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Have You Booked Your Seat? Mark O’Connor – Mini Transat Speaker Supper & Fundraiser

Have You Booked Your Seat? Mark O’Connor – Mini Transat Speaker Supper & Fundraiser

The National Yacht Club is proud to host NYC Member Mark O'Connor for an insightful presentation on the upcoming Mini Transat, "Race for Orbis," followed by a special fundraising dinner.

Wednesday 14th May @ 19.30pm

At 26 Years old, Mark is the skipper and founder of MOC Ocean racing. He graduated with a Masters of Electronic & Computer Engineering from University College Dublin, and has always showed a passion for sports and the sea. He moved to France in 2023 to realise his dream of racing across the Atlantic Ocean solo as part of the ‘Mini Transat’ race in 2025.

Since moving to “Sailing Valley”, he has gained over 10,000 kilometres (5,000 Nm) with the Mini 6.50 class and immersed himself in the offshore sailing industry. This has allowed him to gain invaluable experience. He precipitated in the ‘Monnoyeur Duo For a Job’ 2024 VendĂ©e Globe Campaign, preparing their IMOCA for the round the world race.

Most importantly Mark is passionate about his project and determined to make his dream a reality.

After 2 years of hard work, he has now qualified for the 2025 edition of the Mini transat!

Mark has now partnered with Orbis Ireland to launch the campaign “Race for Orbis”

Orbis Ireland, an independent affiliate of Orbis, has set an ambitious goal: to eliminate avoidable blindness in Ethiopia. Focusing on a region of over 4.5 million people—where the prevalence of blinding diseases like trachoma is among the highest globally—Orbis Ireland is tackling the three leading causes of avoidable blindness: trachoma, cataracts, and refractive error. Through a combination of hands-on medical training, telemedicine, and partnerships with local health systems, Orbis builds sustainable eye care programs that put treatment within reach for all.

You can donate to Marks charity GoFundMe here, donations will also be taken on the night.

Join us for an evening of adventure, inspiration, and support for a great cause.

Members, please book via Club App.

Non-members please click here to book.

Calling Junior Sailors!

Calling Junior Sailors!

Are you ready to take the next step in your sailing journey?

We're excited to offer a one-day 29er tryout this Sunday, 11th May

This is a fantastic opportunity to experience the thrill of sailing a 29er and see if it’s the right next step for you.

Take advantage of the great weather and book today!

Our head coach and experienced sailors will be on hand throughout the day to guide you and help you get a feel for what’s ahead.

Click Here to book your place

Don’t miss out – come and see where the 29er can take you!

Calling all Junior Sailors across the waterfront: Friday Night Junior Summer Racing Series 2025

Calling all Junior Sailors across the waterfront: Friday Night Junior Summer Racing Series 2025

Friday Night Junior Racing will be starting on 9th May, running for 6 consecutive Fridays with a final night of racing on 13th June.

The Organising Authorities in 2025 are: RSGYC (16 May, 30 May and 13 June) and NYC (9 May, 23 May and 6 June). The series is open to all youth sailors from the RSGYC, NYC, RIYC and DMYC (those under 19 on 1st January 2025).

All races will be in the harbour. It is great way to gain racing experience in safe conditions and have fun at the same time.

The series is available to Optimists, Toppers, Lasers (radial and 4.7), PYs (single and 2-handed), and RS Fevas.

For more information, results and to enter the series, Please Click Here

Today, we remember club member Amy Kelehan

Today, we remember club member Amy Kelehan

Today, we pause for a moment to remember club member Amy Kelehan on the 5th anniversary of her passing.

Amy holds a special place in Irish sailing history as Ireland’s first female Paralympian sailor.

Amy’s sailing journey began as an enthusiastic Junior Sailor at the National Yacht Club in the 1980s. She was encouraged by then-Commodore Larry Power and received invaluable support from the Flying Fifteen crews, especially during the frostbite series.

Her dedication and passion for the sport led her to fulfil a lifelong dream—representing Ireland at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Qingdao, Beijing.

Amy is remembered fondly by her fellow sailors and club members, and her legacy continues to inspire sailors of all ages and abilities.

DCU 24hr Sail For Hannah Leonard

DCU 24hr Sail For Hannah Leonard

NYC were delighted to support the DCU SurfNSail Club 24 hour sailing challenge fundraiser on Friday last to support and raise funds for Hannah, a DCU alumna, in a way that reflected endurance and resilience values she demonstrates every single day as she fights for every tiny little movement, every little improvement. Reflecting the challenges Hannah faces, this event was not easy. The team of students, alumni, and friends of Hannah, faced unpredictable weather, strong winds, and more than a few moments where they thought they might have to call it off. But they pulled through, sailing non-stop in shifts through the night, keeping the boat moving and spirits high (most of the time!).

So far, they have raised almost €5,000 towards the costs of care and rehabilitation for Hannah. Please help them over the €5,000 by donating on

https://www.gofundme.com/f/dcu-24-hour-sail-in-aid-of-hannah-leonard

Thanks to all at NYC who helped with the event, particularly club coach Ellie Cunnane, and especially to Tim Ryan at Dun Laoghaire Harbour who provided tower lights on the Carlisle Pier without which the event might not have been possible.

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