At the start of Covid 19 pandemic, the sailing community in Dun Laoghaire began planning for one event to replace the four individual Yacht Club regattas.

The Regatta had two potential dates July 31^st/ August 1^st - or Sept. 5/6th.

In the light of recent delay to Phase 4 of reopening, the later date is being chosen and an event is being designed to meet the Covid-19 protocols.

It will be run largely by Dublin Bay Sailing Club, (DBSC) and hosted by National Yacht Club who are celebrating their 150^th year.  It is being supported by the other Clubs – RIYC, RSGYC and DMYC, whose members will take part.

The event will also have a trophy to mark 100 years since the renaming of the town to Dun Laoghaire and will be supported by Davy Group who will provide prizes and support.

National YC Commodore, Martin McCarthy commented:

“We are thrilled that the other clubs have so generously given us the opportunity to celebrate our 150^th with a Regatta, in a year where sailing time has been very condensed.  The event is being designed to meet the requirements of the battle against Covid 19, so Apres Sail will be restricted.

We will have 10 Commemorative medals struck for race winners across the waterfront and a singular trophy to mark 100 years of Dun Laoghaire for the finest Classic boat taking part.

We especially thank Davy Group whose loyalty and ongoing sponsorship during this pandemic has contributed greatly to running this event.

It will be an important step on the road to “new normal” and which we hope will finish with a rowing race in Dublin Bay.”

The Irish Sailing Women at the Helm returns to National Yacht Club for one more year. This event gives all sailing women an annual sailing goal and to encourage a move from shore to boat, crew to helm or club event to regional event.  The event is open to PY Dinghy Racing and Keelboat Racing from Teens to Seniors. Anyone can enter the event and have some fun, with the only proviso being that a woman needs to helm and 50% of the crew need to be women.

For NOR and Amendments to NOR and to enter online, Please Click Here

DLRCoCo is extending it’s time for people all over the county to get involved with their Fly Your Flag initiative!

They have received hundreds of flags but they know there are lots more stories to tell so they have extended the time from 10th July to the end of the summer 2020.
They want you to tell your story about COVID19, lockdown and what we have lost, what we have gained and your hopes for the future and design it into a flag.

You flag will then be flow with pride on one of the hundreds of boats in Dún Laoghaire Harbour at the end of the summer.

Keep an eye out for their videos during the summer as they follow flag makers, listen to their motivations for taking part and watch their story unfold .
Your COVID19 story may be happy or unhappy or concerned or hopeful  – the main thing is that it is your unique story and we want you to tell it in the most creative way you can think of!

Want to take part and create a flag? Visit this website to find out how

As a result of the quicker easing of COVID restrictions DBSC keelboat and cruiser racing will now start two weeks earlier than previously advised.  The new start date is Tuesday the 7^th of July with the previously advertised full programme commencing from then. 

Races in the first week will not count for series points for cruiser and keel boat classes to facilitate a shake down of boats, crews and race management and to ensure that those who have made alternative arrangements are not penalised.

The updated NoR be found here and schedule here. Please remember that for this season Tuesday racing will follow the same format as Thursday nights starting from a committee boat.

Please make sure you familiar yourself with the updated guidance from Irish Sailing which will be available here.  In particular we draw you attention to the following:

–       Consider now the new Pod system applies to your boat
–       Ensure that you keep electronic records of crew details and participation for contact tracing
–       Remember the key COVID symptoms
–       Plan your activity afloat  

As per our previous note we will be deciding upon class and fleet viability and by extension how they will be combined following a cut off of next Wednesday.   As it stands a number of class are not viable and will not be considered for racing this year.  In addition number of classes do not have sufficient numbers and will be combined with others. We will liaise directly with the captains of the classes in question.  

We are going racing.  Please enter here now.  

Again many thanks to all of you who have entered DBSC to date.

Phase 3 & 4 of the Irish Sailing Return to Sailing Scheme can now be found HERE. The revised document takes into account the easing of Covid-19 restrictions announced by Government last week, and which come into effect from Monday 29 June. Essentially, as there is little change in the transition from Phase 3 to Phase 4, so this plan is likely to direct how our sports will be organised for the foreseeable future.

As per our update earlier this week, the main points to note in Phase 3 are:

• Travel restrictions ease further
• All training, competitive and recreational activity to resume in compliance with guidelines
• Multi household crewed boats in ‘pods’ (maintaining regular crew as much as possible)
• National, Regional and Club racing events resume
• Club Catering Facilities Open
• Up to 200 people can gather outside, and indoor gatherings of up to 50 people
• Contact tracing must continue, and social distancing should be maintained on land in accordance with Government guidelines
• Irish Sailing Regional Development Support continues for clubs and centres, and the office will continue to be staffed in a limited capacity to provide all services (ICCs, Commercial Endorsements etc)

In addition to the Return to Sailing Phase 3 & 4, you’ll find the Risk Assessment document which has been updated to reflect the ease in restrictions, and the FAQs document, also updated to reflect questions on Phase 2 & 3 from clubs and centres.

The National Yacht Club is delighted to announce that its planned hosting of the Irish Sailing Women at the Helm National Regatta will go ahead as scheduled on 29 & 30 August.   In a season where so many sailing events have had to be cancelled, the Club is particularly pleased to host this prestigious event and would encourage as many members as possible to participate to make this a truly memorable event. 

The event organisers are planning for a safe social and sailing environment and working within the Irish Sailing and Government guidelines to ensure the safety of all participants and volunteers, as well as the local community.  The success of last year’s inaugural event in the NYC shows what a great opportunity the Regatta is to showcase the strength and leadership of women in sport and their ability to adapt in a changing environment.