This event was a big milestone for RSI (RadioSailingIreland) as after a few years of no structured activities, this event was our first 'test' event.
Not only that but it was also organised and supported by our Host club Ramor Watersports Club who have welcomed us as a new addition to their sailing activity.

RWC are a small community of sailing enthusiasts who are not only sailing on regular basis out on the water but who are also a very friendly bunch ashore, always willing to give a hand and share their experience to others.
On of their latest initiative is their purchase of a new boat to their fleet. And this boat is rather special as it to bring people including those in a wheelchair out on the water. An experience that not many people in a wheelchair probably have. They picked that boat design specifically for its unique design, enabling wheelchair users to simply roll in to the boat together with able bodies joining the party to have a nice, relaxing time on the water.
And they do that on a contribution basis which is even more commendable.
Another example is through their help in the organisation of this IOM event.
They made the rescue boat available to us to lay the course and use as a rescue throughout the entire weekend.
They had volunteers coming in for Race Officer and scoring which made a big difference in making this event a success. A particular thank you to our official Hooter who did a marvelous job at hooting the finishers ;-)
Another success was the attendance from skippers coming as far as Cork, Dublin and its surroundings but also from Northern Ireland too. And we would like to thank them for joining us.
The wind was a little light and late to fill in but it eventually came in. The choice of rigs was simple and the top rig was used by everyone.
We had some interesting wind shifts. Not extreme but enough to make tactical choices important in each race.
We did try to set the starting line Port favoured to spread boats on the start which helped against the usual starboard gathering on the windward end of the line often resulting in frictions to say the least.

We had a good rhythm of races in late morning and we decided to have a nice break for lunch.

Thanks to the Lakeside manor hotel we all had a good lunch and much needed refreshments too cos we had a nice summer Irish weather ;-)
Time for round 2 of the day with the afternoon racing and some form of order started to form at the top of the ranking. But unfortunately one person went missing due to electronic issues. Vangelis had to call it a day early which was a real pity as his own Filya design looked to have the pace with the rest of us.
All in all we had 10 races completed on the Saturday.

Gilbert came out on top with his wooden Goth XP, closely followed by Martin with his BP and Stephen Penney too the 3rd place. See results for full details


On the Sunday we had few more competitors and we completed 12 races in a very similar wind and weather conditions. The Kay's brothers joined us too and it was good to see them back.
We also had more skippers who made the journey from Northern Ireland to join us on that lovely day.
The races were fiercely disputed but overall the fairplay of all the skippers made it very enjoyable for everyone. It was a tough battle for the top positions and no one had a clue who would come on top for the Sunday. But most importantly we had new comers who joined us and this is fantastic to see as racing is not all about the results but it is about getting together on the water and from the feedback received they had a good time and gained valuable experience.

At the end it was Martin with his BP who won, followed by Gilbert and Jeff, all within one point... Yes one single point between the top 3... Hot Hot Hot ;-)
The prize giving was hosted outside with some lovely cold drinks which were badly needed.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the skippers for joining us in this weekend event. In particular those from Cork and Northern Ireland to made the journey to Virginia for the event.
I would like to thank all the volunteers from RWC for their help and support before and during the event without whom this would not have been possible.

Invitations were already suggested for an event up North in September so we are looking forward to this.

February 13th light wind.

We met at our usual time of 10:00 but with not a ripple on the water we decided to head in the hotel for a how beverage which was welcome as the temperature barely reached the 9C.

We rigged up as the wind started to fill in.
Top rigs for everyone. We had 4 IOM and a DF95.

Vangelis and Keith went out to lay the usual windward lourd course with the start/finish just about a quarter of the leg up from the leeward marks.

We did a handful of races altogether - the point was not to score but to sail together on a course and help skippers tune.

Gordon started with a minute to go so the IOM had some form of handicap.

In the choppy water the IOM was far faster than the DF 95 but still provided great racing for everyone.

We also gave a go at some of the other club members who sail on big boats here in the club so they can experience what it is to helm a RC boat.

After a few race we packed up and met for a light lunch in the hotel before heading home... All together it was a great day.

We will post all the outings in the calendar on this site.

These may or may involve racing. For now the priority is to get out and sail, regardless of the RC boat people have.

Indeed to encourage anyone with a RC boat to enjoy our hobby we are welcoming anyone with any of the RC boat they have.
For now we are too small to select one class over another. We may organise events specific to a class later in the year.

 If you have have a RC boat, want to meet other enthusiasts of this hobby, then come out during these outings.

Ramor Watersports Club is a small sailing club attached to the Lake Manor Hotel near Virginia.
They have a mix of small keel boats and dinghy fleets but now they also have us sailing our RC boats.

We joined as members there. As a result we have access to the private floating pontoons and the club rescue.

It is clear water, not tidal and has a quick access to a relatively big sailing area.

The car park is right next to the lake and has plenty of spaces and the hotel is handy to get a coffee or food should we need.
Overall, a nice place to sail our boats.

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