The website has been moved to a new server, so there may be some broken links, photos missing etc.. If there are still problems after 10th Feb, please let me know. dermot (at) catamaran.ie
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Hello!!

Blessington Sailing Club would like to invite you to join us in a Family Fun Open Day on Saturday 18^th September 2010 from 12 -4 pm. 

In order to make it an enjoyable day, a number of water and land based operators have come together to encourage you to partake in are shore and water based activities for all ages…… 

These operators include:

 Blessington Sailing Club      -   Dinghy Sailing, Catamaran Sailing & Shore Activities

Avon Ri Activity Centre       -   Dinghy Sailing, Kayaking, Windsurfing & Cruiser Sailing

Total Experience                 -   Kayaking

Blessington Sailing School    -   Dinghy Sailing & Catamaran Sailing

Three Castle Rowing Club   -   Rowing

Lacken Windsurfing Club     -  Windsurfing

Ballyknocken Ramblers.      -   Day Boat Sailing

By hosting an event like this you can simply meet each of the clubs that operate on the lake and gather information in regard to what activities you can do and how to get involved.

All activities are FREE to encourage you to try a sport and see if you like it!!!

So come on and join us in what going to be a great afternoon at Blessington Sailing club. 

Please see  www.blsc.ie for more information about the club and its location.
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Blessington Lake Open Day   Blessington Sailing Club    Sat 18^th Sept,   12 – 4PM.

The Blessington Lake Open Day takes place at Blessington Sailing Club on Saturday 18^th September, 12 – 4PM.

 It promises to be a great day for all the family: 

·                    Sail against your kids/parents in the Topper Relay

·                    Try your hand at Windsurfing, Kayaking or Rowing

·                    Go for a cruise on a Drascombe Lugger

·                    Join in the family fun games – 3-legged race, welly throwing, etc.

·                    Throw your weight at the tug-of-war

·                    Sail on a GP14 or Catamaran

 No experience is necessary, safety gear and instruction will be provided. Bring wet gear/warm clothing and a change of clothes, hot showers available.

 Burgers, snacks and drinks available all day.

 Come down and join in the fun, bring your friends and relations, and enjoy one last party before the summer is out!

 

Topper Sunday Series Report 20/7/10   RESULTS (click)
After our 5 weeks of Junior Training on Sundays all has been going very well, except for one week which was too windy to sail. Each week we have had 6-10 juniors all eager to get out sailing. The level has ranged from those who have never sailed before, looking to get some experience before the summer course, to those who regularly race on the Topper Circuit. Edie, Lily and Jennifer picked up the basics of sailing very quickly, while Jack, Oran, David, Alex and Max improved their skills from last year and Frank, Alison, Ciara, Eoin and Michelle all brushed up on their racing skills.  Overall everyone seemed to have improved some aspect of their sailing and really enjoyed their time on the water.

He's done it again ! Congratulations Finn Lynch !
FINN LYNCH AWARDED AT EVENING HERALD SCHOOL SPORT'S AWARD CEREMONY
See: www.sailing.ie/news/newsDetails.asp?id=3525

Sat 15th May Club Workday 10am - 4pm
The trees have been cut. The drainage work is complete. Now we need to tidy up the site. Please bring rakes and shovels - but especially, come yourselves - there is a lot of tidying up to be done before the GP 14 Event on the 22nd May.
See you on Saturday !

Blessington Sailors take Podium Places in 3 Classes at Mitsubishi Youth Regatta.
Finn Lynch took 1st place in the Topper Class
Rory Lynch was 2nd in the Laser Radial Class
Jenifer Dolan & Aisling Smyth were 1st in the SL16 Catamaran Class
See full Results: http://www.dublinbay2012.com/mitsubishi2010/index.php/results/

Race Officer & Rescue Rota
We are a bit late organizing the Rota this year. We have changed the format slightly. 
Every Sunday and Wednesday there will be a qualified powerboat driver on duty – this will be one of our Junior Sailors. Two more Club Members will fill the other two places on the roster. 
All our fully paid up members (that we have email addresses for) have received an email from me. 
Some of you will be on the list for the first time. All members should be available to help with the rescue duty. The Junior member will be with you and will explain what has to be done, so nobody needs to be worried, if you do not know how to set up a course, take times etc. 
I need your feedback as soon as possible. You will probably be allocated two duties over the season. If you have a preference for certain days, or dates, please let me know (give me a few dates, so that I can have a bit of flexibility). Are there days or weeks that you will not be available – let me know. Do you want to be on the same day as your crew, let me know his/her name etc. 

I have taken these email addresses from the database of paid up members. If there is a reason why you should not be on my list, if you have resigned, or will not be available this season, PLEASE LET ME KNOW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. If I do not hear back from you, you will go on the list and MUST TURN UP FOR YOUR DUTY. 

If you have not received an email and are fully paid up, then please contact me and give me an idea of when you will (or will not) be available for duty. The list of Sunday and Wednesday racing is on the Events page. 
Thanks, 
Dermot Mangan 
Sailing Secretary. 
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ISA North & East Coast Championships 24th & 25th April 2010
Each ISA affiliated Club on the North and East coats of Ireland will be asked to send one 4 man crew to represent their Club, sailing J80s. If you would like to be part of this crew, and for further information, contact the Secretary at blsc@eircom.net
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2010 Junior Training:
Begins Monday 5th July, and runs for 3 weeks up to Friday 23rd.
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Finn Lynch takes 1st Place in UK 188 boat Topper Fleet (click)
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Sail Orienteering at Avon Rí. Sat 10th October  - Click here
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420 Leinster Championships Notice of Race
Blessington SC will host the 420 Leinster Championships on 3rd & 4th October 2009
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Finn Lynch 2nd overall at the 2009 Topper World Championships (click)
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ESB Irish Topper Nationals   August 15 - 17    Entry Form     N O R    More Info
The ESB Irish Topper Nationals will be held at Blessington Sailing Club from Saturday 15th to Monday 17th of August 2009. Return your  Entry Form before 1st August for reduced Entry Fee.
The Blessington Topper Sailors look forward to welcoming their friends from Ireland and Abroad.
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Topper Coaching 20/21 June
There is Topper coaching for all juniors this weekend 20/21 June. The 2 coaches are Ben
Lynch and  Maria Dolan. We need all sailors rigged for 10 a.m. and the cost
of the weekend will be €40 for the 2 days.
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Social Event and Cat Training 6th / 7th June
We regret that the Social Event and Catamaran Training, scheduled for this weekend have both been cancelled, due to the fact that many people will be away and not able to attend.
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Junior Training Application Form
This form is now posted on the "Junior Sailing" page.
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Race Officer & Rescue Rota
The Race Officer and Rescue Rota is now posted at the top of the Events page. You have 1 week from now (13th March) to let me know if dates do not suit you.

Dermot
Sailing Secretary
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Winter Storage

Officially sailing is over for the year, anyone considering going out, should remember that there is no rescue and that the water is pretty cold. Also the water system in the Clubhouse will be drained and there will be no showers or toilets.
If possible, you should bring your boat home for the Winter. If you do leave it on the site, take down your mast and please make sure that the boat is well tied down and secure. Also, it would be better if trampolines were removed from catamarans – so that there will be less windage.

 

See you next season 
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Annual Dinner
The Annual Prize-giving Dinner will take place at Tulfarris Hotel on Saturday the 15th of November 2008.
Tickets:   €50. Contact John Gibson 01 4905639, Patricia on 087 6864460, or any Committee Member.
Saturday Night Accommodation can be booked at €99.00 per double room, including breakfast.

The AGM will be held on Wednesday 12th November in the Avon Rí at 8.00pm.
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UK Spitfire Nationals
Congratulations to Blessington Spitfire sailors Brian & Annette Murphy and Amy Jayne Lawrence (Crewed by Yvonne Sheehan from Cork). They came 10th and 11th in the UK Spitfire Nationals. This is a fantastic result in in a 28 boat UK Spitfire fleet.
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Lake Raid
Because the Civil Defence will not be available to give us rescue cover on the 6th September, the Lake Raid has been postponed until the 11th October.
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Catamaran Training
The beginner/intermediate catamaran training has been postponed to the 14th June because many sailors are doing the VHF Course on the 24th May.
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Open Day Sunday 15th June
The Club will host an Open Day on Sunday 15th June for members, their friends and colleagues. We hope to have a sailing and social day with existing members and attract some new members. Members are encouraged to bring friends and colleagues who have expressed an interest in sailing, and boats will be available to give them a taste of life on the lake. 
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VHF Radio Course
We have organised a VHF radio course in the Sailing Club on Thursday the
22nd May from 7.30pm  to 10.00 pm and Saturday 24th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
followed by an exam. If anyone is interested please contact Peter Dolan on
087 2621616 or by email peter@comans.ie.
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Junior Training 2008, Notice & Forms
By clicking here, you can download the Notice of Junior Training and the Application Form.

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The AGM will take place at the Avon Rí Leisure Resort on Wednesday 28th November 2007 at 8.00pm.

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The Annual Prize-giving Dinner will take place at the Avon Rí Leisure Resort on Saturday the 17th of November 2007.
Tickets:       €50. Contact a Committee Member.
Saturday Night Accommodation can be booked from Avon Rí.
The accommodation comes in the form of townhouses which sleep 6 people and cost €175 per house/per night, if booked online. http://secure.avonri.com/bookings/checkavailability

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Unfortunately the "Special Racing Sunday", as advertised in the Calendar, will not happen this Sunday 27th May. Normal racing will be at 3.00pm.

Dermot Mangan,
Sailing Secretary.

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New Season - Racing Starts with the Spring Lamb Series - Sunday 1st April 2007 - 2.00pm.
See "Events Calendar"

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Topper Squad Training Feb 2007 - Mention for Blessington Juniors.
The ISA topper squad returned to training last weekend in Kilrush Co. Clare. See Report: http://www.sailing.ie/news/newsDetails.asp?id=1435

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End of Season Catamaran Newsletter - by AJ

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The AGM will take place at the Avon Rí Leisure Resort on Wednesday 15th November 2006 at 8.00pm.

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The Annual Prize-giving Dinner will take place at the Avon Rí Leisure Resort on Saturday the 25th of November 2006.
Tickets:       €30 - Adult.          €20 - Junior.

Saturday Night Accommodation can be booked from Avon Rí.
The accommodation comes in the form of townhouses which sleep 6 people and cost €150 per house/per night - or €130 if booked online. www.blessingtonlakeshoreresort.com/resort_reservations

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ISA All-Ireland Junior Sailing Championship
Congratulations to Ben Lynch for finishing in 2nd place in the ISA Junior Sailing Championship on joint points with the winner, George Kenefick from the RCYC. Maria Dolan was 9th overall and 3rd Lady. These results really put Blessington Sailors on the map ! Well done to our Junior Sailors and Organisers.

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Topper Traveller Series
The Blessington Topper Fleet travelled to Carlingford on 30th September for the latest event in the Topper Traveller Series. The Blessington sailors put up a very good showing in some very strong winds.
Maria Dolan was first of the Blessington boats in 5th Place. Finn Lynch and Jennifer Dolan were 11th and 12th.
The other Blessington Sailors were: Aisling Smyth, Mark Dolan, Dorieann Roantree and Rory Lynch.

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ISA All-Ireland Sailing Championship
Amy Jayne Lawrence & Carl Smith won the Irish Multihull Assoc. Travellers Trophy and are representing the IMA at the ISA All Ireland Sailing Champs. on the 7th & 8th October.
We wish A J and Carl "All the best".

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ISA All-Ireland Sailing Championship
2 Blessington sailors are among the 25 Junior sailors who will compete to be crowned the 2006 Junior Champion of Ireland.
Maria Dolan and Ben Lynch have been chosen by the ISA to compete in this prestigious Event on 7th & 8th October.
Congratulations to them.
The Event is being sailed in Toppers and both our sailors are well experienced in this class.
We wish them all the best

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The Annual Prize-giving Dinner will take place at the Avon Rí Leisure Resort on Saturday the 25th of November 2006.
Tickets:       €30 - Adult.          €20 - Junior.

Saturday Night Accommodation can be booked from Avon Rí.
The accommodation comes in the form of townhouses which sleep 6 people and cost €150 per house/per night - or €130 if booked online. www.blessingtonlakeshoreresort.com/resort_reservations

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NOTE CHANGE ! Lake Raid
The Lake Raid has been postponed until Saturday 14th October 2006 !

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Catamaran Inland Championships
Congratulations ! Amy Jayne Lawrence and Carl Smith have won the Catamaran Inland Championships. Blessington cats took the top 3 places.

Well done A J and Carl for organizing a wonderful event.

Numbers were down because of the change of date from our usual July slot. (It will be back on track next year), but everyone claimed that it was one of the best events ever - both on the water and socially - FAT FROGS FOREVER !

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Sun 16th July - Senior Regatta - 2 Races - First Gun 2.00pm

Sat 15th July - Junior Regatta  - Postponed to a later date

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GP14 Leinster Champs - Results on "Race Results" page

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Sun 25th June - Short Races Cancelled
Once again, the special short races will not be held this Sunday 25th June. Normal racing will be a 3.00pm.

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Blessington Cats 1^st & 2^nd at Multihull Western Champs.

Email to Cat Group from A J

Hey guys,
A quick e-mail to you all to congrat those that went to Galway. All of us arrived down Fri evening. We all headed into Oranmore for dinner and pick up drinks for later. Back at the club we sat out and watched an amazing lightening storm off the coast and then had a great sing song, keeping the rain away!! Thanks Dermot for the music.

Sat-
 Started off nice and wind was meant to build as we were racing. The first race saw very long legs in a windward leeward course. 2nd race the legs were shortened but more laps. A lot of us were thinking “Gee finish us after the 3rd lap”, as the wind was really getting up and there were a lot of capsizes going on. 3rd race, wind up and waves growing. The last lap saw gennikers being dropped and people just looking forward to crossing the line and heading home !!!

Sat evening it was back to Oranmore for food that took ages (not a place top of the list to go back to!) It was a quiet night as all were feeling a little wrecked, with damage done to boats, and  people sore from bruising and some minor stitches!!!

There was no racing on Sun. Wind was crazy and no one wanted any more boats / people damaged.

Blessington did great, with top results 1st and 2nd

1st     A-J Lawrence & Mark Donegan
2nd    Dermot Mangan & Aisling Clarke

Well done Aubyn & Eric,  Brian and Annette - first Galway event in Spitfire .

 Next event: Enniskillen, 24th-25th June. This is a really good fun event. It's not part of the Travellers Trophy, it's really relaxed. I know there's a good gang going this year and a good gang of Blesso boats are talking about going. People are looking for crews so let me know if you would like to go and want to crew or if you need a crew. The Inlands are on after this so we’ll have to get together and discuss this and what we want to do.

Well done again guys, see you all soon
A-J
Catamaran Class Captain.

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O'Rahilly Trophy Results
The results are up on the "Race Results" page.
I only have sail numbers for some Lasers and Toppers. If you know who sailed what, let me know dermot@catamaran.ie and I will add names.

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Sun 28th May - Short Races Cancelled
Due to the low number of boats racing so far this season, the special short races will not be held this Sunday 28th May. Normal racing will be a 3.00pm.

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Race Officer Training
Joe Crilly will hold Race Officer training on Sundays 21st and 28th May. Those who wish to avail of this training should turn up on these dates. The training on the 21st will be at the flagpole and start at 2.00pm approx. On the 28th it will most likely be "On the Water", with different sessions from 11.00am to 3.00pm.

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Sunday Specials !
On the 28th May and 25th June, there will be up to 6 races held throughout the day, starting at 11.00am.
Short Racing Sunday;  Briefing 10.30, Start 11.00.  Water starts for; Toppers, Lasers, GPs, Cats (6 races with break).    Last race to count in Sunday series. (The last race will not start before 3.00pm)

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The Membership Booklet is now on the website, on the "Facilities" and "Membership" pages.
Members should be familiar with the Club Rules

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Please note: The Race Officer & Rescue Rota can now be accessed from the Events Calendar page. If you have not sent back the form with your preferences, you will be allocated a duty which might not suit you. Check the rota now and see what dates are still vacant. If you are allocated a duty, it is your responsibility to cover those dates, or find a substitute. 
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O'Rahilly Trophy: Who has it ?
Do you know where the O'Rahilly Trophy is  ? The winners of the event in the last few years did not receive the Trophy. Did you offer to accept the Trophy for the winner who may not have been at the Prizegiving Dinner ?
Someone has it ! Will you please check your trophy cabinet - or attic ! It would be a shame if we have lost this Trophy.
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Racing starts on Sunday 26th March 2006. See Events Calendar.

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Prizegiving Dinner Fri. 25th Nov

Remember to keep Friday 25th November free for the Prizegiving Dinner in Poulaphouca House Hotel.
You will receive your Newsletter early next week with full details.

The venue for the AGM has been changed to Poulaphouca House, due to the closure of the Downshire. This will be on the original date, Wednesday 30th November.

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O'Rahilly Trophy Sun 5th June

Congratulations to Ben Lynch for winning the O'Rahilly Trophy in very trying conditions.

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Catamaran Invitation Day Sat. 28th May

The Blessington Catamaran Fleet and the Irish Multihull Association are having an invitation day at the Club on Saturday 28th May. Contact Catamaran Class Captain and IMA Representative Amy Jayne Lawrence for details, email: s067aj@yahoo.ie

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Topper European Championship

The official launch of the Topper European Championships took place at Ocean Bar, Charlotte Quay, Ringsend, at 3 pm Thursday, 12th May.

Minister for the Environment Mr. Dick Roche, TD attended the launch along with Robert Dix, ISA President, and Cormac Bradley, ISA Chief Executive Officer.

The ISA has approved a grant of €20,000 towards the hosting of the event which will take place in Blessington Sailing Club on Sunday 14 August to Friday 19 August 2005.

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REMINDER
Please keep the gate locked at all times and, if you are last off the site, check that the Clubhouse door is locked.
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