The Parade of classic sail is an initiative led by yachting historian Hal Sisk, under the auspices of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Co Council (DLRCC) and Dublin Bay Sailing Club and designed to be an integral part of the Coastival Week which was inaugurated in last year. Unfortunately, adverse weather meant that the planned parade did not happen in 2023, so this year was the first Parade of sail bringing with it all the trials and tribulations of establishing something new. This is even more particularly true when one is trying to co-ordinate over 40 boats from Lasers and Water Wags right up to 40ft + classics including Hals beloved Marian Maid, Setanta, Pamina and of course our own fleet of Dublin Bay Twentyones.  

The four Dublin Bay Twentyones  took centre stage, being of a size, classic appearance and unique heritage as the worlds oldest one design cruiser racer. All four Twentyones sailed in perfectly close formation past the bandstand that the term “synchronised sailing” may even be applied providing a superb spectacle for the pier audience. Our very own Hal Sisk was on the pier providing a amplified commentary, describing each class, its history and some stories for the amusement of the assembled audience. Unfortunately, this commentary was not available to the sailors themselves whose key role was to sail by in a timely and coordinated manner – actors on the stage.

Following the sail by the bandstand the various boats sailed out the harbour, keeping close to the East Pier, out to the newly installed Roger Casement statue on Scotsman's Bay, and then towards the Martello Tower at Sandycove for the benefit of the 40 ft swimmers. After rounding Battery Mark, the fleet then proceeded to sail around the cruise ship moored in the bay, back to Turning Mark before returning to the moorings.

The Twentyones had to vacate their moorings early to ensure that the space close to the bandstand was clear for the whole spectacle to be staged. The four boats provided, as they do each time they go out, a great opportunity for pier walkers to witness the preparations before sailing culminating with the hoisting and setting of the sails before gracefully sailing off the moorings exactly as the did over 120 years ago.

Upon departing the moorings, the fleet went outside the harbour and sailed around the DBSC starting mark area which allowed the crews to settle in practicing tacking and gybing in advance of the performing before the pier audience. John Leahy was tasked to be fleet controller for the event and, based on his own Sun Odyssey at the mouth of the harbour, maintained radio contact with the bandstand control centre and the various boats while having a visual overview of what was happening on the water and where each boat was. This was a challenging task, trying to coordinate each fleet and individual boats to be ready to line up at the correct time for their individual sail by but accomplished to the relief and joy of all concerned.

A huge appreciation to Hal Sisk in leading and driving this initiative which should become an annual feature. Equally to all who assisted Hal on the day and of course to DLRCC and DBSC in supporting and promoting the heritage of Dun Laoghaire harbour – the cradle of yacht racing!