The
Royal Irish
Post
AUTUMN/WINTER EDITION ° TWO THOUSAND AND TWENTY FIVE WWW.RIYC.IE LIVE COOKING STATION
RIYC WINE EVENTS
RIYC JUNIOR REGATTA
THE ADMIRAL’S CUP
Fast, Fresh & Fantastic
Perfectly Chilled
A Glimpse Into The Future
100 Years of RORC
CHAMPAGNE SAILING A REGATTA TO REMEMBER! THE VDLR 2025: 1600 SAILORS 350 BOATS 52 YACHT CLUBS 4 FABULOUS DAYS A major highlight in the Irish sporting summer calendar, the Volvo Dún Laoghaire Regatta did not disappoint. With racing in 36 categories from high performance fleets and local racers to complete newcomers, the weekend welcomed an array of people from all over Ireland and internationally. Intense racing was matched by the après sail on shore where the live cooking station and BBQ were fired up and ready to feed hungry sailors, with many commenting it to be ’the best food offering’ of the Regatta. The celebrations continued late into the night, every evening with live music and entertainment keeping spirits high. A special mention to RIYC Member’s Tim & Richard Goodbody with White Mischief, Bobby Kerr with Riders on the Storm and Barry Cunningham with Chimaera for their success in their respective classes. A huge congratulations to the VDLR Organisers, the volunteers and to the RIYC staff for their hard work, dedication and support ensuring the success of the Regatta looked seamless and setting the standard for future events. Here’s looking forward to our very own RIYC Regatta next year!
RIYC AT THE ADMIRAL’S CUP By David Branigan. Barely two weeks after the conclusion of the revived Admiral's Cup, consideration of the first Royal Irish Yacht Club team entry and options for the future are already underway. The event attracted 30 yachts and 15 Club teams from several countries and was won by the Yacht Club of Monaco with the Royal Hong Kong YC second and the YC Costa Smeralda third. The crews comprised a roll call of some of the world’s best racing sailors, many with America’s Cup, Olympic Games and Round the World track records. And the dockside was abuzz with word of eye-watering expenditure on boats and sailors and Cowes Yacht Haven was host to some stunning Formula 1-type vessels. Looking back on the event, the RIYC Commodore points to Ireland's presence at this event that was widely remarked upon and, in particular the club's initiative to field an team. One learning-point is already clear and that is that early planning is essential. "The RIYC’s longer-term ambition is to re-ignite interest in offshore sailing and to make this aspect of our sport more centre stage," he said as he noted the intention to hold the next event in 2027. "The Club is discussing how it can build on its recent participation, the lessons learned and what are the key factors for future success. "Those factors come broadly under four headings - boats, crews, money and time." A structured approach, building on this year's "toe in the water" approach would draw in many members who have been active offshore, and at such a high level, whilst providing an outlet for many interested members and other Irish sailors to race in the challenging longer distance events. For the wider and longer term ambition, the Admiral’s Cup has generated a pool of talented and experienced members willing to share their knowledge and experience with the Club, especially its youngsters. "The AC event and the Fastnet also revealed an impressive number of Irish sailors spread around key positions on several great yachts," said Chef d’Equipe Michael Boyd. "All were delighted to see an Irish team in the AC. Bringing those resources together for future offshore sailing (under a Club/Irish flag) is a noble and exciting vision." The event in Cowes rekindled more than just racing on the challenging waters of the Solent. There was a clear atmosphere of friendship and warm camaraderie amongst rival crews who all enjoyed the hospitable town of West Cowes. Celebrating its 100th anniversary of the both the club and the Fastnet Race, the Royal Ocean Racing Club itself was an open and fun venue for a series of social events in its recently modernised clubhouse overlooking Southampton Water and Cowes Harbour. While the Admiral's Cup formula in 2025 was widely judged a success, it will still be reviewed with the final format confirmed by the Autumn. Other talk was of reviving the Commodore's Cup which was the amateur equivalent to the pro dominated Admiral's Cup and in which Ireland has had success twice in teams led by the Royal Cork YC. With a clear vision of the future prospects offered by the larger racer/cruiser scene, a multi-generational strategy is emerging. Details to follow soon!
A NOTE FROM THE COMMODORE
It is with great pleasure that I welcome the refreshed Royal Irish Post. This highlights important events of the last few months, together with some forthcoming ones. It also has sections on some of the various activities your Club undertakes. The Post includes a Calendar of Events covering the Winter and Spring. The intent of this new Winter and Spring Calendar is to allow you, at a glance, to spot events of interest and to diary these well in advance. For our Country and Overseas members, this will also allow you to plan your visits to Club, should your trip to Dublin coincide with events you would like to attend. Supplementary events and more information on already scheduled activities (e.g. speakers and topics) will be added from time-to-time and will be included in ENews updates. The Flag officers look forward to welcoming members and guests to our events and encourage members to use their Club to the maximum.
AUTUMN/WINTER CLUB EVENTS CALENDAR SEPTEMBER
16 Thursday
Bridge Club
Bridge Club
18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
Rowing Club
Chess Club
17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
19.15 for 19.30 - Member’s Bar
18 Saturday
17.45 for 18.00 Optional Pre-Play Dinner 19.00 for 19.15 - The Drawing Room
17.45 for 18.00 Optional Pre-Play Dinner 19.00 for 19.15 - The Drawing Room
3 Wednesday
OCTOBER
Rowing Club
Yoga Club
Meditation Group
18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
Book Club
1 Wednesday
Chess Club
Yoga Club
19.15 for 19.30 - Member’s Bar
18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
5 Wednesday
Chess Club
2 Tuesday Yoga Club 18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
‘Best Friends’ By Andrew Meehan 10.45 for 11.00 - The Dining Room
Yoga Club
Book Club
10.15 for 10.30 - The Wet Bar
Champagne Evening 18.00 - The Drawing Room
Annual Pursuit Race
‘We Don’t Know Ourselves’’ By Fintan O’Toole 10.45 for 11.00 - The Dining Room
PM Sailing
Dance Class
17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
‘TransAtlantic’ By Colm McCann 10.45 for 11.00 - The Dining Room
19 Wednesday
9 Tuesday
19.00-20.00 & 20.00-21.00 The Wet Bar
Bridge Club
Dance Class
18.45 for 19.00 - The Drawing Room
5 Friday
Bridge Club
21 Tuesday Rowing Club
17.45 for 18.00 Optional Pre-Play Dinner 19.00 for 19.15 - The Drawing Room
Book Club
19.00-20.00 & 20.00-21.00 The Wet Bar
Evening Book Club
Dance Class
17.45 for 18.00 Optional Pre-Play Dinner 19.00 for 19.15 - The Drawing Room
2 Thursday 19.00 for 19.30
Meditation Group
Yoga Club
7 Tuesday
18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
Rowing Club
Yoga Club
Chess Club
17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
19.15 for 19.30 - Member’s Bar
Bridge Club
Chess Club
13 Saturday
17.45 for 18.00 Optional Pre-Play Dinner 19.00 for 19.15 - The Drawing Room
19.15 for 19.30 - Member’s Bar
With Ian Walker & Hammy Baker 19.00 for 19.30
22 Wednesday
7 Friday
Dance Class
Hidden Gems Wine Tasting
19.00-20.00 & 20.00-21.00 The Wet Bar
18.00-20.00 - The Library
Rowing Club
23 Thursday
8 Saturday
Autumn Internationals
Horse Racing Group Leopardstown Race Course
16 Tuesday Bridge Club 17.45 for 18.00 Optional Pre-Play Dinner 19.00 for 19.15 - The Drawing Room
Cruising Talk
Yoga Club 18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
Chess Club 19.15 for 19.30 - Member’s Bar
Rowing Club
6 Thursday Rowing Club 17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
Cruising Talk ‘Sailing & The Future’
Rowing Club
19.00-20.00 & 20.00-21.00 The Wet Bar
20 Thursday Rowing Club 17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
21 Friday Wine Dinner 18.30 for 19.00 - The Drawing Room
22 Saturday 10.15 for 10.30 - The Wet Bar
Admiral’s Cup Dinner
17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
10.15 for 10.30 - The Wet Bar
Ireland Vs South Africa 17.40 Kick Off
History Talk
Autumn Internationals
23 Sunday
18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
With Ron O’Hanley 19.00 for 19.30
Chess Club
8 Wednesday
Yoga Club
19.15 for 19.30 - Member’s Bar
17 Wednesday Evening Book Club
New Member’s Reception 18.00 - 19.30 - The Drawing Room
Dance Class
‘You are Here’ by David Nicholls 18.45 for 19.00 - The Drawing Room
19.00-20.00 & 20.00-21.00 The Wet Bar
Dance Class
9 Thursday
19.00-20.00 & 20.00-21.00 The Wet Bar
Rowing Club 17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
20 Saturday
History Talk
Shore Based Activities Open Morning 10.30 - 12.00 - The Drawing Room
23 Tuesday Bridge Club 17.45 for 18.00 Optional Pre-Play Dinner 19.00 for 19.15 - The Drawing Room
Yoga Club 18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
Chess Club 19.15 for 19.30 - Member’s Bar
24 Wednesday Dance Class 19.00-20.00 & 20.00-21.00 The Wet Bar
26 Friday RIYC Junior Dinner & Awards Night 19.15 for 19.30 - The Dining Room
27 Saturday Last Saturday Sailing Followed by Steak Night 19.15 for 19.30 - The Dining Room
28 Sunday Vintage Car Rally 10.00 onwards
The Flags Race Guns at 15.00
30 Tuesday Bridge Club 17.45 for 18.00 Optional Pre-Play Dinner 19.00 for 19.15 - The Drawing Room
‘Irish in the French Resistance’ With Clodagh Finn 18.45 for 19.00 - The Drawing Room
With Tom O’Neill 18.45 for 19.00 - The Drawing Room
Ireland Vs Japan 12.40 Kick Off
24 Friday
9 Sunday
25 Tuesday
Turkey Shoot
Rowing Club
18.45 for 19.00 - The Drawing Room
AM Sailing
17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
25 Saturday
11 Tuesday
Bridge Club
Rowing Club
17.45 for 18.00 Optional Pre-Play Dinner 19.00 for 19.15 - The Drawing Room
Wine Society Tasting
Rowing Club 10.15 for 10.30 - The Wet Bar
RIYC Culinary Showcase 19.00 for 19.30 - The Dining Room
28 Tuesday Rowing Club 17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
Bridge Club
Turkey Shoot AM Sailing
17.45 for 18.00 Optional Pre-Play Dinner 19.00 for 19.15 - The Drawing Room
Yoga Club
Yoga Club
19.15 for 19.30 - Member’s Bar
18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
26 Wednesday
Chess Club
Dance Class
19.15 for 19.30 - Member’s Bar
19.00-20.00 & 20.00-21.00 The Wet Bar
18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
Chess Club
10 Friday
Bridge Club
Oktoberfest Wine Dinner Tindal Wines 18.45 for 19.00 - The Dining Room
17.45 for 18.00 Optional Pre-Play Dinner 19.00 for 19.15 - The Drawing Room
11 Saturday
Yoga Club
Dance Class
27 Thursday
Rowing Club
18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
Rowing Club
10.15 for 10.30 - The Wet Bar
Chess Club
19.00-20.00 & 20.00-21.00 The Wet Bar
17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
14 Tuesday
19.15 for 19.30 - Member’s Bar
RIYC Movie Night
History Talk
Rowing Club
29 Wednesday
18.45 for 19.00 - The Drawing Room
17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
Dance Class
Bridge Club
19.00-20.00 & 20.00-21.00 The Wet Bar
‘The Poseidon Adventure’ 19.15 for 19.30 Optional Pre-Screening Dinner 19.15 for 19.30 - The Dining Room
17.45 for 18.00 Optional Pre-Play Dinner 19.00 for 19.15 - The Drawing Room
30 Thursday Rowing Club
Yoga Club
17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
31 Friday
Chess Club
Social Night
12 Wednesday
13 Thursday Rowing Club 17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
14 Friday
AM Sailing
1 Saturday
10.15 for 10.30 - The Wet Bar
Rowing Club
Autumn Internationals
RIYC Movie Night ‘Young Frankenstein’ 19.15 for 19.30 Optional Pre-Screening Dinner 19.15 for 19.30 - The Library
10.15 for 10.30 - The Wet Bar
15 Saturday
Evening Book Club
19.00-20.00 & 20.00-21.00 The Wet Bar
Rowing Club
Turkey Shoot
NOVEMBER
Autumn Internationals
29 Saturday
30 Sunday
15 Wednesday
Dance Class
19.15 for 19.30 - The Wet Bar
18.30-20.00 - The Wet Bar
19.15 for 19.30 - The Wet Bar
10.15 for 10.30 - The Wet Bar
Social Night
Cocktail Masterclass
19.15 for 19.30 - Member’s Bar
‘Heart be at Peace’ by Donal Ryan 18.45 for 19.00 - The Drawing Room
28 Friday
Rowing Club
Ireland Vs Australia 20.10 Kick Off
DECEMBER 2 Tuesday Rowing Club 17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
Bridge Club
New Zealand Vs Ireland 20.10 Kick Off
16 Sunday
2 Sunday
AM Sailing
17.45 for 18.00 Optional Pre-Play Dinner 19.00 for 19.15 - The Drawing Room
Turkey Shoot
18 Tuesday
AM Sailing
Rowing Club
Yoga Club
4 Tuesday
17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
Rowing Club 17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
Turkey Shoot Sailing
18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
Chess Club 19.15 for 19.30 - Member’s Bar
KEY SAILING DATES OF INTEREST
KEY DATES FOR SPRING/SUMMER 2026
06-07 September - J Cup Ireland 12-14 September - SB20 National Championships 03-08 November 2025 - World Sailing Conference, Dún Laoghaire
05 April - Easter Sunday Lunch, The Dining Room 10 April -Members’ Black Tie Dinner, The Dining Room 29 April - Club AGM, New Flag Officers - DATE CORRECTION
3 Wednesday
23 Tuesday
3 Tuesday
21 Saturday
18 Wednesday
Dance Class
Christmas Buffet
Bridge Club
RBS 6 Nations
Evening Book Club
19.00-20.00 & 20.00-21.00 The Wet Bar
12.00 for 12.30 - The Dining Room
17.45 for 18.00 Optional Pre-Play Dinner 19.00 for 19.15 - The Drawing Room
England Vs Ireland 14.10 Kick Off
18.45 for 19.00 - The Drawing Room
Yoga Club
Spring Chicken
18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
AM Sailing
Chess Club
24 Tuesday
24 Tuesday
19.15 for 19.30 - Member’s Bar
Bridge Club
Bridge Club
4 Wednesday
17.45 for 18.00 Optional Pre-Play Dinner 19.00 for 19.15 - The Drawing Room
17.45 for 18.00 Optional Pre-Play Dinner 19.00 for 19.15 - The Drawing Room
Yoga Club
Meditation Group
18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
Chess Club
Yoga Club
19.15 for 19.30 - Member’s Bar
18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
6 Friday
27 Friday
Chess Club
Pearl Members Lunch
Social Night
19.15 for 19.30 - Member’s Bar
12.30 for 13.00 - The Dining Room
19.15 for 19.30 - The Wet Bar
26 Thursday
NEW EVENT A Celebration of Fine Italian Food & Wine
28 Saturday
4 Thursday Rowing Club 17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
5 Friday Snooker Final 17.45 for 18.00 - The Snooker Room
6 Saturday Rowing Club 10.15 for 10.30 - The Wet Bar
7 Sunday Turkey Shoot AM Sailing
9 Tuesday
31 Wednesday NYE Late Lunch 15.30 for 16.00 - The Dining Room
JANUARY 6 Tuesday Bridge Club 17.45 for 18.00 Optional Pre-Play Dinner 19.00 for 19.15 - The Drawing Room
Yoga Club 18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
7 Wednesday Book Club
Book Club 10.45 for 11.00 - The Dining Room
5 Thursday RBS 6 Nations France Vs Ireland 20.10 Kick Off
22 Sunday
Rowing Club
‘Kingmaker’ By Sonia Purnell 10.45 for 11.00 - The Dining Room
17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
13 Tuesday
Bridge Club
Bridge Club
17.45 for 18.00 Optional Pre-Play Dinner 19.00 for 19.15 - The Drawing Room
17.45 for 18.00 Optional Pre-Play Dinner 19.00 for 19.15 - The Drawing Room
Yoga Club
Yoga Club
8 Sunday
MARCH
18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
Spring Chicken
Chess Club
Chess Club
AM Sailing
1 Sunday
19.15 for 19.30 - Member’s Bar
19.15 for 19.30 - Member’s Bar
10 Tuesday
10 Wednesday
14 Wednesday
Bridge Club
Dance Class
Evening Book Club
19.00-20.00 & 20.00-21.00 The Wet Bar
18.45 for 19.00 - The Drawing Room
17.45 for 18.00 Optional Pre-Play Dinner 19.00 for 19.15 - The Drawing Room
11 Thursday Rowing Club 17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
12 Friday RIYC Santa Experience
16 Friday Hidden Gems Wine Tasting 18.30-20.00 - The Library
18 Sunday NEW EVENT Jazz Afternoon
16.00 until 20.00 - The Wet Bar
RLNI Fundraiser 15.00-17.00
13 Saturday
20 Tuesday
Rowing Club 10.15 for 10.30 - The Wet Bar
RIYC Santa Experience
Bridge Club 17.45 for 18.00 Optional Pre-Play Dinner 19.00 for 19.15 - The Drawing Room
19.00 for 19.30 - The Dining Room
Yoga Club
‘Open That Bottle’ Night 17.45 for 18.00 - The Wet Bar
Sailing Talk 18.45 for 19.00
International Women’s Day Lunch
Chess Club
Chess Club 19.15 for 19.30 - Member’s Bar
12.00 for 12.30 - The Dining Room
11 Wednesday
RBX 6 Nations
18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
RIYC Movie Night ‘Educating Rita’ 19.15 for 19.30 Optional Pre-Screening Dinner 19.15 for 19.30 - The Drawing Room
12 Thursday
8 Sunday Spring Chicken AM Sailing
RBS 6 Nations
Turkey Shoot
18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
AM Sailing
Chess Club
Ireland Vs Italy 14.10 Kick Off
Family Christmas Lunch
19.15 for 19.30 - Member’s Bar
Yoga Club 18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
12.00 for 12.30 - The Dining Room
22 Thursday NEW EVENT
Opera By The Sea Valentine’s Day Dinner
History Talk ‘Brehon Law’ With Esmond Smyth
19.00 for 19.30 - The Dining Room
19.15 for 19.30 - Member’s Bar
16 Tuesday
15 Sunday
11 Wednesday
12.00 for 12.30 - The Dining Room
18.45 for 19.00 - The Drawing Room
Spring Chicken
17 Wednesday
24 Saturday
AM Sailing
Evening Book Club
27 Tuesday
18.45 for 19.00 - The Drawing Room
18 Thursday Christmas Lunch 12.00 for 12.30 - The Dining Room
19 Friday Christmas Buffet 12.00 for 12.30 - The Dining Room
20 Saturday Christmas Buffet 12.00 for 12.30 - The Dining Room
21 Sunday Christmas Buffet
Bridge Club
17.45 for 18.00 Optional Pre-Play Dinner 19.00 for 19.15 - The Drawing Room
Meditation Group
Yoga Club
Yoga Club
18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
Chess Club
Chess Club
19.15 for 19.30 - Member’s Bar
19.15 for 19.30 - Member’s Bar
30 Friday
18 Wednesday
RIYC Awards Night 18.30 for 19.00 - The Drawing Room
FEBRUARY 1 Sunday
22 Monday
Spring Chicken
12.00 for 12.30 - The Dining Room
Bridge Club
17.45 for 18.00 Optional Pre-Play Dinner 19.00 for 19.15 - The Drawing Room
12.00 for 12.30 - The Dining Room
Christmas Buffet
17 Tuesday
AM Sailing
Evening Book Club
19.15 for 19.30 - Member’s Bar
Ireland Vs Wales 20.10 Kick Off
Yoga Club
18.30 for 19.00 - The Dining Room
Yoga Club 18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
17.45 for 18.00 Optional Pre-Play Dinner 19.00 for 19.15 - The Drawing Room
12.00 for 12.30 - The Dining Room
19.15 for 19.30 - The Wet Bar
6 Friday
14 Saturday
Burn’s Night Dinner
Social Night
17.45 for 18.00 Optional Pre-Play Dinner 19.00 for 19.15The Drawing Room
Bridge Club
Christmas Lunch
27 Friday
5 Thursday
19.00 for 19.30
Christmas Lunch
With Des Cummins 19.00 for 19.30
Bridge Club
18.45 for 19.00 - The Wet Bar
14 Sunday
Sailing Talk
31 Tuesday
Meditation Group
19.00 for 19.30 - The Dining Room
18.00-20.00 - The Library
AM Sailing
10 Tuesday
Christmas Dinner
Hidden Gems Wine Tasting
Spring Chicken
Cruising Talk
12.00 until 16.00 - The Wet Bar
20 Friday
Chess Club
RIYC Movie Night ‘Rawhide’ 19.15 for 19.30 Optional Pre-Screening Dinner 19.15 for 19.30 - The Drawing Room
12 Thursday History Talk 18.45 for 19.00 - The Drawing Room
14 Saturday RBS 6 Nations Ireland Vs Scotland 14.10 Kick Off
15 Sunday Mother’s Day Lunch
Sailing Event Dining Event Live Rugby
18.45 for 19.00 - The Drawing Room
12.00 for 12.30 - The Dining Room
19 Thursday
17 Tuesday
History Talk
St. Patrick’s Day - Howth to Dún Laoghaire Charity Walk
Wine Event
10.00 start - Details to Follow
Social Event
With Paul Burke 18.45 for 19.00 - The Drawing Room
Lecture / Talk
20 Friday Associate Members Lunch 12.30 for 13.00 - The Dining Room
Horse Racing Group Outing
SEAZE
THE
BAY
&
RIYC
JUNIOR
REGATTA By Georgia Goodbody, Senior Junior
Instructor. We had our annual junior regatta on Wednesday 23rd July, where we saw over 115 sailors out on the water! We can’t thank SeaZe
The Bay enough, who sponsored the Regatta and provided amazing goodie bags for each competitor and provided the parents with trips out on the water! The main fleet got 2 races due to shifty wind which caused race 3 to be abandoned. The Harbour fleet completed 3 races. Altogether it was an amazing day, with competitors from the National YC, Royal St George, DMYC and of course our RIYC Juniors. Shore-side there was a lovely barbecue, followed by a visit from Teddy's Ice cream van, which went down a treat! Congratulations to everyone and a huge thank you to all; Volunteers, Race Officers, Staff and Parents and our incredible Instructors that helped make this such an enjoyable day!
OFF TO A GALLOPING START The New Horse-Racing Group had their first outing to go behind the scenes at trainers Eddie & Patrick Harty’s yard at the Curragh which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Super to see the horses exercising on the world famous Old Vic and Free Eagle gallops. Their next outing is to Leopardstown on Saturday 13th September for the first day of the Irish Champions Festival. Contact Nick Fahy for more information.
WINE COMMITTEE UPDATE By Philip Sherry. The Club’s Wine committee meets
once a month to taste wines which might be added to our bar and dining room wine lists. The committee has various other activities including the annual purchasing of En Primeur wines which are stored in our amazing wine cellar. The committee manages the wine stock ensuring that the consumption of high quality wines will be available to club members for years into the future. Finally the wine committee plans and supports 4 wine dinners each year, and a number of less formal wine events including Wine Society and Hidden Gems evenings. The RIYC wine committee is alive and well and takes seriously the minding of the club’s wines for the benefit of our members and guests.
COOKING UP A STORM ON THE DECK The introduction to our Live Cooking Station alongside our traditional BBQ has received nothing but praise from our members, especially during the Regatta where it was noted on multiple occasions from visiting Members that the RIYC had the ‘best food available’ all weekend. Keep an eye out for more exciting culinary showcases through the year!
CREW CLASS INDOOR ROWING RETURNS TO RIYC THIS AUTUMN By Chris Nolan.
Following a highly successful trial last spring, Crew Class indoor rowing will resume this October. The complimentary benefit of rowing for sailors is well recognised. This is a sure-fire way to maintain fitness through the winter and is available to all age groups. It is a low-impact, joint-friendly, full-body workout that is particularly effective in supporting health and mobility. Key benefits include cardiovascular health, weight management, flexibility and bone health. Led by Olympic rower Niall O’Toole, this fitness programme guarantees results and a bit of craic. The Autumn Introductory session will run for 10 weeks with 3 x 30 minute sessions per week keeping us all in great condition for Christmas, skiing and other winter sports. This activity is also open to family and friends accompanied by a member.
OKTOBERFEST WINE DINNER Tindal Wine's Director of Fine Wine, Harriet Tindal, will be delighted to introduce a
selection of exciting new-wave German wines at The Royal Irish Yacht Club on October 10th for the Club's Oktoberfest! Whilst wine is inherently a job to Harriet, her passion and energy embodies the presentations that she hosts. Bringing to life her stories from the vineyards, peppered with knowledge learnt through many years of study on her Master of Wine journey. Booking will be open soon!
SNOOKER CLUB UPDATE By Peter Byers. The annual snooker handicap competition will be taking place during the usual September to December period with the final scheduled for 5th December. Please add to your calendar. We were delighted with the numbers playing last year and particularly that many ladies chose to participate. We hope for even greater participation this year. Official invitations will be circulated in early September. We look forward to seeing you in the billiards room. A reminder too that there is a group who turn up every Tuesday evening for some casual snooker. If you are interested please let us know on ‘snooker@riyc.ie’ and we can add your name to the WhatsApp group.
MEDAL HAUL FOR SB20 TEAM IRELAND By Chris Nolan. The podium makes it all worthwhile, and both Irish teams at the SB20 European Championships in Belgium last week were well rewarded for their efforts. RIYC SB20 team venuesworld.com with Ger Dempsey, Colin Galavan and Artem Basalkin delivered a super performance, posting race results in the top 3 throughout the week. Gear failure resulted in an unfortunate retiral and an expensive 12pt penalty, but ultimately they finished the week as European Champions in the Masters Category and 8th overall in a tough 45 boat fleet. The RIYC look forward to hosting the SB20 National Championships on the 12-14th September 2025.
ILCA SUCCESS FOR FIACHRA MCDONNELL RIYC Cadet Fiachra McDonnell
won each of the provincial championships in 2025 and most recently took the Silver Medal at the Golden Jubilee ILCA/Laser Nationals on Belfast Lough where he put together an exemplary scoreline of 4,1,1,1,2,7,2 in the first seven races in a class of 49 boats. He also placed 11th in the ILCA U21 World Championships last week. Fiachra is a talented sailor and is one of the new generation of talented Laser sailors coming through the system and we congratulate him on his recent success.
CHRISTMAS AT THE ROYAL IRISH YACHT CLUB For generations, RIYC
Members have made sure Christmas is a wonderful time of year. The Festivities start mid December with a variety of events suitable for the whole family. Events sell out fast, so be sure to book in advance to not miss out. The events listed on the calendar will be open for booking mid-September, keep an eye on the E News for more updates. Our wonderful Catering Team have curated some delicious menus from Buffet Lunches to Table D’Hote keeping traditions alive but adding a modern twist, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Please note, the Club will be fully closed on the 24th, 25th & 26th December and on the 27th, 28th, 29th & 30th December, the Club Bar will be open from 12pm-6pm.
SHORE BASED CLUB DIRECTORY Bridge Club Dr Pat McGettrick
Book Club Wyn McCormack
Chess Club Pat Shannon
Dance Club Liam Murphy
Evening Book Club Vasantha Samaranayake
Hill Walking Group Various Members
Horse Racing Interest Group Nick Fahy
Military History Group Winifred Kelliher
Movie Nights Michael Kunkel
Rowing Club Chris Nolan
Snooker Club Ken Rogers
Yoga Club Chris Nolan
Meditation Group Sally Stone
Further contact details are available from the Club Secretary
RIYC STAFF DIRECTORY General Manager Andrew Roberts generalmanager@riyc.ie
Club Secretary Sarah Breen secretary@riyc.ie
Sailing Services Manager Mark McGibney mark@riyc.ie
Bosun Miguel Walker boathouse@riyc.ie
Catering Manager Maeve Daly cateringmanager@riyc.ie
Finance Manager Sandra Keane financemanager@riyc.ie
Bar Manager Adi Doollee bar@riyc.ie
Sales & Events Executive Grace Dooley sales@riyc.ie
WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! What do you think of The Roya Irish Post and our Weekly E-News? What sort of articles would you welcome? Please send any feedback to Grace Dooley at sales@riyc.ie. The Royal Irish Post is published bi-annually and the 2026 Spring/Summer edition will be published in March.
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