Members and guests enjoyed an excellent week-end of sailing and entertainment at the GP14 Ulster Championships held at DSC on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th June.  The weather was kind to us with excellent sailing conditions on both days of the event – a total of 24 boats took part with participants from all parts of Ireland.  Two races were sailed back to back on Saturday with challenging  courses being set by the Race Officer, Jimmy McKee.  An excellent meal was prepared and served by the ladies of the club after racing with musical entertainment in the evening by ‘Katrina’, a late night for some and some sore heads on Sunday morning!

Racing got underway again with a bright and breezy start on Sunday morning – conditions were slightly more challenging on Sunday with a few capsizes for the crews.  Two races were completed on Sunday and all were safely ashore by 3pm.  Prizegiving was held at 4pm – congratulations go to Paul Maguire and Stuart Boyle from Sutton Dinghy Club who were the Ulster champions.  Full details of prizewinners below:-

1st Gold fleet and overall      -      Paul Maguire & Stuart Boyle    -    Sutton Dinghy Club

2nd Gold fleet and overall     -      Niall Henry & James Conlon    -    Sligo Yacht Club

3rd Gold fleet and overall     -      Robert & Chris Gingles            -     East Antrim Boat Club

1st Silver fleet                      -       Johnny Park & Bob TheMan   -    Newtownards Sailing Club

2nd Silver fleet                     -       Adam Scott & Eamonn Bourne -   SDC/SSC

3rd Silver fleet                     -       Steven Preston & Brenda Niblock   Newtownards Sailing Club

1st Bronze fleet                   -        Oisin McClelland & Stuart Ogg   -  Donaghadee Sailing Club

2nd Bronze fleet                  -        Bill Johnston & Stephen Byrne    -   Foyle Yacht Club   

3rd Bronze fleet                  -         Willie Anderson & Lesley Young -  Donaghadee Sailing Club

Masters        1st – Robert & Chris Gingles(EABC),  2nd -  Alastair Duffin & Paul Whitcombe(NSC), 3rd – Norman Lee & Stephen Walker(GSC)

1st Youth      Adam Scott & Eamonn Bourne(SDC/SSC)

1st Lady        Brenda Niblock(NSC)

Series 1 Boats -  1st Willie Anderson & Lesley Young(DSC),  2nd – Ivan Heaney & Al Parkinson(DSC) 

Altogether a very successful event hopefully enjoyed by members and visitors alike – a big thank-you goes to all those involved in the planning and organisation of the event – Ken Walsh for the use of ‘Hecla’ as committee boat, Jimmy McKee as Race Officer and all those who assisted on the committee boat, Nat McKibben and all the safety boat crews who worked tirelessly lifting and moving marks etc, Alvin Walker and his assistants on the slip organising trollies and boats, Norma Heaney and Gail Skeats who spent all week-end in the kitchen keeping everyone fed, Kaye Boyle and the bar staff for keeping everyone happy, Ken Wallace as ‘co-ordinator’ and last but certainly not least all the sailors who took part in the event.  We hope to see you all again in the future.

 

 

Donaghadee Sailing Club

 

Training Centre Information

Donaghadee Sailing Club welcomes you to its brand new training facility situated in the historic town of Donaghadee in County Down, overlooking the harbour, the Irish sea and the coast of Scotland. Whatever your level of ability we have a course suitable for you. If you would like to try a new sport, improve your existing skills or join our racing program, we can help you. So if you would like a taster session, or are looking for personal tuition, 1 day, 2 day or week long courses, we have something for everyone.

Equipment:- We have a selection of equipment available for training, which have been chosen for specific activities and their suitability for varying levels of ability and age.

  Sailing

Laser Pico, Topper and Laser that can be sailed single handed and also larger GP 14 two person dinghies.

 

Power boating

Redbay 5m ribs

Visit our website under “Training” for course dates and application forms. Further information by phone from Ryan on 07501485765 or by e-mailing training@donaghadeesc.co.uk or from the RYA website on

www.rya.org.uk/coursestraining/courses/dinghymultikeel/

Sailing Courses:- Dinghy courses are available for Juniors age 8 to 16, as well as adults

  Evening or weekend One to One Sessions are available, to help you improve your technique, with sessions tailored to meet your needs

Power Boat Courses Note must be over 16 year of age

RYA Power Boat Courses – Course PBL2

This 3 day course provides a thorough introduction to boat handling skills. The course will be taught in planing ribs and will cover launching, recovery, boat handling, maintenance and emergency procedures.Email training@donaghadeesc.co.uk for details and dates

RYA Safety Boat – course PBS

This 2 day course will fine tune your skills and introduce the rescue techniques to provide safety cover for training and running races.

 Terms & Conditions and Information

 Booking

Bookings can only be accepted on receipt of a fully completed booking form, accompanied by appropriate payment and must be received prior to the course. We regret that provisional bookings cannot be accepted.

Cheques should be made available to Donaghadee Sailing Club

 Cancellation

By Client

All cancellations must be advised in writing and will be subject to an administration fee of £20. Cancellation more than 28days before the start of the course- 100% refund. Cancellation more than 14 days – 50% refund. No refund will be made less than 14 days before the start of the course.

 By DSC

Every effort will be made to ensure all courses are run. However DSC reserves the right to cancel a course at any time, due to insufficient numbers, or adverse conditions

Where a course is cancelled either a full refund will be given or an alternative date may be offered. Please note we cannot be responsible for any costs or expenses you may incur as a result of the cancellation

 Fitness

Many of the courses are physically demanding. And you should ensure you possess a good general level of fitness. Any medical conditions or disabilities must be noted on the booking form along with any inability to swim

 Indemnity

 Donaghadee Sailing Club has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of its publications and can accept no liability whatsoever for any errors, inaccuracies or omissions.

Course fees include:-

• Instruction by staff trained to RYA standards
• The use of boats
• Changing and showering facilities
• RYA log book
• Course certificates

 What is not included

• Personal insurance (see note below)
• Towels
• Meals
• Any transport

 Insurance

 Donaghadee Sailing Club covers all legal liabilities, but does not cover personal injury or loss, when there is no liability on the part of Donaghadee Sailing Club or its personnel. In this respect we advise you to take out your own personal insurance.

 Arrival and Departure

Most courses start at 9am. On arrival you must check in with the course instructor.

Courses generally finish 4.30pm. The centre will confirm exact times relevant to your course.

Using your own boat

You are welcome to use your own boat, but you do so at your own risk and the Club cannot take any responsibility for damage or loss.

 Awards

Our courses are based on RYA awards. Full details of the courses and awards are found in the appropriate RYA logbook available from the RYA website link on DSC website, or from the club at the time of a course.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 What do I need to bring?* Some available from DSC

• Wet suit and buoyancy aid (if available *)
• Windproof / waterproof jacket(if available *)
• Hat
• Trainers or wet suit boots

• Swimming costume
• Towel
• Sailing gloves (if available)
• Sun block
• Pack Lunch
• Bottle of water

What if the weather is not suitable?

 If the conditions are not favourable for the activity, the programme will be changed with regard to timing of when the theory and practical sessions take place. At worst course may be cancelled and an alternative date may be offered. No refund will be given

 What does the course include?

All theory and practical work from the relevant RYA syllabus, delivered by RYA trained instructors.

 Is experience a requirement?

 For taster sessions, Adult Level 1, Youth Stage 1 and personal tuition, no experience is required. More advanced courses will require participants to show basic competence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DSC had two nominations at the recent Ards Borough Council Awards Ceremony on Friday 19th February, namely Ryan Charteris and Donna Parkinson.

Ryan was entered in the “coach of the year” category and finished a very creditable runner up in what was the most highly contested category. Ryan along with Michael were instrumental in the success of our Friday night and junior training in 2009. We tried to nominate both of them, but this was not permitted. They are both winners in our eyes.

I am very pleased to announce that Donna won the Sports Administrator of the Year,  
being nominated by the club for her sterling work with the Friday Club Night "come and try " sessions.

We are all volunteers in our club and it is through the enthusiasm of volunteers like Donna that the club had a highly successful season, delivering some 600 "come and try" sessions and some 130 training places.

The excellent news is that Donna, Michael and Ryan, will be back again this year and are already planning many improvements to make the sessions run more slickly.

On behalf of the club I would like to extend our congratulations to all three of them on their success.

James Ogg
Commodore

Rosemary came across this very useful website which is well worth a look and should enable us all to learn how to tie knots correctly – to view the site  click here

To see some excellent photos from the GP14 Hot Toddy Event  click here

Olympian Sailing Star Shirley Opens New Sailing Club in Donaghadee

Donaghadee Sailing Club officially opened its new club house today with the help of double Olympic Gold medallist Shirley Robertson OBE.

Donaghadee Sailing Club, has a new purpose built club house thanks to 5 years of planning and, amongst others, a successful grant application to Sport NI.

Speaking at the opening Sport NI Chief Executive Eamonn McCartan congratulated Donaghadee on the development of their new club house.

‘’This is a tremendous achievement for the club and I congratulate all those involved in the project. I am particularly delighted that so many young people have been given the opportunity to try sailing for the first time over the summer months and I look forward to hearing about the continuing growth and success of the club in future years.’  

The Club, which was awarded the esteemed Volvo RYA Champion Club status in 2005 in recognition of its commitment to youth sailing and race coaching, were honoured when Shirley agreed to take time out of her busy schedule to fly in from Brussels, to officiate at the opening.

Shirley, who is a member of Team Volvo for Life, an inspirational team of individuals from Olympic class to Round the World sailors, who are all at the pinnacle of the sport, has a personal interest in the Co. Down club as her husband Jamie Boag, also a notable international sailor, started his sailing career at Donaghadee.

Commenting on the new club Shirley said ‘ Jamie remembers sailing here at Donaghadee in the 1980’s but with basic facilities. The new club house is now a real asset to its members, the town and beyond as it will enable many more to get involved with sailing because of the purpose built amenities’.

The new building has been in use since May to accommodate the sailing season. Over 120 kids and adults have completed sailing courses this summer compared to around 30 last year which proves how much the new facility is introducing people to the sport.

Shirley added  ‘It’s such a friendly club with a real family focus which offers great opportunities for the whole family to be involved. I’m delighted to be here today and witness first hand this wonderful new building with incredible views – to Scotland, of course – and meeting the people who made it all happen. These premises go beyond sailing as many multi–use opportunities for the whole community now exist’.

Commodore James Ogg also added ‘This is a momentous and special day for us. We’re delighted that Shirley was able to attend through our association with Volvo and our dream of a new club house has finally become a reality. Many people have worked hard to get us here. They’ve given their time, talent as well as donations to help us. It’s given everyone a real buzz and sense of  purpose especially among our young sailors who have been proactive in our fundraising campaigns”.

As a recognised RYA Training Centre and Volvo Champion Club the new facilities are attracting more people into sailing. Four local schools from across the community have benefited this summer by taking part in an ‘Outreach’ initiative. Donaghadee is one of the first club’s in NI to run this scheme.

Mr Ogg further added ‘We’ve had at least 50 kids along most Friday nights to try sailing for free. During the summer we’ve hosted 596 youths aged 8 to 16 to get involved in the sailing experience. We pride ourselves in the fact that we are opening up sailing to everyone. This is only made possible by having a willing bunch of member volunteers who work right across the club’.

Ashley Holden from Volvo dealership, SMW Belfast said: “We are delighted to be involved in the opening of Donaghadee Sailing Club’s new club house. As a Volvo Champion Club it shows the great work and commitment that the Club has to young sailors in developing their racing skills, we may well be training future Olympians here in Northern Ireland”.

Commodore James Ogg & Vice Commodore Anthony Skeats

Double Olympian Shirley Robertson O.B.E.

Cyril Anderson and Guy Thomson

Shirley McCrum welcomes John Lewis to the new clubhouse

Ross Bennett (sailing secretary), Willie Anderson and Murdoch Bennett

Shirley Robertson OBE signs the visitors book

Greer Rutherford and Mary Charteris

Norma Heaney and Gail Skeats

Michael and Greer Rutherford

Shirley McCrum and Alistair Spence (former Commodore)

Murdoch, Evelyn and Ross Bennett

Mary and Ryan Charteris

Martin Ingram (former Commodre), Alan Pritchard (former Commodore) and Tony Skeats (Vice Commodore)

Ken Wallace (former Commodore) and Bill Oliver

Archie Walls (Director of Leisure Services) and Derek McCallan (Director of Development) Ards Borough Council 

Alan and Sandra Patterson

Liz McNeill and Fiona Pritchard (Hon Treasurer)

Betty Schofield  and her grand-daughter Christine Brown

Alan and Fiona Pritchard

Some junior members enjoy the day

Former Commodores Martin Ingram and Peter Miskimmin

Shirley Robertson and Eamon McCartan

The girls enjoying the sunshine

 Steven Trainor (Sport NI), Shirley McCrum and Carl Southern (Sport NI)

Jim Mulholland and Norman Hutchinson (Kennedy Fitzgerald Architects) with Carl Southern (Sport NI)

How’s that then!!

Myles Geddis and Phil Ash

Julia Kannenberg (former Commodore), Rod Kannenberg and Ken Wallace (former Commodore)

Former Commodore Billy McNeice with his daughter Judith

Ronnie Eadie (former Commodore), Frances Eadie, Neville Dennison and John Townson

Alvin Walker MBE and George Aitken

Lady Sylvia Hermon MP and Noel Johnston (former Commodore)

Norman Schofield’s grand-daughter presents the club with an original sketch commissioned in memory of her grandfather.

The mayor of Ards presents the club with a shield

Shirley Robertson addresses the members and guests

Commodore James Ogg addresses the masses!!!

John and Tricia Townson

Derek McKnight and Joan McNeice

Guy Thomson, Ian McCrum (former Commodore) and Jeff McClelland

Kaye Boyle and Norma Heaney

Willie Anderson and Karen Aitken

Willie Anderson enjoys a well earned cup of tea!!

SOME PHOTOS FROM THE EVENING CELEBRATIONS

Recently I found myself looking on the internet for a weather forecast. Using my mobile phone I did a google search and within a minute I was looking at a nice hour by hour wind forecast. The internet is a great way of finding out the weather and I thought I would try and share with you some of the sites I have come across.

Met Office

The Met Office has for a long time been a sailors friend issuing the shipping forecast. The forecast is broadcast by the MCA and also broadcast on Radio 4. If you can’t wait for a broadcast and have access to the internet then the shipping forecast is also available 24/7 on the Met Office website.

 http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/marine/shipping_forecast.html 

For coastal forecasts the Met Office also issues an inshore waters forecast. The inshore waters are divided into large regions and a forecast for the whole northern ireland coast is available.

If you are after just a general forecast including precipitation and temperatures then the Met Office also provides a 5 day forecast.

For those that fancy themselves as a keen meterologist then the Met office also generates synoptic charts. They are posted on the Met Office website with an animation that allows browsers to see how the systems are moving.

Unfortunately print-outs are not publically available on the Met Office website, however, they are on other websites. A dutch website provides the current Met Office synoptic chart and also the predicted charts up to 5 days in advance.

NOAA Ocean Prediction Centre

The American equivalent to the Met Office offer their synoptic charts also and they are available for free for the East Atlantic. They can be found on their website along with charts for the Central and Western Atlantic if you fancy long range predicting.

Theyr.com

One of the webs favourite weather prediction websites. Theyr.com used to be a free website and has been used for a long time by sailing professionals. They now charge for full ‘pro’ access, however they do still provide a cut-down version for free.

This website is my personal favourite despite not having the fancy maps which the other site offer. This website is used extensively by windsurfers and kitesurfers, however is also perfect for coastal sailors and dinghy sailors. The website provides all the information you need for free and has hour by hour predictions.