix Ireland)

Coinciding with President Obama's pardoning of US National Thanksgiving Turkey, last week's Dublin Bay Sailing Club Turkey Shoot was cancelled due to heavy snow. No such reprieve was granted this week however as Karukera - IRL 17195, RStGYC, (Beneteau First 36s7) strutted to a convincing victory in the freezing conditions of Race 4 of the series.

Under modified ECHO Handicap rules, Miss Scarlett - IRL 4763 (Jeanneau Sun Fast 40.3) and Legally Blonde - IRL 3175 (Beneteau First 31.7) shared the podium with Karukera while Raptor - IRL 811 (Mills 30CR) moved into overall 1st place.

Photos HERE.
Results HERE.

Irish Coast Guard Trials New Rib in Winter Snow

2010-12-04T18:34:00.000Z

They make them tough nowadays and I'm not just talking about the Irish Coast Guard's appropriately named new Stormforce 8.0 Redbay rib. It's reassuring to see in these tough times someone in authority has had the foresight to provide appropriately tough tools for the tough conditions the brave volunteer men and women of the Irish Coast Guard endure to save lives at sea and protect our marine environment.

The new 8.0 metre rib is fitted with twin outboard 4-stroke Suzuki DF115's. The electronic package includes a Garmin 40010 chartplotter, 2 x Garmin 200i VHF's, Garmin radar on folding A-frame arch and joystick controlled Golight searchlight. A self-righting bag and four Scot suspension seats are also fitted.

Photographs HERE (link to Redbay Boats > News & Events > Dec 4, 2010).

MAIB Safety Digest 2/2010 Published

2010-11-25T10:19:00.000Z

The MAIB's (Marine Accident Investigation Branch - UK) latest compendium of anonymous accident summaries and safety lessons learned was published on 22 November 2010. It is divided into separate sections for Merchant Vessels, Fishing Vessels and Small Craft.

Read how easy it is for things to go wrong at sea and gain the knowledge to avoid them.

Download the MAIB Safety Digest 2/2010 HERE.

ISORA Race Program 2011

2010-11-10T12:22:00.000Z

The Irish Sea Offshore Racing Association (ISORA) race schedule for 2011 has been announced by Chairman Peter Ryan.

It was agreed at the association's recent AGM to change the scoring of each race to the High Score system and apply Weightings for those qualifying races depending on the complexity of the race. It is hoped this will better reward the winners and participants of longer races with bigger fleets. To provide opportunities for those boats who have not been winning to win prizes and trophies, it was agreed to create a "Silver" fleet in both Class 1 and Class 2. The selection of boats to enter the "Silver" fleet for 2011 will be based on their performance in 2010.

Download ISORA Race Program 2011 HERE (pdf file).

Dublin Bay Sailing Club Turkey Shoot 2010 - Race 1

2010-11-10T07:45:00.000Z

Dublin Bay Sailing Club (DBSC) Viking Marine Turkey Shoot 2010 began on 07 November with over 70 entrants lining up at the start line.

Raptor - IRL 811 (Mills 30CR), Jetstream - IRL 8109 (J109) and Jawesome II - IRL 1046 (J80) finished on the podium in Race 1. With winds dropping throughout the race, there was disappointment further down the fleet for some 15 boats which failed to finish within the time.

Photo Gallery HERE.

Round Ireland Yacht Race 2010 Prize-giving

2010-11-01T12:56:00.000Z

This year's Round Ireland Yacht Race presentation of trophies took place at a very successful Presentation Dinner held in The Parkview Hotel, Newtownmountkennedy, County Wicklow on the 30th October, 2010. Hosted by Wicklow Sailing Club, the event was compèred by Commodore Charlie Kavanagh and addressed by Roy Conway, Director of Conway Media Limited, race sponsor. Race organiser Denis Noonan, assisted by daughter Jacky, made the presentation of trophies with the highest award going to Tonnerre de Breskens 3 and skipper Piet Vroon.

List of Trophy Winners and Photo Gallery HERE.

Dublin Bay Sailing Club Turkey Shoot 2010

2010-10-15T17:55:00.000+01:00

Dublin Bay Sailing Club's ever popular Turkey Shoot is back. This year's event has once again been kindly sponsored by loyal supporter Viking Marine. Assistance is also being provided by Dun Laoghaire Marina.

The seven race modified ECHO series for cruisers, cruising boats, one-designs and boats that normally don't race will be held between 07 November and 19 December 2010.
Entry Forms are available from the marina office and waterfront clubs or can be downloaded HERE. Entries to the marina office before Tuesday 02 November.

First gun will be at 10:10 hrs on Sunday morning, 07 November with food available to competitors after racing in the Royal Irish Yacht Club.

Raging Bull wins ISORA 2010 by a nose

2010-10-12T19:05:00.000+01:00

Congratulations to Raging Bull - IRL 9666, skipper and crew, ISORA 2010 Champions having pipped Just Enough - GBR 6912T by a mere two points in the overall rankings.

This year's successful, challenging and memorable eight offshore race series would not have been possible were it not for the determined vision and enormous organisational and co-operative skills demonstrated by all at the Irish Sea Offshore Racing Association and Royal Alfred Yacht Club. Take a bow!

Seconds from disaster

2010-10-06T17:35:00.000+01:00

In challenging conditions, Pwllhelli RNLI lifeboat prepares to tow the yacht Galasma. (Photo: Hanna Nuuttila)

Today I received through my letterbox a letter from Ken Robertson, ALB (All-Weather Lifeboat) Coxswain at Dun Laoghaire RNLI Lifeboat Station, appealing for support.

Included in the envelope was a small print of the above award-winning photograph entitled: 'Seconds from disaster'. It brilliantly captures the rough sea state and bad weather conditions during the rescue of the 35-foot Southerly yacht Galasma by the combined efforts of New Quay and Pwllheli RNLI Mersey Class all-weather lifeboats. The drama unfolded in the Irish Sea on the 6th September 2008.

I came across some controversial but interesting opinions held by one Oliver Shaw about the options he suggests the skipper of the Galasma had on the day at 'Rescue Photograph wins Award for Volunteer' (on the website sail-world.com); well worth the read if you have the time and proof that a good photograph can spark off a lively debate.

It was good to see that the print of the photograph was properly credited to the photographer - Hanna Nuuttila. Hanna is a volunteer crewmember at New Quay RNLI Lifeboat Station in Wales. The photograph deservedly earned her the accolade of 'RNLI Photographer of the Year 2008'.
A marine biologist by profession, Hanna Nuuttila has been carrying out some interesting research into the behaviour of dolphins and porpoises in Cardigan Bay of which you can read more at: 'Dolphins bully porpoises, researcher discovers' (link to an article in The Guardian newspaper on 11 May 2010). Further information about Hanna's interesting marine activities can be found at www.seamor.org
Credit: Photo of Hanna Nuuttila with her award courtesy RNLI.

Back to RNLI Coxswain Ken Robertson's appeal...

Our volunteers are unpaid and risk their lives to save others. Without your help they couldn't rescue anyone. It costs over €30 to keep one of our lifeboats running at full speed for 5 minutes. The 5 vital minutes that your €30 (donation to the RNLI) could buy might make the difference between life and death for someone freezing in the icy waters off our shores.

Interested in making that difference? If so, please click on How to Support the RNLI (link to RNLI official website).

Official Game set to be a Winner for Volvo Ocean Race

2010-09-28T14:16:00.000+01:00

The wait is over for the fans of the Volvo Ocean Race Game. The extremely popular online game will be back for the next edition of the race, as the contract has now been signed between Volvo Ocean Race S.L.U and United Games, the designers of the Official Game. The game is set to be bigger and better than before with new features being tested already to improve the technical and tactical elements for the players.

Over 220,000 players participated in the game during the course of the 2008–09 Volvo Ocean Race, with prizes being given on every leg. The overall race winner was Dutch player Powerof7, whose hard work won him a Volvo C30.
The new and improved game will offer players more functionality to steer and manage their virtual Volvo Open 70s and their crew at the same time. Another exciting addition will be the new In-Port racing feature. These improvements and more will be tested prior to the start next year in a Beta version of the game. United Games and Volvo Ocean Race will be looking for volunteers to play this test game and will be publishing details on how the public can sign up early next year.
Knut Frostad, CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race, is very pleased with the continued partnership with United Games. “This is great news for the Volvo Ocean Race, as the Game was a huge success story from the past edition. It caught so many people’s imaginations and got thousands of people hooked into offshore racing. Of course, you can play the game from your home but some of the players were just as sleep-deprived as the crews on the boats; many people took it very seriously indeed. We can’t wait to see the improvements and get the feedback from the fans. I am sure this edition of the game will be even more of a success than the last.”
Marijn Harinck, CEO of United Games, said: “We’re excited about continuing to work with the Volvo Ocean Race. We’re committed to creating an even more engaging challenge for our players this time. The new version of the game will offer tons of new features including advanced weather options, routing options and integrated social media elements such as Twitter. The game will also be playable on social networks as well as on the leading smartphone platforms making it easier for players to stay on the right course.”
The largest online sailing community will set virtual sails again with the Volvo Ocean Race 2011–12.

Sign up for newsletters announcing key dates for the gamers at http://www.volvooceanrace.com/multimedia/game/
For more information on the Volvo Ocean Race, please visit www.VolvoOceanRace.com

'Spinnaker Gybe' - action from ISORA 2010 Race 8 and RAYC/Lee Overlay Offshore Series

2010-08-24T15:32:00.000+01:00

ISORA 2010 Race 8 and RAYC/Lee Overlay Offshore Series Day Race from Dun Laoghaire to ODAS M2 Buoy & back on 21 August 2010.

Featured action from Windshift - IRL 37737 (Jeanneau Sun Fast 37.7).

Slideshow 'Spinnaker Gybe':

Photo Gallery HERE

'Pocket Rocket' - action from ISORA 2010 Race 8 and RAYC/Lee Overlay Offshore Series

2010-08-23T20:55:00.000+01:00

ISORA 2010 Race 8 and RAYC/Lee Overlay Offshore Series Day Race from Dun Laoghaire to ODAS M2 Buoy & back on 21 August 2010.

Featured action from Class 2 Winner and 3rd Overall: Big Hillie Style - IRL 3208 (Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200).

Slideshow 'Pocket Rocket':

Photo Gallery HERE

'In a Twist' - action from ISORA 2010 Race 8 and RAYC/Lee Overlay Offshore Series

2010-08-22T20:07:00.000+01:00

ISORA 2010 Race 8 and RAYC/Lee Overlay Offshore Series Day Race from Dun Laoghaire to ODAS M2 Buoy & back on 21 August 2010.

Featured action from September Song - IRL 4597 (Sigma 33).

Slideshow 'In a Twist':

Photo Gallery HERE

Photo Gallery - ISORA 2010 Race 8 and RAYC/Lee Overlay Offshore Series: ODAS M2 Buoy Day Race

2010-08-21T15:15:00.000+01:00

Slideshow:

Photo Gallery HERE... lots more photos from Race 8 still to be posted.

Race Report Pending.
Provisional Race Results HERE.
Congratulations to Rollercoaster - IRL 9109 (J109) back-to-back Line Honours, 1st Class 1 and 1st Overall.
Congratulations also to Big Hillie Style - IRL 3208 (Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200), 1st in Class 2 and 3rd Overall.

Photo Gallery - ISORA 2010 Race 7 and RAYC/Lee Overlay Offshore Series: Night Race Dun Laoghaire to North India

2010-07-24T13:13:00.000+01:00

Slideshow:

Photo Gallery HERE... a few more photos from Race 7 still to be posted.

Race Report HERE.
Provisional Race Results HERE.
Congratulations to Rollercoaster - IRL 9109 (J109) Line Honours, 1st Class 1 and 1st Overall. Congratulations also to September Song - IRL 4518, RIYC (Sigma 33), newcomer to the series, 1st in Class 2.

Minke Whale snapped during Round Ireland Yacht Race 2010

2010-07-22T14:11:00.000+01:00

Courtesy of Padraig Whooley, Sightings Co-ordindator of Irish Whale & Dolphin Group (IWDG), the cetacean sighted and photographed by the crew of Miss Scarlett - IRL 4763 during the Round Ireland Yacht Race 20210 has been confirmed as a Minke whale. IWDG Sighting No. 15602 refers. The Minke whale was spotted at 12:20 hrs on the 25h June 2010 approximately 5 miles east of Maiden's Island off the County Antrim coast at position 54º57'·46N 05º36'·60W. It briefly surfaced in the North Channel swimming parallel to the boat (which was heading for the Irish Sea) before submerging. Shortly afterwards the whale resurfaced some distance away heading NEbN towards Scotland as Miss Scarlett kept it's course.

Learn about the Minke whale's profile HERE.

Minke Whale - Round Ireland Yacht Race 2010 (Copyright Sailpix Ireland 2010)

As the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group points out, public participation in recording cetaceans (dolphins, porpoises and whales) is encouraged. Being fortunate enough to observe a whale or dolphin in the wild is a wonderful experience in itself, but by being part of an all-Ireland recording scheme, your observations can make a significant contribution towards their conservation.

If you have sightings to report click on the 'Sightings' icon on the IWDG home page and then use the 'Report a sighting' option.

Oil Spill - Fight the Pipe!

2010-07-21T16:13:00.000+01:00

With the advent of smartphones and the proliferation of many useful and educational applications being developed for them, here's an app for those tech freaks among you who like a challenge with a nautical twist - 'Fight the Pipe', the game for the iPhone! Challenge yourself in a very difficult mission. Become the best pipe plugger on earth and save the ocean!

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/oil-spill-fight-the-pipe/id378331321?mt=8

YouTube Preview (0:45):

More game info HERE.

On a more serious note - track the Gulf of Mexico oil spill on Google Maps HERE.
(Credit: NESDIS/NOAA)

ISORA 2010 Race 7 and RAYC/Lee Overlay Offshore Series: Night Race Dun Laoghaire to North India Cardinal Mark & back

2010-07-21T09:00:00.000+01:00

Irish Sea Offshore Racing Association (ISORA) 2010 Race 7, Dun Laoghaire to North India Cardinal Mark & back Night Race, takes place on Friday 23rd July. It is being organized in conjunction with the Royal Alfred Yacht Club (RAYC)/Lee Overlay Offshore Series using the same start at Scotsman's Bay, 35 nautical mile course (via Muglins to starboard, North India to port, Muglins to port) and finish at Dun Laoghaire Harbour between the piers.

ISORA 2010 Race 7 Sailing Instructions HERE

North India Cardinal Mark approximate position: 53º03'·12N 05º53'·46W

(Source: Reeds Nautical Almanac.)

The COVE Documentary Movie is on More4 on Tues July 20th

2010-07-20T00:24:00.000+01:00

Harrowing and powerful, The COVE - Academy Award Winner Best Documentary Feature 2010 - shows in chilling detail the illicit slaughter of dolphins at Taiji, a rural Japanese cove. Watch it on tv, Tues July 20th, on UK Channel More4 @ 22:00 hrs.

The COVE campaign information HERE

Mark Pollock, Round Ireland Competitor - The Latest News

2010-07-19T11:09:00.000+01:00

Link to the latest news (in his own words) about Mark Pollock, Round Ireland Yacht Race 2010 competitor: Optimist, Realist or Something Else?
(Source: Mark Pollock's Blog. Published July 18, 2010.)

Update 26 August 2010: Some more posts from Mark on his medical treatment have appeared in recent weeks on his blog. Click on the link for the latest news: 'By Endurance We Conquer.'

Don't forget to leave a comment/response for Mark on his blog.

Round Ireland Yacht Race 2010 - Photo Gallery

2010-06-29T01:15:00.000+01:00

Congratulations to Tonnerre de Breskens - NED 46 (Ker 46), deserved overall winner of the Round Ireland Yacht Race 2010 having comfortably taken Line Honours in the process. Best wishes to Tonnerre skipper Piet Vroon who had taken ill the night before the race start but who is thankfully back on his feet and up and about again.

Round Ireland Yacht Race 2010 Photo Gallery HERE

Update 11th July 2010:
Best wishes and a speedy return to full health to extraordinary Round Ireland double-handed competitor Mark Pollock who has been seriously injured in an accident since finishing the race.
More details HERE.

Round Ireland Yacht Race 2010

2010-06-19T00:56:00.000+01:00

The Round Ireland Yacht Race 2010, run by Wicklow Sailing Club, begins at 12:00 hrs on 20th June at Wicklow.
Visit the dedicated race website HERE and follow the progress of the competitors on the Race Tracker HERE. Plenty of fun is being provided onshore as well at the Round Ireland Sailfest Festival, for more information click HERE. Sailpix Ireland will be aboard Round Ireland entrant Miss Scarlett - IRL 4763 and will bring you the best of the action at the end of the race.


Round Ireland Yacht Race entrant Miss Scarlett - IRL 4763 at Wicklow Harbour (Copyright 2010 Sailpix Ireland)

NOTICE - Scheduled Site Maintenance

2010-06-16T00:56:00.000+01:00

sailpixireland.com Photo Galleries will be undergoing scheduled hardware maintenance on Friday, June 18th, between 06:00 and 11:00 UTC (Thursday, June 17th, between 23:00 and 04:00 Pacific Daylight Time).
Photo Galleries service may be inaccessible or slow during that time; apologies for any inconvenience.
The Homepage/Blog will not be affected.

ISORA 2010 Race 5 and RAYC/Lee Overlay Offshore Series Dun Laoghaire to Dun Laoghaire Day Race

2010-06-13T13:45:00.000+01:00

ISORA (Irish Sea Offshore Racing Association) 2010 Race 5, organised in conjunction with RAYC (Royal Alfred Yacht Club), was held with the Lee Overlay/RAYC 2010 Offshore Series Dun Laoghaire to Dun Laoghaire Day Race using the same start at Scotsman's Bay, course and finish on Sunday 13 June 2010. The course took the fleet past Baily Lighthouse, Lambay Island (to port), Rockabill Lighthouse (to starboard) before returning to Dun Laoghaire Harbour via Kish Lighthouse (to starboard).

Congratulations to Intuition - GBR 9383R (Reflex 38) 1st in Class 1 and 1st Overall and to Mojito - GBR 4184 (Bavaria 39) 1st in Class 2 and 3rd Overall. Line Honours went to Galileo - IRL 1944 (Beneteau 47.7), 2nd on IRC in Class 1 and 2nd Overall.

Rockabill Lighthouse with Lambay Island on the horizon (Copyright Sailpix Ireland 2010)

ISORA 2010 Race 5 Sailing Instructions HERE (.pdf file)
ISORA 2010 Race 5 Report HERE (.pdf file)
ISORA 2010 Race 5 Results HERE (.pdf file)
Photo Gallery HERE

New Floating Breakwater Pontoon installed at the RStGYC

2010-05-25T13:22:00.000+01:00

This month saw the installation of a new four-section floating breakwater pontoon at the Royal St George Yacht Club, Dun Laoghaire - close to Carlisle Pier. The unsinkable pontoons have a styrofoam core encased in reinforced concrete and have been designed to endure storms, floods and hurricanes. Thirty tonnes of heavy steel chain and twenty-four five-tonne anchor blocks buried in the mud in the harbour seabed are used to anchor the pontoons. Click on photo for higher resolution image.

Jump Juice - IRl 2007, (Ker designed 37 footer) tied alongside on 24 May 2010.

NOTICE - Scheduled Site Maintenance

2010-05-25T00:47:00.000+01:00

SAILPIX IRELAND Photo Galleries will be undergoing scheduled maintenance on Thursday, May 27th, between 06:00 and 12:00 UTC (Wednesday, May 26th, between 23:00 and 05:00 Pacific Daylight Time).
Photo Galleries service may be inaccessible or slow during that time; apologies for any inconvenience.
The Homepage/Blog will not be affected.

Because things are the way they are, things will not stay the way they are. Bertolt Brecht 1898-1956.

Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company urged to rebuild demolished Victorian railway building at Carlisle Pier

2010-05-19T12:21:00.000+01:00

Our item on Carlisle Pier posted on 13 October 2009 is now updated. Link to Irish Independent (daily newspaper) story by Paul Melia on 19 May 2010 follows:

Developer faces rebuilding at Victorian pier

ISORA 2010 Race 2 and RAYC & Lee Overlay Offshore Series Dun Laoghaire to North Arklow & back - A Roller Coaster Ride

2010-05-10T13:13:00.000+01:00

In fresh to strong, Force 5 to Force 6, NE breezy conditions on the Irish Sea, Saturday 8th May, Race 2 of the ISORA 2010 series in association with the Royal Alfred Yacht Club & Lee Overlay Offshore Series - Dun Laoghaire to North Arklow Cardinal Mark and back - proved to be somewhat of a roller coaster ride from start to finish.

Commenting after the race, one skipper recounted: "It was the toughest race I have experienced so far in the ISORA. The wind was NE 20-25kts on the beam reach to broad reach in very rolling seas and beat back. The seas never let us settle into the groove and any mistakes were quickly punished with loss of places and/or wetting."

All in all, a challenging day for man, woman and machine but one which will last long in the memory for all who took part - helped (or maybe not helped!) by photographs from the event.

Congratulations to Raging Bull - IRL 9666 (Sigma 400) 1st in Class 1 and 1st Overall and to Tigh Soluis II - 2377C (J109) 1st in Class 2 and 2nd Overall. Line Honours went to Galileo - IRL 1944 (Beneteau 47.7), 2nd on IRC in Class 1 and 3rd Overall.

Photo Gallery HERE

ISORA Race 2 Report HERE (.pdf file)
ISORA Race 2 Results HERE (.pdf file)

ISORA 2010 Series in association with the RAYC & Lee Overlay: Day Race Dun Laoghaire to North Arklow Cardinal Mark & back

2010-05-02T17:13:00.000+01:00

The ISORA (Irish Sea Offshore Racing Association), RAYC (Royal Alfred Yacht Club) Lee Overlay Day Race from Dun Laoghaire to North Arklow Cardinal Mark and back takes place on Saturday 8th May, 2010. The 52 nautical mile course starts in Scotsman's Bay and finishes between the two piers at Dun Laoghaire Harbour entrance.

Sailing Instructions HERE (.pdf file)

ISORA 2010 Series - Race 1 Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead

2010-04-26T18:01:00.000+01:00

ISORA (Irish Sea Offshore Racing Association) 2010 Series - Race 1 Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead via the Kish Lighthouse and the North India Bank (75 nautical miles) was held on Saturday 24th April.

Congratulations to Raging Bull - IRL 9666 (Sigma 400) 1st in Class 1 and to Katanca - IRL 31310 (Elan 31) 1st in Class 2 and 1st Overall.

Photo Gallery HERE

ISORA Race 1 Report (by Peter Ryan, Commodore National Yacht Club) HERE (.pdf file)
ISORA Race 1 Results HERE (.pdf file)

Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12 Racing Schedule

2010-04-19T15:38:00.000+01:00

The 2011-12 Volvo Ocean Race will visit eight stopover ports on five continents and race through four oceans in under nine months. The Volvo Open 70's will cover 39,270 nautical miles racing around the globe.

The Fastnet Rock will be the last landmark the sailors will sail around before their final sprint up the west coast of Ireland to the finish in Galway. Hopefully the fleet will round Fastnet during daylight hours and allow for some iconic photographs to be taken.

Galway will be the first finish city in the race's history to hold an inshore race after the final leg. This will not only give the teams a chance to add valuable points to their overall scores but also allow the enthusiastic Irish fans to enjoy the racing on Galway Bay.

Dates for your 2011 and 2012 diaries:

Event	Start Port	Finish Port	Start Day	Start Date	Estimated Finish Date	Nautical miles
Pro-Am Race	Alicante	-	Sat	29-Oct-11
In-Port Race	Alicante	-	Sun	30-Oct-11
Leg 1	Alicante	Cape Town	Sat	05-Nov-11	25-Nov-11	6500
Pro-Am Race	Cape Town	-	Fri	09-Dec-11
In-Port Race	Cape Town	-	Sat	10-Dec-11
Leg 2	Cape Town	Abu Dhabi	Sun	11-Dec-11	01-Jan-12	5430
Pro-Am Race	Abu Dhabi	-	Thu	12-Jan-12
In-Port Race	Abu Dhabi	-	Fri	13-Jan-12
Leg 3	Abu Dhabi	Sanya	Sat	14-Jan-12	04-Feb-12	4600
Pro-Am Race	Sanya	-	Fri	17-Feb-12
In-Port Race	Sanya	-	Sat	18-Feb-12
Leg 4	Sanya	Auckland	Sun	19-Feb-12	08-Mar-12	5220
Pro-Am Race	Auckland		Fri	16-Mar-12
In-Port Race	Auckland		Sat	17-Mar-12
Leg 5	Auckland	Itajai	Sun	18-Mar-12	04-Apr-12	6705
Pro-Am Race	Itajai		Fri	20-Apr-12
In-Port Race	Itajai		Sat	21-Apr-12
Leg 6	Itajai	Miami	Sun	22-Apr-12	06-May-12	4800
Pro-Am Race	Miami		Fri	18-May-12
In-Port Race	Miami		Sat	19-May-12
Leg 7	Miami	Lisbon	Sun	20-May-12	31-May-12	3590
Pro-Am Race	Lisbon		Fri	08-Jun-12
In-Port Race	Lisbon		Sat	09-Jun-12
Leg 8	Lisbon	Lorient	Sun	10-Jun-12	17-Jun-12	1940
Pro-Am Race	Lorient		Fri	29-Jun-12
In-Port Race	Lorient		Sat	30-Jun-12
Leg 9	Lorient	Galway	Sun	01-Jul-12	03-Jul-12	485
Pro-Am Race	Galway		Fri	06-Jul-12
In-Port Race	Galway		Sat	07-Jul-12
Reserve Day	Galway		Sun	08-Jul-12

ISORA 2010 Series: SI's Race 1 Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead

2010-04-16T21:00:00.000+01:00

ISORA (Irish Sea Offshore Racing Association) 2010 Series

Race 1, Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead, starts at 08:00 hrs on Saturday 24th April. The organizing authority is the Irish Sea Offshore Racing Association in association with the National Yacht Club, Dun Laoghaire.

The Course (75 miles approx)

Start Line - located in Scotsman’s Bay between the DBSC ‘Pier’ mark and an adjacent
committee boat.
Kish Lighthouse (S)
North India Bank (P)
Finish Line - between the end of the Holyhead breakwater and the Clipera Buoy, 0.6 miles off pier head, bearing 067(T).

Resources

Download ISORA Race 1 Sailing Instructions (SI's) HERE
Notice of Race & Conditions HERE

Charts & Pilot Notes (for general guidance - not for navigation)

Ferry Times - Holyhead
Local Notice to Mariners 2010 - Holyhead
Local Navigational Warnings - Holyhead
Tides - Holyhead
Visiting Craft Information - Holyhead
Weather

Squeezing Every Ounce of Performance out of the Headsail

2010-04-11T17:02:00.000+01:00

With expert advice from sailmaker Philip Watson, the crew of Miss Scarlett - IRL 4763 squeeze every ounce of performance out of the headsail. The next event for the boat and crew will be the ISORA (Irish Sea Offshsore Racing Association) race from Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead on April 24th, 2010.

Dublin Bay, 07 April 2010.

Photo Gallery HERE

Waterford Harbour Sailing - March 2010

2010-03-31T17:41:00.000+01:00

Local sailing boats Zoom and Slack Alice are back in the water at Dunmore East, County Waterford in preparation for the season ahead.
28 Mar 2010.

Photo Gallery HERE (Regular updates to be posted)

Map HERE

The 2nd Coming: Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12 to Finish in Galway

2010-03-10T13:44:00.000Z

Torben Grael looks pleased to be in Galway as he walks past one of the city's institutions - McDonagh's Fish and Chip shop, Quay Street. It had taken Ericsson 4 just over seven days, ten and a half hours sailing before arriving from Boston to a tumultuous Irish welcome just after midnight on Sunday, 24 May 2009. Over the next five hours or so the remaining six boats completed the 2,550 nautical mile transatlantic crossing to an equally rapturous welcome including home port hero, Green Dragon which arrived in 3rd - the team's first leg podium of the campaign.

Green Dragon skipper Ian Walker summed up the experience from the crew's point of view:

When I saw the welcome we received on arriving in Galway I was speechless but when we left 2 weeks later it was with tears in my eyes. I knew Galway was a great city and a city that loves to party but never in my wildest dreams did I think Galway and Ireland would take so much to the Volvo Ocean Race. I can only say thank you from all of us for such a wonderful 2 weeks... What fantatsic memories we have of Galway Bay and I look forward to returning soon.

Following the huge success of Galway in the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09, it was today (10 Mar 2010) announced Ireland will again feature in the new route for 2011-12. The fleet will race from Lorient in France back to Galway on Ireland’s west coast.

Galway, whose twin town since 1975 is Lorient, has fought an intense contest against the other bidding ports to win back the event for a second edition and the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12 will complete its lap around the globe in Ireland’s ‘cultural heart’, where the final prize giving will be held.

The Taoiseach (the Prime Minister of Ireland) Brian Cowen stated:

“The 2009 stop over in Galway made an abiding impression on the sailors, support crews, organisers and media, who were immersed in the warmth of an Irish welcome.

Their presence, in turn, had an enormous beneficial impact on Galway, the west of Ireland and indeed the entire country. Their arrival here was spectacular and their visit helped generate a massive 55 million Euros for the regional economy, more than one third higher than the original projections.

Given its economic benefits and its importance to Irish tourism, I am more than happy to welcome the return of the Volvo Ocean Race to our shores and pledge our support for the event”.

The stopover in Galway during May 2009 fuelled the public imagination as never before. Over 600,000 supporters visited the race village during the stopover, with the crowd peaking at 62,000 people on in-port race day alone. The seaside resort of Salthill drew a further crowd of 120,000 to watch the dramatic close combat race from the shoreline.

Galway’s ‘home town boat’, Green Dragon, became Ireland’s second entry in the race - the first was NCB Ireland in 1989-90. Double Olympic medallist, Ian Walker, guided the team to a fifth place finish overall and claimed the third spot on the podium when the fleet crossed the finish in Galway, delighting the huge crowd that had gathered to welcome them.

“The interest in hosting the Volvo Ocean Race, particularly in Europe, has been quite overwhelming,” said Volvo Ocean Race CEO, Knut Frostad, as the last of the European ports was unveiled.

“I am very proud to confirm Ireland’s participation and Galway will be a magnificent port to stage the finish of the event. We have already experienced the enthusiasm that abounds in Ireland for the race and we are looking forward to bringing the competition to its conclusion in a country that really knows how to celebrate,” he said.

Today's announcement completes the list of European cities hosting the event. The remaining ports will be introduced throughout March.

Galway Map HERE

Cometh the hour - 'Miss Scarlett' wins Race 6, the 2010 Series & the Jasmin Trophy in Dublin Bay Sailing Club's Spring Chicken

2010-03-09T02:39:00.000Z

10:00 am, Sunday 07 March 2010, cometh the hour, cometh the final race of Dublin Bay Sailing Club's Spring Chicken 2010 - Race 6.

Starting the final race in 7th place and on 65 points for the series, the crew of Miss Scarlett - IRL 4763 (Jeanneau Sun Fast 40.3) headed for the start line outside Dun Laoghaire Harbour in the knowledge that, with two of the big guns in the Spring Chicken, Aztec - IRL 29832, RIYC, RORC, (Archambault 35) and Team Windmill - IRL 8088, RStGYC (J109) in joint 1st place on 52 points each, their own chances of overall victory in the series were slim indeed. Nevertheless, having already grabbed Line Honours twice (Races 2 & 3), albeit from the 2nd of 4 starts in both instances, the crew realised they had a fast boat on their hands and were convinced that, once everyone committed 100% to the cause, a podium finish was still within grasp.

Timing their run to perfection at the starting gun 'Scarletts' were not to be intimidated by Yahtzee's - IRL 1068 (Beneteau Oceanis 411) flying of Munster Rugby's Red Army colours or overly dazzled by it's shinier bottom - secretly cleaned by a submariner in the marina the previous afternoon! With most of the fleet heading inshore from the start, Miss Scarlett opted for the left side of the course and cleaner air and reached Muglins in front at the end of the first beat. Heading downwind however, the crew of Miss Scarlett could see the inevitable charge developing from the rear as 30 Something - IRL 3007, (Beneteau First 31.7) lying in 2nd on the course, was being steadily hauled in by two of the A35s, Adrenalin - IRL 1348 and Another Adventure - IRL 3511, RIYC and J109s, Indecision - IRL 9898, RIYC and Jetstream - IRL 8109, RIYC as they made their way through the early starters. Miss Scarlett, sailing under white sails, poled out the headsail and goose-winged towards Scotsman's and the slalom element of the course as her main pursuers flew kites with varying fortunes. The shifting wind and sloppy sea proved tricky for some and tellingly the downwind section of the course resulted in the undoing of the pre-race favourites. To the surprise of Miss Scarlett's crew, nobody ever threatened her comfortable lead and Scarlett rounded the 'outfall' mark clear in front before completing the course with a short second beat to the finish line between Mac Lir (Committee Boat) and West Pier, Dun Laoghaire. Line Honours were Miss Scarlett's for the 3rd time in the series but who would win the overall prize would be anybody's guess at that point.

Back at the National Yacht Club, the after race party hosted by series sponsor Viking Marine was soon in full swing with spot prizes being awarded by McWilliam OneSails, North Sails and O'Brien Press. As always the warm hospitality of the club and staff was most evident and well appreciated by all. The banter and fun enjoyed at Miss Scarlett's table was echoed all around the room but how many crews were treated to a special end-of-series home baking treat to celebrate the event? Thanks Christine! Little did you think you could have spared yourself the trouble of icing the cake had you and the rest of the crew known Dublin Bay Sailing Club race organiser Fintan Cairns was soon to provide the best icing of all by announcing not just 1st Place on the day under Echo Handicap ('Fecho' Handicap as has been irreverently attributed elsewhere in deference to Fintan' s unique system!) but overall 1st to Miss Scarlett in the Spring Chicken 2010 series and presentation of the coveted Jasmin Trophy (courtesy Philip Smith, DMYC) to skipper Anthony Keane.

DBSC Spring Chicken 2010 Overall Results available as a PDF download HERE

Podium: 1st: Miss Scarlett - IRL 4763. 2nd: Pippa IV - IRL 4281. 3rd: Aztec - IRL 29832.

Race 6 Photo Gallery HERE

Lorient to be Penultimate Stopover in Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12

2010-03-03T13:10:00.000Z

Lorient, Brittany on the northwest coast of France will host the Volvo Ocean Race in the summer of 2012. It will be at the end of a 700 nautical mile leg from Lisbon. Lorient will be the penultimate stopover in the race.

Groupama, skippered by Franck Cammas, who is currently taking on the Jules Verne Trophy, has Lorient as its home base and will be France’s entry in the next two Volvo Ocean races. Ireland's Damian Foxall will form part of Groupama's crew as watch leader.

Great YouTube video below showing what we can expect from Lorient HERE.

NOTICE - Scheduled Maintenance of Website

2010-03-03T11:09:00.000Z

SAILPIX IRELAND Galleries will be undergoing scheduled maintenance on Friday, March 5th, between 07:00 and 13:00 UTC (Thursday, March 4th, between 23:00 and 05:00 Pacific Standard Time).
Service may be inaccessible or slow during that time; apologies for any inconvenience. The Homepage/Blog will not be affected.
- Webmaster.

Change is not made without inconvenience, even from worse to better. Samuel Johnson 1709-84.

Update: Maintenance is now complete.

Dublin Bay Sailing Club Spring Chicken 2010 - Race 5

2010-03-01T14:33:00.000Z


Out in front, Finnegan's Wake - IRL 2008 (Copyright 2010 Sailpix Ireland)

Increased blood circulation was certainly in evidence on Sunday 28th February in Dublin Bay when DBSC's keenly contested Spring Chicken Race 5 went ahead as scheduled. The lengthened course this week seems to have played into the hands of the bigger boats in the 4th start. For the second week in a row Line Honours were taken in style by one of the more experienced racing crews, this time by Adrenalin - IRL 1348 (Archambault 35). Despite being pushed hard by Team Windmill - IRL 8088, RStGYC (J109) and last week's winner Orna - IRL 532, NYC (Grand Soleil 40), the race was testament to a near flawless mastery of the prevailing conditions by Adrenalin. Did the winners hold a secret weapon in the form of one or two new faces seen on board this week?!
Further down the fleet the drama was equally intense as a close encounter between the series leader (at the end of Race 4) Pippa IV - IRL 4281, (Sigma 33) and Lula Belle - IRL 3607, NYC, ICC (Beneteau First 36.7) led to the former's sails luffing at the windward mark. With a number of other boats arriving at the mark in quick succession, including Miss Scarlett - IRL 4763 (Jeanneau Sun Fast 40.3), Fflogger - IRL 3773, NYC (Flying Fifteen), Lara - IRL 1902 RIYC (Bavaria 33) and Golden Girl - IRL 139 (Ruffian 23), manoeuvring space diminished as pulse rates rose! In avoiding Pippa IV, which was by then in irons, Miss Scarlett - with nowhere else to go - gave the floating course mark a gentle bump. The incident cost Miss Scarlett a 360 penalty, carried out once clear of her pursuers. Pippa IV quickly recovered and with a slick spinnaker heist was back into the fray. No harm done, just more grist to the mill and added spice to the burgers in the après sail analysis back at the National YC!
Finnegan's Wake - IRL 2008, NYC (Grand Soleil 37) was Race 5 winner on corrected time. Meanwhile Team Windmill and Aztec - IRL 29832, RIYC, RORC, (Archambault 35) moved into joint overall 1st place on 52 points in this year's Spring Chicken series but have they peaked too soon? Sarnia - IRL 2260, NYC (S&S 36) lies in 3rd on 53 points. With Pippa IV and Valhalla - IRL 1273, RIYC (Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i) lying in equal 4th on 58 points the stage is set for a thrilling climax in next Sunday's DBSC Spring Chicken 2010 - Race 6.

Race 5 Photo Gallery HERE

Lisbon to be end of Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12 Transatlantic Leg

2010-03-01T14:02:00.000Z

Lisbon has been chosen as the first European port for the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12. It will be the finish of the transatlantic leg of the race during the summer of 2012. The second European port will be announced on Wednesday 03 March. The entire route will be revealed by the end of the month.

What odds now on a return visit of the Volvo Ocean Race to Galway in 2012?

Dublin Bay Sailing Club Spring Chicken 2010 - Race 4

2010-02-22T15:32:00.000Z

Following overnight snow flurries, Race 4 of Dublin Bay Sailing Club's Spring Chicken 2010 was keenly contested on a chilly Sunday morning, 21st February. Nowhere was the enthusiasm of the participants more evident than at the start, particularly amongst the tightly packed J109 entrants. Orna - IRL 532, NYC (Grand Soleil 40), stayed clear of trouble and started at the pin end of the line. After making steady progress in the initial windward leg, Orna was uncatchable downwind under spinnaker and rounded Muglins with only Just Jasmin - IRL 3506, DMYC, SHSC (Bavaria Match 35) ahead. Orna completed its dominance in the final windward leg and grabbed Line Honours at the finish outside Dun Laoghaire Harbour.

Congrats to Moonfish - IRL 3107 (Beneteau Oceanis 411) Race 4 winner on corrected time and to Pippa IV - IRL 4281 (Sigma 33) now lying 1st overall in the event.

Race 4 Photo Gallery HERE

Cape Town is First Stopover Port for Volvo Ocean Race 2011-2012

2010-02-22T14:52:00.000Z

The racetrack for the upcoming Volvo Ocean Race, due to start from Alicante in Spain in autumn 2011, is now set and the first port of call will once again be Cape Town, South Africa. This marks the beginning of the port announcement process for the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-2012. The rest of the course will be revealed before the end of March. Over 80 bids from ports around the world, including Galway, want to host the event.

Leg 1 at 6,500 nautical miles, which in 2008-2009 took the eventual race winner Ericsson 4 almost 22 days to complete, is one of the longest in the race and historically the team that wins this leg has gone on to claim the winner's trophy.

The European ports of call for the Volvo Ocean Race in 2012, including the finish port, will be the next to be announced and the entire route is set to be revealed before the end of March.

Update 26 Feb 2010: A press release will be issued at 1200 GMT/1300 CET on 01 March and 1100GMT/1200 CET on 03 March.

Furl Her On The Which?

2010-02-21T17:44:00.000Z

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

2010-02-15T12:00:00.000Z

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

2010-02-14T18:40:00.000Z

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