An attempt to sail down the Grand Canal, in aid of DLR Special Needs activities
A 200 km trip in the beautiful new Shannon One Design “SOD” lake boat, armed with a special sail, the spinnaker pole and eight fenders from the newly restored Dublin Bay 24 – both traditional boats recently completed by Brittany wooden boat building school Skol Ar Mor.
Chris Craig & crew will take on the 130 km & 44 canal locks in stage 1 of this epic journey from Dun Laoghaire and Ringsend Harbours to Shannon Harbour – assisted by a new electric outboard motor kindly supplied by Irish Ship & Barge Fabrication Co. Then a 60 km lake sail onwards to Dromineer in time for their annual regatta.
All funds raised go to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Sports Inclusion, in particular to assist the new Cycle Training Program set up by the HSE Dublin South East Physiotherapy and Allied Health Services and Dun Laoghaire Sports Partnership. This group helps children with additional needs to get the extra support they need to get cycling – with transformative results from the first group of 36 children last year. DLR Sports Inclusion gets children and adults with disabilities access to sports & physical activities, including the sail-ability program run in association with the sailing clubs.
The cycle training program is about building confidence and promoting physical health in this cohort of children. Details from Brian O’Donnell, DLR Sports Inclusion Officer 01-2719506.
On the canal route Chris, a keen cyclist, and leader of the “Harbour Riders” Dun Laoghaire cycle group, will record work and issues relating to the ongoing aim of creating new cycle “blue ways” which will be ideal for family centered healthy activity.
Sponsorship payments to Harbour Riders Fundraising Account DMYC – contact Karin Ryan, DMYC club secretary 01-2801371. Individual and Corporate sponsors will be kept updated by email of trip progress and be invited to join in the craic at the trip events, provisionally set as follows :-
DUN LAOGHAIRE HARBOUR DEPARTURE – Saturday 19th May 14.00
National Yacht Club forecourt – lunch & drinks before hand available from club room.
RINGSEND HARBOUR DEPARTURE – Sunday 20th May 09.30
Graving Docks Site / Viking Splash Depot – coffee available beforehand aboard MV Cadhla.
Connects with the Dublin Grand Canal Dock Boat Rally.
SHANNON HARBOUR ARRIVAL – c. Friday 25th May TBC
Banaher – Town Green / Campsite & Hough’s pub, exact details TBA.
Some cycling, fun, boat trips and sustenance in the riverside town.
DROMINEER ARRIVAL – TBA
Lough Derg Yacht Club, event details TBA.
DLR CHEQUE HANDOVER CEREMONY – TBA
Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club, an event in late Summer, details TBA.
