Challenging Season so far
While the 2025 seasons is well underway, despite glorious fine weather in April, the weather gods have ordained a more challenging May with a number of races and outings cancelled. Of the seven Tuesday races so far DBSC have cancelled 5 and on one occasion our fleet separately cancelled due to little wind - a 15% success rate so far.
Saturdays have fared better with 4 races sailed out of 6 scheduled. However, one of these was abandoned as the wind died and the fleet ended up motoring home testing the electric engines which performed admirably. On the other occasions the Company made the decision not to race due to forecast heavy winds which proved to be the correct decision on each occasion. This included the proposed trip to Howth for the Lambay Race which turned out to be quite challenging with RNLI and Air support required to attend to a number of incidents. Unstable high winds were also recorded in Dublin Bay justifying the call to remain ashore.
Sundays have fared similarly with 4 outings from six opportunities, the cancellations again due to inclement weather.
Dublin Bay Old Gaffers Association (DBOGA) Regatta 24 May
The Twentyones were delighted to participate in the DBOGA Regatta on Saturday 24 May which was sailed in lieu of DBSC. This was a first for the Class and a great welcome was extended by the DBOGA and host Club Poolbeg to all competitors. Four Twentyones attended with Garavogue having a rest. Due to lively conditions Geraldine and Oola elected to reef while Naneen and Estelle remained on full rig. The start was close to South Bull Mark and a straightforward four mark course was set by the race committee. Despite the reefs the fleet sailed in close formation however the full rig boats did hold prime position with Naneen taking honours followed by Estelle in second place.
Back at Poolbeg for the Prizegiving the Twentyones, being the only Gaff rig boats participating, were honoured with the award of DBOGA’s Stanley Silver Salver to the Class, which is reserved for the Gaff race fleet. This was presented to Naneen’s Skipper, John Sugars, who graciously accepted on behalf of the Class. Mike Reid and his crew on Estelle took second place by a close margin receiving an engraved crystal glass in honour of the occasion.
Overall, an excellent event and one which all parties hope will become a regular feature in the calendar in future years.
Class Ethos
The Company has asked that all sailors are mindful of the fact that the revival of the Dublin Bay Twentyones has been described as “perhaps unprecedented” and “probably unique”.
The Twentyones are organised differently to other classes. Instead of relegating crew to the role of passive ballast on the weather rail, our cockpit-based crews are all actively involved in sailing our craft. Unlike owner/skippers in other classes, we have developed a custom of sharing roles and allowing less experienced crew members to helm on different legs of the course, while overall responsibility always rests with the nominated skipper. This promotes inclusivity and builds crew morale as well as providing the opportunity to enhance individual sailing abilities in handling these historic craft.
Now that our fleet is growing, risks of collision at starts, mark rounding's and port and starboard meetings are increased. So, it is timely to make explicit the ethos of our racing. Yes, it is fun to win and less fun to come last, but we ask experienced racing sailors to please restrain their keen competitive instincts in all close quarter situations. This may require refraining from using some racing tactics employed by experienced sailors who are very familiar with the Racing Rules and sail their own craft.
Skippers should take extra care to anticipate, and communicate in a timely manner to crew members, how best to avoid situations which could cause damage to our unique craft, or indeed injuries.
Thus, we maintain our special ethos and our unique “Esprit de Flotille”!
Upcoming Events
Sunday 15 June being the day before Bloomsday the Fleet will honour this 1904 event by sailing down past the Forty-foot Martello tower, where James Joyce lived for a very brief period but his experience there left an enduring impression recorded in his opus Ulysses. The Joyce Museum at the Martello tower have been informed of this sail, thanks to Patricia Boyd who is a volunteer there, and they will publicise it on their own social network so hopefully many Joyceans and friends will be on shore to salute the fleet as they sail by on the “..snot green sea” Period dress is welcome but not compulsory.
Friday 20th June marks the centenary of the return of Conor O’Brien on Saoirse two years to the day after the set off to circumnavigate the world. The first Irishman and an early pioneer of this journey. To mark the occasion, The Ilen, will lead a flotilla of boats from Killiney Bay back to the Harbour to a reception hosted by RIYC where O’Brien was a member. The 56ft 1926-built trading ketch Ilen was commissioned by the Falkland Islands Company after being impressed by the 42 ft Saoirse when Conor O’Brien called there on his journey. O’Brien undertook the commission and had Ilen built at the Fishery School in Baltimore to his design and then personally delivered to the Falkland Islands to fulfil the contract.
It is noteworthy that the Twentyones and Water Wags would have been familiar to Conor O’Brien, and it is fitting that both fleets would be represented to take part in the homecoming commemorations.
The ICC are hosting a commemorative dinner in the RIYC later that evening and some Sailors are attending however places are now very limited Tickets, if still available, are €58 via the following link CONOR O'BRIEN RETURN DINNER
Fleet Update
Oola re-joined the fleet on 16 May and was launched and put in Commission by the Kilrush boatyard team ready to sail. Members of the Boyd Family, who have a long association with Oola, were present for her arrival and joined Hal, Fionan and other Sailors present to raise a glass in her honour at the NYC. Her maiden sail was the following day for the DBSC Saturday race. Unfortunately, this race had to be abandoned due to the wind disappearing, denying Oola a podium place on her first outing.
Thursday 15 May 2025 will be recorded as a very significant date in the Revival Project when Innisfallen departed Ned Kelly's yard near Arklow after 35 years. The departure was overseen by Fionán, who orchestrated the transfer of the seven boats to the farmyard in 1991. With this departure, Ned Kelly said his final goodbye to the fleet, who he has befriended over the years. Innisfallen is now in Kilrush to begin her revival journey.
Joe St Leger recorded the event and has posted up on YouTube which is well worth viewing https://youtu.be/F6zYP1dORJs?si=KtWaxQGm89zUA-Eh
Sailing Roster
The crew roster up to the end of June is available for updating via the website so please log in and update your availability accordingly. You will receive an email confirming your choices immediately after submission so that you have a personal record also. If anyone requires assistance on this system, please contact Elaine, Gillian or John, who will be happy to assist -
Fair sailing to All