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

LSYC Summer Sailing School

Details of the 2011 Summer Sailing School at LSYC are now available on the LSYC web-site, along with a downloadable booking form.

The school will operate between 20 June and 6th August this year, subject to demand, and will again be under the management and supervision of Hettie Sanders, who ran our very successful school last year.

For all queries, please contact Siobhan Doherty.

See web-site for further details.

IRC Certificate Deadline 30th June

To all IRC Class skippers.

The committee has agreed that yachts with 2010 IRC certificates who have not yet submitted their 2011 Certificate may take part in IRC Class races prior to 30th June. The rating applied will be 2010 rating plus a loading of 5%.

After 30th June, yachts without a valid 2011 certificate will be ineligible to compete in IRC Class.

Please get your IRC certificate to Paul McSorley, Sailing Secretary, without delay!

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