The May Bank Holiday weekend marked the first National Yacht Club Cruising Group “Sail in Company” of the season from Dún Laoghaire to Greystones. Thirteen boats and more than 60 crew took part in the 10-nautical-mile passage in a gentle north-easterly breeze of 8–12 knots. With a light following sea and many yachts flying asymmetric sails, the fleet enjoyed near-perfect early-season sailing conditions.
On arrival in Greystones, the weather forecast proved wonderfully inaccurate as the sun broke through with the kind of early summer glow that reminds sailors why they look forward to the season all winter. Incoming Commodore Rosemary wasted no time in welcoming crews ashore with expertly served Dark and Stormys — the classic combination of spiced rum and ginger beer. Following a slight mix-up by the organisers, the ginger beer purchased turned out to be the alcoholic variety, but thankfully good seamanship and sound judgement prevailed, with all measures carefully poured rather than left to the hazards of a “free pour”.
The following morning saw most of the fleet depart briskly to take advantage of the favourable tide back to Dún Laoghaire. A pleasant north-westerly breeze of 8–10 knots provided an enjoyable beat home. For several crews, this was their first real shakedown sail of the season, made all the more memorable by fine weather, good company, and a wonderful sense of anticipation for the cruising months ahead.
Yet, aside from the beautiful sailing conditions, sunshine, and the warm welcome of Greystones Marina, what truly made the weekend special was the conviviality of the group itself. Sailors of all ages came together, some meeting for the first time, others, friends for decades; chatting easily about sailing experiences, future adventures, aspirations, and dreams. It was a reminder that cruising is about far more than boats and passages; it is about friendship, shared stories, and the simple joy of time spent together in good company. What a lovely way to spend a weekend.
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Credit: David Lawlor
