The Royal Irish Post - Spring Summer 2026

The Royal Irish Post

SPRING/SUMMER EDITION ° TWO THOUSAND AND TWENTY SIX WWW.RIYC.IE

RIYC CADET CORNER

The future of the Club

SHORE BASED UPDATES

A Club full of Life & Activities

RIYC SAILING VICTORIES

Celebrating our Members

•CELEBRATING 195 YEARS•

19th -27th JUNE 2026

For almost two centuries the Club has been at the heart of Irish sailing, hosting major domestic and international events, producing many outstanding sailors including Olympians and World Champions whilst playing a significant role in the early history of the America’s Cup as well as the Admiral’s Cup.

Alongside its legacy of elite competition, it is equally shaped by the everyday sailor who heads out week after week whether racing locally or cruising for the simple pleasure of being on the water. This blend of heritage and community spirit lies at the heart of the Club, which is also the proud recipient of the MG Sailing Club of the Year 2025 award .

In celebration of our 195th anniversary, the Club will host a week-long celebration with two spectacular Regattas: The Classic Boats Regatta & The RIYC Club Regatta. It will also include an extensive shore based social programme with something for all ages.

The week will commence with a two day Classic Boats Regatta taking place on 20/21 June and culminating with the Royal Irish Yacht Club Regatta on 27 June. Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill will launch the 195 Week at the opening reception to be held in the Club on Friday 19 June.

The Classic Boats Regatta is a unique and prestigious event that will bring together some of Ireland's most beautiful and historic sailing boats such as the Dublin Bay 21s and the Water Wags. In addition to racing, the programme will include a Parade of Sail through Dalkey Sound, a Concours d’Elegance & D’Authenticité at the East Pier Bandstand as well as the Open Yachts pontoon party.

Ashore, key highlights will include a Talk on the famous RIYC Member Daniel O’Connell with Prof Maurice Bric, a Tour of the Club & its artefacts by Hal Sisk, the 195 Regatta Supper on 21 June and a pizza Party for younger members and their pals. Both regattas will feature Après Sail dining on the Deck, with ambient live music & tunes of the Summer, not to mention the famous RIYC BBQ and live cooking station!

RIYC

We invite all Members to celebrate with us in this special year.

For full details see riyc.ie

A WORLD CLASS RESULT FOR RIYC'S

MCDONNELL IN

Geraghty-McDonnell, who

Sailing Centre Regatta

of the strongest Irish

Dimitri Peroni,

Huge

a

RIYC’S GEORGIA GOODBODY AT THE HEART OF IRELAND’S TEAM RACING

By Stephen Breen. Georgia

Goodbody is flying the flag for the Royal Irish Yacht Club and for the explosive growth of team racing in Ireland. Sailing with Trinity College, Georgia was part of the team securing a historic win at the Oxford Top Gun Team Racing Invitational Trinity’s first ever victory at the prestigious event and only the second by an Irish team. They’ll return next year to defend the title. Georgia then helmed Team Lavender to a commanding

Regatta in the Royal St George Yacht Club, leading from the front in a regatta set up by another RIYC Cadet Tim Norwood, designed to develop female helms. Team racing is fast, tactical, social and fiercely competitive and it’s booming in schools and universities. RIYC is responding by doubling down on the sailing discipline supported by Irish Sailing fleet of Fireflies and a clear commitment to building a strong pathway from cadets to schools and university success. St. Andrew's College has been nominated as 'School of the Year' in The Irish Sailing Awards, a large part down to support provided by RIYC to its Team Racing success. Georgia’s victories aren just silverware they’re proof that RIYC is right at the centre of Ireland’s Schools, University and team racing popularity.

THE DUN LAOGHAIRE CUP - 23RD&24THMAY

We are delighted to host The Dun Laoghaire Cup, with racing for SB20, J80, Dragon, Beneteau First 21, Flying 15 and Melges 15 classes. Entry details available at riyc.ie.

SPRING/SUMMER CLUB EVENTS CALENDAR

Meditation Group

18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar

22 Wednesday

Crew Class Rowing

18.15 - The Wet Bar

23 Thursday

DBSC Sailing

PM Sailing

24 Friday

Social Night

18.30 - The Bar

25 Saturday

ISS Schools Sailing

All Day Event

Crew Class Rowing

10.30 - The Wet Bar

DBSC Racing

PM Sailing

DBSC Racing

PM Sailing

Leinster Vs Lions

17.30 Kick Off

12 Tuesday

DBSC Racing

PM Sailing

Adult Sailing Course

PM Sailing

13 Wednesday

Water Wags

PM Sailing

DBSC Racing PM Sailing Adult Sailing Course

New Member’s Reception

18.30 - The Drawing Room

14 Thursday

DBSC

Benetton Rugby Vs Leinster

19.45 Kick Off

26 Sunday ISS Schools Sailing All Day Event

27 Monday

Crew Class Rowing

18.15 - The Wet Bar

28 Tuesday Adult Sailing Course

PM Sailing

DBSC Racing PM Sailing

29 Wednesday Water Wags

PM Sailing

Crew Class Rowing

18.15 - The Wet Bar

Club AGM

18.30 - The Drawing Room

30 Thursday

DBSC Racing

PM Sailing MAY

2 Saturday

Crew Class Rowing 10.30 - The Wet Bar

DBSC Racing

PM Sailing 4 Monday

Crew Class Rowing

18.15 - The Wet Bar

5 Tuesday

DBSC Racing PM Sailing

Adult Sailing Course PM Sailing 6 Wednesday

Sailing

Sailing

Sailing

Wags

PM Sailing

Evening Book Club

The Truth About Ruby Cooper by Liz Nugent

19.30 - The Drawing Room 21 Thursday

DBSC Racing

PM Sailing 23 Saturday Dun Laoghaire Cup All Day Event

DBSC Racing PM Sailing 24 Sunday

Dun Laoghaire Cup All Day Event

26 Tuesday

The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai 10.45 - The Dining Room Water Wags PM Sailing

Crew Class Rowing 18.15 - The Wet Bar 7 Thursday DBSC Racing PM Sailing 9 Saturday

Crew Class Rowing 10.30 - The Wet Bar

RIYC 195 Club Tour & Artefact Talk with Hal Sisk PM - The Drawing Room

RIYC 195 Junior Summer Party PM - The Deck & Wet Bar

27 Saturday

RIYC 195 Regatta AM Sailing

30 Tuesday

DBSC Racing PM Sailing

Adult Sailing Course PM Sailing

JULY

1 Wednesday Book Club

Still by Julia Kelly 10.45 - The Dining Room

Water Wags PM Sailing

Summer Cocktail Masterclass 18.30 - The

195 Classic’s Regatta

Sailing RIYC 195 Classic’

Sailing 4 Saturday RSGYC Regatta AM Sailing 7 Tuesday DBSC Racing PM Sailing

Adult Sailing Course PM Sailing 8 Wednesday Water Wags PM Sailing 9 Thursday DBSC Racing PM Sailing 10 Friday Summer Seafood Lunch 14.00

6th

DBSC Racing

ILCA Fast Series All Day Event

18 Tuesday

DBSC

DBSC

DBSC Racing

'STATE O’ CHASSIS' WINS DBSC

SPRING CHICKEN Well Done to RIYC Member, Kevin Buckley of the Sigma 38 State O’ Chassis, the winner of the 2026 DBSC Spring Chicken.

HALLOWE’EN WINS MEDITERRANEAN SERIES

RIYC Members Inigo Strez and Declan Hayes had a highly successful season in the Mediterranean with 24.7m cutter, Hallowe’en, designed by William Fife, achieving multiple podium finishes and key victories in the classic yachting circuit, including the Big Boat category at Argentario Sailing Week & the Big Boat Trophy for the Yacht Club de France.

At the Regatta Royale Cannes, Hallowe'en, crewed by a large cohort of RIYC Members, won four races, including the big boat class and the Vintage & Classic big boat class for 2025. The CIM handicap system is 100 years old and can be baffling to visitors, but here it produced very close time results, even by seconds! In fact Hallowe'en is said to have won her last race by a nail biting 3 seconds!

RIYC

STAFF TAKE TO THE WATER

Rear Commodore Sailing, Colin Galavan, took General Manager, Andrew and Bar Manager, Adi out for a spin on a Club 1720. It was a bright mild day in early November when they took to the water, where Andrew and Adi got a crash course in Sailing. They sailed out as far as Dalkey Island, and both Andrew and Adi got a chance to experience what it is like to glide through the water. 'Great outing on the water, sun shining on the way down to Dalkey Island, and a view from the water of the Irish coastline that is nothing short of breathtaking! A real opportunity to understand the simple mechanics of sailing and a realisation of how enjoyable life on the water can be.’ Andrew Roberts

‘PEGGY BAWN’ WINS AT MONACO CLASSIC WEEK & REGATTA

ROYALES CANNES Hal Sisk's PEGGY BAWN was awarded the prize for most authentic yacht at the 17th Monaco Classic Week. The GL Watson designed 36ft Gaff Cutter 1894/2005 was among a fleet of 150 boats participating in this unique event comprising traditional sailboats, vintage motor yachts and 70 vintage motor boats. Flying the RIYC Burgee and Ensign, Peggy Bawn won their class in Classic Classes at the Regatta Royals Cannes. Sailing with 68 year old cotton sails, in wind strengths from 7 to 30 knots, achieved a 100% result! Her cotton topsail was cut in 2004 from a light weather headsail off the America's Cup challenger 'Endeavour' of 1934. Peggy Bawn won all four races sailed, with one day abandoned due to a lack of wind, typical of the Mediterranean.

RIYC CADET CAMPS The Club was filled with very enthusiastic Sailors during the Easter Holidays. RIYC Cadets and their friends took to the water and enjoyed a trip to Dalkey Island in sunny and breezy conditions, Easter egg hunts, Fevas, 1720’s and Fireflies and so much more! This year’s Summer Camp starts on Tuesday 2nd June. More information will be shared soon.

RIYC JUNIOR REGATTA Save The Date - The Biggest event in the Junior Calendar is set for Wednesday 22nd July. Proudly sponsored by SeaZe The Bay

RIYC CADET HELMS ST.ANDREWS TO EPIC LEINSTER TEAM RACING CHAMPIONSHIP WIN Caoilinn Geraghty-McDonnell has skippered another Team Racing win for St. Andrews College (SAC) highlighting how RIYC Schools Sailing Partnership with SAC is paying off on the race course. Team Racing is taking schools by storm with numerous RIYC members on the water including Sam Walsh, Sophia and Elana Kidney and Joshua Stewart. RIYC volunteers were in strong support on the day with Richard Kidney and Dave Stewart managing the results. RIYC will be hosting the Irish Schools Team Racing National Championship on 25th and 26th April.

MJ Geraghty, RIYC member and Irish Schools Sailing Leinster representative is Head of Sailing for St. Andrews. She commended the club for the supporting the SAC team over the last few years. 'With our new fleet of Fireflies we are able to get more of our children and their friends out on the water"

SB20 National Championships

SAILING

MANAGER MARK MCGIBNEY

RETIRES

AS RNLI COXSWAIN AFTER 36 YEARS Mark McGibney has retired as Coxswain of the station’s Trent class lifeboat, closing a volunteer career that began in 1989. Over three and a half decades, he launched 386 times. Alongside that role, he served as Lifeboat Helm, All-Weather Mechanic, Lifeboat Trainer Assessor, First Aider, Shore Crew and Navigator. We congratulate him on this amazing achievement!

RIYC BOATHOUSE SERVICES The Boathouse team provide many services to our members. They run the launch service to the swinging mooring, provide lifting for dry-sailed boats, lift and scrub boats, as well as maintaining the fabric of the deck, pontoon infrastructure, and swinging moorings. They also maintain the club crane and manage the deck. If you would like to get in touch with the Boathouse, you can contact Miguel Walker, Club Bosun at Boathouse@riyc.ie

BOATHOUSE

RIYC ADULT SAILING COURSES

The Adult Sailing courses are available to both RIYC members and non-members and are designed for people who are interested in learning about sailing, boat rigging, wind direction, points of sail and knots to help advance their knowledge of sailing and becoming a member of the Club. Our evening courses offers a safe and enjoyable introduction to sailing using our 1720 Sportsboats. It's ideal for anyone keen to learn the basics, build confidence on the water, and get involved in Club life. If you have family or friends who might be interested, we’d be delighted if you shared the details with them course fee includes an end-of-course celebration dinner in the Club dining room. We use our fleet of "1720" Sportsboats, a 5 man keelboat that cannot capsize making it an ideal safe way of learning the sport we love. Each participant will be equipped to crew on members’ yachts in Dublin Bay. On completion of the course we invite participants to join us for an evening of fine food and wine in our dining room to celebrate their achievement. Please email adultsailing@riyc.ie for more information

RIYC CHARTER FLEET

The Club has available for charter a selection of Powerboat, Sailboat, Dinghies and SUP's for members use. These craft are available subject to other operating events in the Club which include Junior section, Adult Sailing Courses, Coaching Courses and Sailing Events. Contact the Boathouse for more information.

CULINARY SHOWCASE SUCCESS

By

Andrew Roberts. A Twelve Course Culinary Showcase at the Royal Irish, served to a full dining room was one of the highlights of the October calendar. Yellow Fin Tuna, Seared Scallops, Pan Fried Halibut, and Venison Tenderloin were some of the delights served up on the evening, matched beautifully by some equally notable wines from our cellar, up to and including our En Primeur listings! The quirky nature of the evening saw some beautifully presented dishes, on slates, in shells, on cast iron mini frying pans, in Kilner jars, and even out of a Teapot! The courses kept coming, and the wine kept flowing, a true delight of a night for our participating members. And what lovely feedback, "..a menu that was at once creative, exciting and confident...", "...a tour de force all round...", and "...the best dinner I experienced in the club in 40 years..." were some of the post event written feedback received. We are delighted that the members enjoyed the Culinary Showcase in October, and we are thrilled to be doing it all over again soon.

A TASTE OF ITALY: SHOWCASE

FASTNET CRYSTAL DEBUTS WITH THE HORSE RACING GROUP

By Nick Fahy. The horse racing group was set up to bring Members who love horse racing or at a minimum enjoy a day out at the races to come together to do just that. We started with a morning at Trainers Eddie and Patrick s yard at the Curragh to see behind the scenes. We had an excellent lunch and day at the Curragh races as a follow up with a day at Fairyhouse for some excellent national hunt racing in November and then off to Thurles for the debut of our Crystal Ocean filly on the 20 December which the Horseracing group named Fastnet Crystal. The group set up the Two Sheets to the Wind Syndicate for racing this filly. She is an exciting prospect trained by Joseph O’Brien and started as the favourite on the day and finished a very respectable second on her debut. What a day out!

SNOOKER & BILLARD’S CLUB UPDATE

By Ken Rogan & Peter Byers. Thanks to the now regular Tuesday evening gatherings in the snooker room, enthusiasm for playing the game and attendant social activity continues to grow. New players are participating which is great for the vibrancy of the billiards room. During the autumn, we played against the other waterfront clubs once each and had marginal victories in each match. The tournament will conclude with the return matches in February. During the October to December months, the annual snooker handicap competition took place with 49 people on the sheet. It culminated in a final held on 5 December with Paddy Boyd emerging victorious against Julien Richardson. Meanwhile, the Scratch and Billiards competition for 2026 is already underway, and we are delighted to welcome several new entrants. This year, for the first time, we are running a plate competition for those knocked out in Round 1. We look forward to updating you on progress.

WALKINGGROUP By Trina Milner. 'The Three Peaks' walk on 21st February was led by Enda & Aideen. Sodden ground meant a last minute change to a local walk on solid path and road, although we didn't manage to completely avoid the deep mud in places. Starting at Killiney Hill car park, our group of 7 climbed up through Dalkey quarry, down the eagle path and down again onto Vico road. High tide put paid to our plan to walk from white rock to Killiney beach, so we took the Vico road down onto the strand. Climbing up again from the other end of the strand, through the leafy lanes of Killiney, we passed the old 'Cill Iníon Léinin' monastic site, with its ancient ruined church and grave yard. From there we crossed Killiney Hill road and passing some very beautiful houses, made our way out onto Roches Hill - our First Peak! Muddy can be the only way to describe the terrain. Descending through Killiney village we reached the summit of Killiney Hill shortly after, followed by a quick skip up Dalkey Hill, our third summit of the morning. Then back through the quarry to our cars. Three summits in less than three hours, and we were still back in the club well in time to get prime seating for the Rugby match. A good day!

CREW CLASS ROWING

By Christina Nolan. The Indoor Rowing club continues with great enthusiasm at RIYC, as participants see tangible improvements to their cardio fitness, mobility and weight management. 6 months in, numbers have doubled and continue to grow. Led by Olympic Rower Niall O’Toole from Crew Class, Niall uses his expertise and personal experience to create a highly effective regime. Craic, banter and some great tunes keep everyone motivated to achieve their personal goals. Weather permitting the classes take place outside on the deck, where the fresh air and sea view contribute immeasurably to the sense of wellbeing. Indoor rowing is available to all and known to be one of the lowest impact fitness activities for adults. Our summer classes will be structured to compliment the DBSC sailing schedule.

A CLUB FULL OF FESTIVE CHEER & GENEROUS SPIRIT

DINNER By Robert Ribbens, Head Chef. What a night to remember! Our recent Italian Showcase was a true celebration of Italian Fine Food and Wine, influenced by the Antinori family's remarkable wines, paired with a menu that captured the heart and soul of Italy. The evening brought together our members for an experience filled with flavour, great company, and a touch of Italian charm. Each course was designed to compliment the featured wines, taking us on a journey through Italy’s famous regions and distinctive flavours. The pairings told a story of heritage, craftsmanship, and passion. A special mention goes to Matteo, our sous chef, whose Italian roots added wonderful authenticity to the evening. His insight and creativity shone through in every dish. We also couldn’t be prouder of our kitchen brigade their teamwork, professionalism, and skill made the whole evening run seamlessly. We’re already planning our next culinary showcase and can t wait to welcome you all back for another memorable night filled with exceptional wines, delicious food, and great conversation.

HEAD CHEF ROB FINALIST IN THE ‘JOE SHANNON CULINARY COMPETITION

’ Congratulations to Robert Ribbens on making the finals of the ‘Joe Shannon Culinary Competition’. This is open to all chefs around Ireland. The criteria was to design and present a two-course menu centered around innovation, sustainability and reduced food waste. Just missing out on a place on the rostrum, Robert’s dishes came fourth and given that this was a national competition open to all chefs from around the four provinces, was a real feather in his cap - especially given that head judge of a panel of three on the day was Neven Maguire. So, if you do see Robert around the club, please do join us in passing on congratulations to him. Keep an eye out for Robert’s Pollock dish at the 195 Regatta Supper in June!

CORPORATE HOSTING

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL MEMBERS Ifyouwork for, or have connections with, a company that regularly hosts team meetings, strategy sessions or client events, the Club offers a truly distinctive alternative to the traditional corporate setting. Our historic Clubhouse provides a unique setting that blends heritage, hospitality, and the maritime spirit of the Club. Corporate visits can also incorporate curated onshore and offshore activities, creating memorable experiences that support team building, collaboration, and meaningful connection. Member introductions are often the best way for organisations to discover the Club.

We have proudly partnered with many local companies such as the INSS, SeaZe the Bay and Dublin Bay Cruises who all have a wide variety of crafts available. Every outing is tailored specifically to your group. Whether you re planning a relaxed afternoon on the water or a high-energy team challenge, we’ll build an experience that fits your goals. Events can be scheduled any day of the week during daylight hours.

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

The Club was a hive of activity during December with over 500 Members, along with their family and friends joining us to dine at a Christmas Lunch, Dinner or at one of our famous Buffets. At our annual Carol service with the Ryan Family Singers, the collection for Dublin Simon Community raised €1,317.05. We are deeply grateful to all of the members who contributed to the collection. A special thank you to Santa who set aside a Friday evening & Saturday afternoon in his busy schedule to meet and greet all of the boys and girls. A huge thank you to all Members who donated to the Staff fund also, your generosity is greatly appreciated. It’s never too early to start planning for Christmas 2026 - contact Grace for more information about hosting an event, whether it’s a private party, drinks reception or dinner.

If you feel your company - or one you are connected with - might be interested in hosting an event, we would be delighted if you would consider making an introduction. The Club is an exclusive and unique location for corporate events and meetings Contact Grace for more information at sales@riyc.ie

WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! What do you think of The Royal Irish Post and our Weekly E-News? Please send any feedback to Grace Dooley at sales@riyc.ie.

The Royal Irish Post is published bi-annually and the 2026 Autumn/Winter edition will be published in September.

Sales & Events Executive Grace Dooley sales@riyc.ie