SID Newsletter Aug/Sept 2009

Ruffian Racing

Recommended courses include:

• ISA Powerboat level 2
• ISA Safety Boat level 3
• Recognised First Aid course
• Marine engine maintenance
• Diesel engine maintenance
• Yachtmaster theory
• Coastal Skipper theory
• VHF Certificate

Powerboat and VHF qualifications are particularly important and the early joining discount next year may be conditional upon having them...

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Cruising

Skerries Trip

Four SID members ventured from Dun Laoghaire to the distant shores of Skerries on the weekend of the 27/28 Sept. The calm-cool-collected Mr. David Byrne was our skipper, as joint first mate we had the fabulous Jo Toomey and the ever entertaining Tony Corbett. Well down the food chain was general dogs-body and performer of menial tasks, Catherine Pierse. Sadly, Nicola who was due to join us had bailed (claiming to be sick). Though those who had last sailed with her maintained that Nicola should by now be well used to being sick on a boat and sure why would that stop her.

Jo announced at the start of the trip that this was a trip where the log was going to be taken very seriously indeed. When David responded by suggesting hourly entries this was firmly rebuffed in favour of a tighter system of 30 minute entries. This worked well for the first half hour but sadly enthusiasm soon dipped and let's just say the thirty minute entry plan didn't work out in the end.

Happily there was very little wind on the way to Skerries and this provided ample opportunity for chat. A particular focus was the current economic blahblah and the effect that this is having on the most vulnerable group in society (the country's teachers apparently). Some of the other burning issues covered included: Is there really is any difference between the RYA and ISA courses? ; Sailing and the Alpha Male (details of debate available upon request) ; Glenans (its future etc. etc. etc) ; Glen-walk got about an hour : Anyone who has ever contemplated taking up the ~dangerous sport of hill-walking~ will be reassured to learn that apparently Glen-walk provide their own custom-made whistles at the start of their strolls. A possible merchandising idea for SID there, Regina??

When we arrived at Skerries, it was decided by Tony that those most in need of the exercise should pump up the inflatable dinghy. Without a murmur, Catherine and Jo set about the task. Ten minutes later, with well toned Glutes, the two ladies were thanked for their efforts but informed that in fact the dingy should now be deflated as alternative transport arrangements had been made. Not a word was said.

Jo had announced early on that she only eats in restaurants which serve crab-claws and such a restaurant was quickly identified. ( Place called "Stoop-the head" on the seafront - would recommended it.) In the end we go a spin back out to the boat (organized through the sailing club in Skerries - David has details). Some of us STILL think we should have used that inflatable dinghy though. Sure, Tony would have rowed us back in no time at all~

Anyhow as the word count is now probably used up, there is little more to say except that a peaceful night was spent on the mooring in Skerries. We had fabulous wind the next day and sailed all the way home - leaving at around 10 and getting in around 3.

Thanks to David for the great skippering, and Jo and Tony for the great vice captaining.

Trip to Arklow