The
Royal Irish
Post
AUTUMN/WINTER EDITION ° TWO THOUSAND AND TWENTY FIVE WWW.RIYC.IE LIVE COOKING STATION
RIYC WINE EVENTS
RIYC JUNIOR REGATTA
THE ADMIRAL’S CUP
Fast, Fresh & Fantastic
Perfectly Chilled
A Glimpse Into The Future
100 Years of RORC
CHAMPAGNE SAILING A REGATTA TO REMEMBER! THE VDLR 2025: 1600 SAILORS 350 BOATS 52 YACHT CLUBS 4 FABULOUS DAYS A major highlight in the Irish sporting summer calendar, the Volvo Dún Laoghaire Regatta did not disappoint. With racing in 36 categories from high performance fleets and local racers to complete newcomers, the weekend welcomed an array of people from all over Ireland and internationally. Intense racing was matched by the après sail on shore where the live cooking station and BBQ were fired up and ready to feed hungry sailors, with many commenting it to be ’the best food offering’ of the Regatta. The celebrations continued late into the night, every evening with live music and entertainment keeping spirits high. A special mention to RIYC Member’s Tim & Richard Goodbody with White Mischief, Bobby Kerr with Riders on the Storm and Barry Cunningham with Chimaera for their success in their respective classes. A huge congratulations to the VDLR Organisers, the volunteers and to the RIYC staff for their hard work, dedication and support ensuring the success of the Regatta looked seamless and setting the standard for future events. Here’s looking forward to our very own RIYC Regatta next year!
RIYC AT THE ADMIRAL’S CUP By David Branigan. Barely two weeks after the conclusion of the revived Admiral's Cup, consideration of the first Royal Irish Yacht Club team entry and options for the future are already underway. The event attracted 30 yachts and 15 Club teams from several countries and was won by the Yacht Club of Monaco with the Royal Hong Kong YC second and the YC Costa Smeralda third. The crews comprised a roll call of some of the world’s best racing sailors, many with America’s Cup, Olympic Games and Round the World track records. And the dockside was abuzz with word of eye-watering expenditure on boats and sailors and Cowes Yacht Haven was host to some stunning Formula 1-type vessels. Looking back on the event, the RIYC Commodore points to Ireland's presence at this event that was widely remarked upon and, in particular the club's initiative to field an team. One learning-point is already clear and that is that early planning is essential. "The RIYC’s longer-term ambition is to re-ignite interest in offshore sailing and to make this aspect of our sport more centre stage," he said as he noted the intention to hold the next event in 2027. "The Club is discussing how it can build on its recent participation, the lessons learned and what are the key factors for future success. "Those factors come broadly under four headings - boats, crews, money and time." A structured approach, building on this year's "toe in the water" approach would draw in many members who have been active offshore, and at such a high level, whilst providing an outlet for many interested members and other Irish sailors to race in the challenging longer distance events. For the wider and longer term ambition, the Admiral’s Cup has generated a pool of talented and experienced members willing to share their knowledge and experience with the Club, especially its youngsters. "The AC event and the Fastnet also revealed an impressive number of Irish sailors spread around key positions on several great yachts," said Chef d’Equipe Michael Boyd. "All were delighted to see an Irish team in the AC. Bringing those resources together for future offshore sailing (under a Club/Irish flag) is a noble and exciting vision." The event in Cowes rekindled more than just racing on the challenging waters of the Solent. There was a clear atmosphere of friendship and warm camaraderie amongst rival crews who all enjoyed the hospitable town of West Cowes. Celebrating its 100th anniversary of the both the club and the Fastnet Race, the Royal Ocean Racing Club itself was an open and fun venue for a series of social events in its recently modernised clubhouse overlooking Southampton Water and Cowes Harbour. While the Admiral's Cup formula in 2025 was widely judged a success, it will still be reviewed with the final format confirmed by the Autumn. Other talk was of reviving the Commodore's Cup which was the amateur equivalent to the pro dominated Admiral's Cup and in which Ireland has had success twice in teams led by the Royal Cork YC. With a clear vision of the future prospects offered by the larger racer/cruiser scene, a multi-generational strategy is emerging. Details to follow soon!
A NOTE FROM THE COMMODORE
It is with great pleasure that I welcome the refreshed Royal Irish Post. This highlights important events of the last few months, together with some forthcoming ones. It also has sections on some of the various activities your Club undertakes. The Post includes a Calendar of Events covering the Winter and Spring. The intent of this new Winter and Spring Calendar is to allow you, at a glance, to spot events of interest and to diary these well in advance. For our Country and Overseas members, this will also allow you to plan your visits to Club, should your trip to Dublin coincide with events you would like to attend. Supplementary events and more information on already scheduled activities (e.g. speakers and topics) will be added from time-to-time and will be included in ENews updates. The Flag officers look forward to welcoming members and guests to our events and encourage members to use their Club to the maximum.
CLUB EVENTS CALENDAR JANUARY
‘Open That Bottle’ Night
Yoga Club
12 Thursday
18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
Rowing Club
17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
Chess Club
17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
Cruising Talk
MARCH
17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
19.15 for 19.30 - Member’s Bar
7 Wednesday
28 Wednesday
19.00 for 19.30
Dance Class
14 Saturday
‘Kingmaker’ By Sonia Purnell 10.45 for 11.00 - The Dining Room
19.00-20.00 & 20.00-21.00 The Wet Bar
Rowing Club
8 Thursday
29 Thursday
RBS 6 Nations
6 Tuesday Rowing Club
Book Club
Rowing Club
Rowing Club
10.15 for 10.30 - The Wet Bar Ireland Vs Italy 14.10 Kick Off
17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
10 Saturday
30 Friday
Rowing Club
RIYC Awards Night
10.15 for 10.30 - The Wet Bar
18.30 for 19.00 - The Dining Room
19.00 for 19.30 - The Dining Room
13 Tuesday
30 Saturday
15 Sunday
Bridge Club
Rowing Club
19.00 for 19.15 - The Drawing Room
10.15 for 10.30 - The Wet Bar
AM Sailing
FEBRUARY
17 Tuesday
Rowing Club 17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
Yoga Club 18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
Chess Club 19.15 for 19.30 - Member’s Bar
1 Sunday Spring Chicken AM Sailing
3 Tuesday Bridge Club
14 Wednesday
19.00 for 19.15 - The Drawing Room
Evening Book Club
Rowing Club
18.45 for 19.00 - The Drawing Room
15 Thursday Rowing Club 17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
16 Friday Hidden Gems Wine Tasting 18.30-20.00 - The Library
17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
Yoga Club 18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
Chess Club 19.15 for 19.30 - Member’s Bar
4 Wednesday Book Club
17 Saturday
10.45 for 11.00 - The Dining Room
Rowing Club
Dance Class
10.15 for 10.30 - The Wet Bar
19.00-20.00 & 20.00-21.00
18 Sunday NEW EVENT Jazz Afternoon
5 Thursday
RLNI Fundraiser 15.00-17.00
Rowing Club
20 Tuesday
RBS 6 Nations
Bridge Club 19.00 for 19.15 - The Drawing Room
France Vs Ireland 20.10 Kick Off
Rowing Club 17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
Meditation Group 18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
Yoga Club 18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
Chess Club 19.15 for 19.30 - Member’s Bar
21 Wednesday Dance Class 19.00-20.00 & 20.00-21.00 The Wet Bar
22 Thursday Rowing Club
17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
Opera By The Sea Valentine’s Day Dinner
Spring Chicken
Bridge Club
1 Sunday Spring Chicken AM Sailing
3 Tuesday Rowing Club
18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
5 Thursday
19.15 for 19.30 - Member’s Bar
Rowing Club 17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
Sailing Talk
19.00 for 19.15 - The Drawing Room
6 Friday
Rowing Club
International Women’s Day
With Des Cummins 19.00 for 19.30
12.00 for 12.30 - The Dining Room
27 Friday
RBX 6 Nations
Social Night
18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
Ireland Vs Wales 20.10 Kick Off
19.15 for 19.30 - The Wet Bar
Yoga Club
7 Saturday
17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
Meditation Group
18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
Rowing Club
Chess Club
10.15 for 10.30 - The Wet Bar
19.15 for 19.30 - Member’s Bar
8 Sunday
18 Wednesday
Spring Chicken
Evening Book Club 18.45 for 19.00 - The Drawing Room
Dance Class 19.00-20.00 & 20.00-21.00 The Wet Bar
AM Sailing
10 Tuesday
Rowing Club 10.15 for 10.30 - The Wet Bar
31 Tuesday Bridge Club 19.00 for 19.15The Drawing Room
Yoga Club 18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
19.00 for 19.15 - The Drawing Room
Chess Club
Rowing Club
19.15 for 19.30 - Member’s Bar
19 Thursday
17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
Rowing Club
Yoga Club
17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
History Talk Chess Club ‘Life on a Submarine’ With Paul Burke 19.15 for 19.30 - Member’s Bar 18.45 for 19.00 - The Drawing Room
20 Friday Associate Members Lunch
11 Wednesday Dance Class
RIYC Movie Night
Rowing Club
NEW EVENT A Celebration of Fine Italian Food & Wine
10.15 for 10.30 - The Wet Bar
‘Rawhide’ 19.15 for 19.30 - The Drawing Room
RBS 6 Nations
12 Thursday
England Vs Ireland 14.10 Kick Off
Rowing Club
19.00 for 19.30 - The Dining Room
17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
7 Saturday
22 Sunday
History Talk
Rowing Club
Spring Chicken
18.45 for 19.00 - The Drawing Room
10.15 for 10.30 - The Wet Bar
AM Sailing
14 Saturday
8 Sunday
24 Tuesday
Rowing Club
Spring Chicken
Bridge Club
10.15 for 10.30 - The Wet Bar
AM Sailing
19.00 for 19.15 - The Drawing Room
RBS 6 Nations
10 Tuesday
Rowing Club
Ireland Vs Scotland 14.10 Kick Off
18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
Chess Club
18.45 for 19.00 - The Drawing Room
Yoga Club
19.15 for 19.30 - Member’s Bar
24 Saturday
18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
25 Wednesday
St. Patrick’s Day Charity Walk Howth to Dun Laoghaire
Dance Class
09.30 start - Details to Follow
19.00-20.00 & 20.00-21.00 The Wet Bar
18 Wednesday
27 Friday
18.45 for 19.00 - The Drawing Room
Social Night
Bridge Club
19.00-20.00 & 20.00-21.00 The Wet Bar
19.00 for 19.15 - The Drawing Room
RIYC Movie Night
28 Saturday
Rowing Club
‘Educating Rita’ 19.15 for 19.30 - The Drawing Room
10.15 for 10.30 - The Wet Bar
17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
28 Saturday
Bridge Club
21 Saturday
Dance Class
Rowing Club
18.45 for 19.00
Rowing Club
27 Tuesday
26 Thursday 17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
Yoga Club
18.30 for 19.00 - The Dining Room
Chess Club
Sailing Talk
12.30 for 13.00 - The Dining Room
11 Wednesday
17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
19.00-20.00 & 20.00-21.00 The Wet Bar
Pearl Members Lunch
Burn’s Night Dinner
Rowing Club
Yoga Club
6 Friday
19.15 for 19.30 - Member’s Bar
19.00 for 19.15 - The Drawing Room
Dance Class
19.00-20.00 & 20.00-21.00 The Wet Bar
10.15 for 10.30 - The Wet Bar
Bridge Club
18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
19.00 for 19.15 - The Drawing Room
Rowing Club
24 Tuesday
25 Wednesday
12.30 for 13.00 - The Dining Room
Chess Club
18.00-20.00 - The Library
Meditation Group
17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
NEW EVENT History Talk ‘Brehon Law’ With Esmond Smyth
Hidden Gems Wine Tasting
17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
Bridge Club
17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
20 Friday
19.15 for 19.30 - The Wet Bar
Rowing Club
15 Sunday Mother’s Day Lunch 12.00 for 12.30 - The Dining Room
17 Tuesday
Evening Book Club
19 Thursday Rowing Club 17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
Sailing Event Dining Event Live Rugby Lecture / Talk Wine Event Social Event
SEAZE
THE
BAY
&
RIYC
JUNIOR
REGATTA By Georgia Goodbody, Senior Junior
Instructor. We had our annual junior regatta on Wednesday 23rd July, where we saw over 115 sailors out on the water! We can’t thank SeaZe
The Bay enough, who sponsored the Regatta and provided amazing goodie bags for each competitor and provided the parents with trips out on the water! The main fleet got 2 races due to shifty wind which caused race 3 to be abandoned. The Harbour fleet completed 3 races. Altogether it was an amazing day, with competitors from the National YC, Royal St George, DMYC and of course our RIYC Juniors. Shore-side there was a lovely barbecue, followed by a visit from Teddy's Ice cream van, which went down a treat! Congratulations to everyone and a huge thank you to all; Volunteers, Race Officers, Staff and Parents and our incredible Instructors that helped make this such an enjoyable day!
OFF TO A GALLOPING START The New Horse-Racing Group had their first outing to go behind the scenes at trainers Eddie & Patrick Harty’s yard at the Curragh which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Super to see the horses exercising on the world famous Old Vic and Free Eagle gallops. Their next outing is to Leopardstown on Saturday 13th September for the first day of the Irish Champions Festival. Contact Nick Fahy for more information.
WINE COMMITTEE UPDATE By Philip Sherry. The Club’s Wine committee meets
once a month to taste wines which might be added to our bar and dining room wine lists. The committee has various other activities including the annual purchasing of En Primeur wines which are stored in our amazing wine cellar. The committee manages the wine stock ensuring that the consumption of high quality wines will be available to club members for years into the future. Finally the wine committee plans and supports 4 wine dinners each year, and a number of less formal wine events including Wine Society and Hidden Gems evenings. The RIYC wine committee is alive and well and takes seriously the minding of the club’s wines for the benefit of our members and guests.
COOKING UP A STORM ON THE DECK The introduction to our Live Cooking Station alongside our traditional BBQ has received nothing but praise from our members, especially during the Regatta where it was noted on multiple occasions from visiting Members that the RIYC had the ‘best food available’ all weekend. Keep an eye out for more exciting culinary showcases through the year!
CREW CLASS INDOOR ROWING RETURNS TO RIYC THIS AUTUMN By Chris Nolan.
Following a highly successful trial last spring, Crew Class indoor rowing will resume this October. The complimentary benefit of rowing for sailors is well recognised. This is a sure-fire way to maintain fitness through the winter and is available to all age groups. It is a low-impact, joint-friendly, full-body workout that is particularly effective in supporting health and mobility. Key benefits include cardiovascular health, weight management, flexibility and bone health. Led by Olympic rower Niall O’Toole, this fitness programme guarantees results and a bit of craic. The Autumn Introductory session will run for 10 weeks with 3 x 30 minute sessions per week keeping us all in great condition for Christmas, skiing and other winter sports. This activity is also open to family and friends accompanied by a member.
OKTOBERFEST WINE DINNER Tindal Wine's Director of Fine Wine, Harriet Tindal, will be delighted to introduce a
selection of exciting new-wave German wines at The Royal Irish Yacht Club on October 10th for the Club's Oktoberfest! Whilst wine is inherently a job to Harriet, her passion and energy embodies the presentations that she hosts. Bringing to life her stories from the vineyards, peppered with knowledge learnt through many years of study on her Master of Wine journey. Booking will be open soon!
SNOOKER CLUB UPDATE By Peter Byers. The annual snooker handicap competition will be taking place during the usual
September to December period with the final scheduled for 5th December. Please add to your calendar. We were delighted with the numbers playing last year and particularly that many ladies chose to participate. We hope for even greater participation this year. Official invitations will be circulated in early September. We look forward to seeing you in the billiards room. A reminder too that there is a group who turn up every Tuesday evening for some casual snooker. If you are interested please let us know on ‘snooker@riyc.ie’ and we can add your name to the WhatsApp group.
MEDAL HAUL FOR SB20 TEAM IRELAND By Chris Nolan. The podium makes it all worthwhile, and both Irish teams at the SB20 European Championships in Belgium last week were well rewarded for their efforts. RIYC SB20 team venuesworld.com with Ger Dempsey, Colin Galavan and Artem Basalkin delivered a super performance, posting race results in the top 3 throughout the week. Gear failure resulted in an unfortunate retiral and an expensive 12pt penalty, but ultimately they finished the week as European Champions in the Masters Category and 8th overall in a tough 45 boat fleet. The RIYC look forward to hosting the SB20 National Championships on the 12-14th September 2025.
ILCA SUCCESS FOR FIACHRA MCDONNELL RIYC Cadet Fiachra McDonnell
won each of the provincial championships in 2025 and most recently took the Silver Medal at the Golden Jubilee ILCA/Laser Nationals on Belfast Lough where he put together an exemplary scoreline of 4,1,1,1,2,7,2 in the first seven races in a class of 49 boats. He also placed 11th in the ILCA U21 World Championships last week. Fiachra is a talented sailor and is one of the new generation of talented Laser sailors coming through the system and we congratulate him on his recent success.
CHRISTMAS AT THE ROYAL IRISH YACHT CLUB For generations, RIYC
Members have made sure Christmas is a wonderful time of year. The Festivities start mid December with a variety of events suitable for the whole family. Events sell out fast, so be sure to book in advance to not miss out. The events listed on the calendar will be open for booking mid-September, keep an eye on the E News for more updates. Our wonderful Catering Team have curated some delicious menus from Buffet Lunches to Table D’Hote keeping traditions alive but adding a modern twist, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Please note, the Club will be fully closed on the 24th, 25th & 26th December and on the 27th, 28th, 29th & 30th December, the Club Bar will be open from 12pm-6pm.
SHORE BASED CLUB DIRECTORY Bridge Club Dr Pat McGettrick
Book Club Wyn McCormack
Chess Club Pat Shannon
Dance Club Liam Murphy
Evening Book Club Vasantha Samaranayake
Hill Walking Group Various Members
Horse Racing Interest Group Nick Fahy
Military History Group Winifred Kelliher
Movie Nights Michael Kunkel
Rowing Club Chris Nolan
Snooker Club Ken Rogers
Yoga Club Chris Nolan
Meditation Group Sally Stone
Further contact details are available from the Club Secretary
RIYC STAFF DIRECTORY General Manager Andrew Roberts generalmanager@riyc.ie
Club Secretary Sarah Breen secretary@riyc.ie
Sailing Services Manager Mark McGibney mark@riyc.ie
Bosun Miguel Walker boathouse@riyc.ie
Catering Manager Maeve Daly cateringmanager@riyc.ie
Finance Manager Sandra Keane financemanager@riyc.ie
Bar Manager Adi Doollee bar@riyc.ie
Sales & Events Executive Grace Dooley sales@riyc.ie
WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! What do you think of The Roya Irish Post and our Weekly E-News? What sort of articles would you welcome? Please send any feedback to Grace Dooley at sales@riyc.ie. The Royal Irish Post is published bi-annually and the 2026 Spring/Summer edition will be published in March.
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