Dublin Bay 21 Footers

revival oF the dublin baY twentYones

For a generation born in the digital age, beguiled by novelty and technology in the design of modern sailing boats, the revival of the Dublin Bay Twentyones is a timely reminder of how beau-tiful a true sailing boat can be. Commissioned by Dublin Bay Sailing Club in 1902 to promote and encourage one design racing, the Twenty Ones were designed by Alfred Mylne, one of the fore-most yacht designers of the Victorian era. Between 1903 and 1908, seven yachts were built to Alfred Mylne’s design and although all still survive, they have not sailed in Dublin Bay since 1985.

All the original Twentyones are now owned by the Dublin Bay 21 Footer Class Association which is committed to the revival of the class. The boats will sail with the gaff rig as designed by Alfred Mylne in 1918 and will provide an opportunity for present day sailors to have an authentic classic sailing experience.

Unfortunately, the revival of the Twentyones, like everything else, has been affected by the Covid pandemic. It had been expected that the 2020 Season would have seen two, possibly three fully restored boats sailing again in Dublin Bay. Two of the boats, Garavogue (4) and Naneen (6) have been sailing successfully off Kilrush and a third, Estelle (3) will soon join them. Work on a fourth, Geraldine (7) is underway.

It is difficult at present to make definite plans for the return of the Class to Dublin Bay. Everyone involved is hoping that it may be possible to bring Garavogue, Naneen and Estelle back from Kil-rush this Summer. 2021 could be the year of the 21’s.

Garavogue and Naneen lying at present in Kilrush Marina