The DMYC Regatta
What a day! Sun AND wind in almost equal measure to make the DMYC 2014 the most successful and possibly enjoyable regatta in a long time.
We had 120 boats competing in 28 different classes and, thanks to our Race Officers and committee boats; they had a competitive and enjoyable day. We have a large number of photos which are available on the DMYC website all courtesy of Barry Kelly our newest and “bestest” photographic friend. Joe Fallon also contributed his normal excellent photos form the deck of Mac Lir.
On shore Fiona served up a gorgeous feast, Carlus and Karin provided the drink, and Pat Coldrick the music (what a guitarist – please buy his new CD!). Our sponsors, SSE Airtricity, provided added colour to the occasion as well as their choir – The Airs. I am afraid I am prejudiced here as I am a member of the choir but I am told we performed very well. Many of the choir stayed and continued to entertain us in the bar after the prize-giving.
We were joined by the Cathaoirleach of the Dunlaoghaire Rathdown Co Co, Cllr Marie Baker, the Commodores of the Royal St. George Yacht Club, the Royal Irish Yacht Club, and Poolbeg Yacht & Boat Club, past commodores, and guests who all stayed to congratulate the winners of the various classes. Many an apology was also received from those who could not join us – well you missed a good one so maybe next time! Our congratulations to all the winners and in particular to those of the DMYC who won – see if you can spot them in the photographs!
I am told our first prize of a casual jacket emblazoned with the DMYC and SSE Airtricity logos has gone down very well as have the monogrammed towel sets. (These are on sale but more of that anon).
The day would not have been a success without the hard work and dedication of our Sailing Sec Ronan O’Neill, Boathouse Captain Denis Nolan, Slip Master Joe Csibi and of course our boatman Richard Symes. This group gathered around them a crew of volunteers for the committee boats, the safety ribs, catering staff and shore crew who all worked together to make the day a great success. To you all the DMYC owes you a great deal of thanks.
Friday Night Sessions
As promised (or threatened!) the DMYC singers (?) had their first session on Friday 6th June and ended only when Carlus got fed up serving drink! We had a few new voices but we could do with more.
One of our new members also held a session on Friday 18th July and it was also a great success.
So now that we have started let’s keep the party going. Watch this space and the website for news of the next DMYC session! Remember all, including family and friends, are welcome.
European Oppies Championship
We were pleased to host 10 boats the week end of 20th -22nd June and 30 boats for the week of 30th to 4th July for these young sailors training sessions. They were a credit to their organisation and mentors.
I have received at least four emails of thanks from the organisers (which they cc’d to their whole organisation). The friendly welcome was much appreciated to the extent that had their final meal in the club with Karin and crew providing the food at very short notice – well done.
Our thanks also goes to all the club members who helped and accommodated these potential world class sailors. During the Oppi Championships themselves we were again thanked by the organisers in a very public way.
IDRA Open Day
Our colleagues in the IDRA Fleet had their Open Day in the club on 25th May. It was a very successful day with at least 3 new IDRA crews starting up. We now have 8 fully crewed IDRAs in the club – a great result and may they only increase.
September Series
This will be upon us soon and this year we intend to expand the type and style of race so again – watch this space!
Frostbites
No sooner will the summer be over but the Frostbites will start. This unique series of dinghy races has been hosted by, and run from, the DMYC for the past 42 years. We hope that many of our new members will give it a go.
New Members
You will have noted an email from Karin in the last few days asking for slots on boats so if you need crew, speak up!
The Bob Geldof Spirit of Sailing Award
Just to remind you that nominations for this special award are open. I have my eye on one or two sailors of the DMYC who are likely candidates. This award is for the most improved Junior sailor in the club during the year.
The 50th Anniversary of the DMYC
2015 will mark the 50th anniversary of the DMYC – yes we are getting on (!). To mark the occasion – in fact the whole year – we intend to have a number of special events hopefully starting on New Year’s Eve and continuing throughout the year.
As part of the celebrations we hope to publish a “year” book containing stories, photographs, records and historical notes of the first 50 years of the “DM”. So get out those old photograph albums, put on the thinking caps and start writing down your memories of the club: BBQs on Dalkey Island, races that we won (or lost!), fish we landed and those that got away, funny stories, sad stories, tall fishermen’s tails or tales even and shaggy dog stories – they are all part of who we are so let’s not let time steal them away, let’s get them down in our very own DMYC story book.
I will write again soon on this topic so beware!
Club Rooms and Merchandise
Lastly, just a gentle reminder that if you have a function you would like to run please don’t be afraid to mention it to Karin, Carlus, John Govan or any of the committee. We have a number of functions booked in (wedding reception, birthday parties etc.) but we would always welcome more. Catering can be arranged if required – just ask!
As I said above we now have a full range of DMYC branded clothes: sailing jackets, sleeveless jackets, casual jackets, fleeces, T-shirts, hats etc. all at reasonable prices – just ask Karin.
That is all for now – if you have any queries, suggestions or just want to have a chat please contact me.
Best Wishes,
Kevin Burke
Commodore, DMYC