Melmore Rally and Commodore’s Inspection

The Melmore Rally takes place this weekend, and as has been tradition for many years, the Commodore shall make his inspection! I have consulted a number of past commodores in the last few days and amassed an interesting checklist. I look forward to conducting my enquiries in an orderly fashion and expect all Skippers and First Mates to allow me the freedom to dig into whatever nook and cranny I deem necessary.

Skippers and First Mates will also be required to answer a number of questions, and where appropriate, take instruction from their Commodore. To help put you at ease however, a few tips in advance:

  • Ensure the toilet is serviced when used. Some first impressions last!
  • Skipper and First Mate should be presentable. Slurred speech, waywardness on foot and general awkwardness will be penalized.
  • Bad language will be considered in its context..but if in doubt, leave it out.
  • Offer the Commodore a seat. Don’t have me loitering in the gangway!
  • Bonus points for party pieces [time LSYC got into the City of Culture spirit].

Now while the inspection is by no mean a food and drink event, its probably just as well to let you know that the Commodore prefers iced cold beer, carrot cake, caramel squares and expensive whiskey. Hot food is also well favoured.

As the Commodore’s boat will not be making this trip, I am being driven to Melmore by land. I will therefore require pick up in Melmore. If anyone is therefore travelling with a tender and can come ashore, then let me know. In the meantime, continue with your preparations.

Paul J Hasson Commodore

Ps good luck to the LSYC crack team competing in the Dun Laoghraie Championships this weekend. I noticed a few vodka bottles in the luggage bags…elite sportsmen!!

SeaFest Update

June 1-3. 4 weeks to Launch
Most of you will know that I have been making a fair bit of noise about this event already. From a simple idea to introduce a new regatta day for Rathmullan, Rick LeVert and his team in Rathmullan have put together a weekend that is daring in scale and has the potential to become a proper national event.

For our part, LSYC are managing the keel boat racing events. In addition, we are also playing an important role in promoting the festival itself and assisting in its organisation.
The keel boat events comprise the Saldanha Cup on Saturday, 2nd July. This will be a long haul race, with a Rathmullan pier start, to the Saldanha wreck and back. Sunday will comprise the Lough Swilly Cup, based on short olympic style races around the pier and bay.
At this stage, we are anticipating an IRC fleet, a Club Class fleet and a White Sails fleet.
From meetings held to date, it is clear the Saldanha Cup will be the signature event of the whole festival. Beginning with a parade of sails past the pier, expect to be announced to the crowd by the resident MC, shadowed by hospitality boats following the race, and greeted by the crowds in the Battery for the prize-giving before the night’s festivities begin. Glory and adulation!

I will be updating the membership with news and developments as we approach the event.
This week, Rick and his team have confirmed the following:

  • All race entry forms received by Monday 20 June will be entered for a prize draw- 1st prize 2nt B&B at Rathmullan House, 2nd prize Donegal Hamper
  • Pontoon fees to be waived over SeaFest
  • New visitor moorings to be laid by the pier
  • Register for SeaFest updates on Facebook and you’ll be entered for a draw to win another 2nt B&B at Rathmullan House.

Some great prizes on offer you’ll agree, so get registered and prepare crew and boat!
For race entry forms and more information on the festival and events, please visit the website at www.seafestloughswilly.com.
In the meantime, see you on the water.
Paul J Hasson
Commodore

Round the Island Race Sunday 2pm

Hi all
A reminder of this sunday’s Round the Island Race at 2pm
A repeat of last year would be a treat!..and who could forget it? A race of true snakes and ladders…leaders became back markers and leaders again as 360 degree wind shifts played havoc!

Check out the pic attached..i’m not sure how Leda got out of that sandwich!!..but as the fleet diverged on the final upwind climb to the finish, a final wind shift brought us to the front of the pack! a nice feeling.

no doubt Tempo had a similar experience, as they pipped Class 2……………but that was 2010..and this is 2011!!

Start and Finish details will be made available on the day. Fleets will be IRC and Club Class 2.

As in previous years, we shall hold a presentation in the clubhouse after and we’re hoping our new cafe B-Calmed will keep its kitchens open and fill any empty stomachs..

Looking forward to seeing as many of you out on sunday as possible.
Paul J Hasson
Commodore

Moville Boat Club – invitation for Foyle Days

From the Commodore of Moville Boat Club:
I would like to extend an invitation to all your club members to attend this year’s Foyle Days event in Derry.

We have organised two races on Saturday the 21st of May starting at 1300. We then intend to cruise in company to Derry for Foyle Days.

On Sunday the Port Cup Derry to Greencastle race will commence at 1400.

I will be in touch closer to the date with more information.
I hope to see you all soon
Regards

Garvan Meehan
Commodore

www.movilleboatclub.com