Winter / Spring 2010

   We have kept Stravaiger in the water to run weekend courses during the off season. In order for trips to happen, at 2 persons will be needed and because of the generally cold/wet conditions at this time of year, previous experience would be desirable. Anyone wishing to build up qualifying miles for the Round Ireland in June, we can organise 75+NM non-stop trips for training purposes - preferably with 3 or 4 crew.

   Maybe its the recession, but our generally popular Canaries trip didn't get sufficient takers for our proposed Jan 2010 trip - hasta la vista, manana......

   We can also organise SRC (VHF), Emergency Care (1st Aid) and Navigation courses for anyone needing same - min. of 4 persons in all cases. Please let me know if you are interested. (see over -->)

Greek Waters Aug/Sep 2009

   Following on from our very exciting adventures in 2007 and 2008 sailing in the Aegean, this year we plan to go West towards the Eastern Pelopinnesian cruising ground via the Saronic Gulf, where waters are generally calmer and more friendly for beginners to consider joining us. Flying to Athens, we hope to enjoy a week of cruising in beautiful waters with many sites of historical interest to visit while enjoying the small town ambiance of the many harbours and anchorages throughout the area.

 The proposed dates are Aug 29/Sep 5, assuming we can match flights to dates. Check out this link for more information.

South East Cruising School on YouTube

   Following on from an ISA Day Skipper course we ran in August 2008, successful candidate Tiberiu Coroliuc put together this video of the trip which gives a good flavour of the types of experiences that candidates might encounter - organising the navigation, taking charge of the vessel, sailing in strong winds, life at anchor and on board and more. Check it out here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BgXLuqYShU - follow the link. Hopefully the weather will be a bit better in 2009!

Summer Options 2009

   Our normal fare of weekends, 5 days, ICC and Own Boat Training courses are all popular options with our customers and provisional dates are available on the SECS schedule - see menu above. Whether you are a beginner, improver or aiming to get a higher Certificate - we have options available that should suit you.

   Join us to see the Tall Ships in Belfast in mid Aug - choice of a week up or back - see above.

    See our Greek paragraph for information on Sunshine Sail Training this summer.

    Stravaiger is still awaiting her Department of Transport P6 COMSAIL inspection (Survey has been applied for since Jan 2009) - related refinements will be top of the maintenance agenda for the 2009 season.

Canaries Jan 2009

  Following on our very successful trips in Jan 2008, we ran a one week trip in the Canaries in early January 2009, (10th/17th). With 5 reasonably experienced crew aboard our Bavaria 39, Tomajo 1, we took on the western archipelago from our base in San Miguel on Tenerife, via San Sebastian, La Gomera to Santa Cruz, La Palma incorporating a driving tour of the island, then on to La Restinga, El Hierro before heading homeward to Santiago, La Gomera and back to base. All but 2 legs involved gale force winds, which tested boat and crew, who managed the conditions admirably. Seafood was the main choice ashore and we had some wonderful meals, capped by our final night in Los Abrigos on Tenerife - yummy! Definitely not a trip for the novice or timid sailor.

  From our 2008 trip, have a look Paddy Smyths article in the Irish Times Travel Supplement (March 22nd) for more information. We hope to be back in January 2010 for another Winter Sunshine Sailing trip - don't be disappointed, contact us now.

Stravaiger - bienvenido

   We offer courses from beginner to Yachtmaster Prep. in the ISA Cruising Scheme. Whatever level you are at, we should be able to match your training needs. Check out details of Courses offered above or see our Schedule for dates pencilled in. If a particular date suits your needs, drop us an e-mail or phone us now. Remember, Toesun usually comes too. All going to plan, we hope to have Stravaiger back in Wicklow in the 1st week in June and ready for the summer season. We are still awaiting the green light from the Marine Survey Office to see amended Passenger Boat regulations - this has been a very frustrating issue and it is very unsatisfactory the way our Government have handled this whole matter.

SRC / Emergency Care courses

   If you would like get a Ships or Personal Radio Licence, we can organise a Short Range Certificate VHF Radio course - generally over 3 nights (or as suits), with a separate exam. In order for it to happen, we will need a minimum of 4 students.

   The Irish Sailing Association Emergency Care (1st Aid) course is designed specifically for boating enthusiasts over 2 days with about 1/3rd taken up with practical training. Whether you need it for vocational reasons or just for your own benefit, this course is well worth the time spent in doing it.

Belfast Tall Ships mid Aug 09

   The Tall Ships are due in Belfast from the 13th to the 16th August and we hope to have Stravaiger up there to greet their arrival and then see them off in the spectacular Parade of Sail. Anyone who has witnessed this spectacle before will surely want to be in the heart of the action - suitable for all levels, we have scheduled 2 five day trips up and back - see the schedule. There are loads of interesting places to explore en-route - Isle of Man, Carlingford and Strangford Loughs and many other places in between. Belfast has shed its former bad name as a place to avoid and is now a very lively and friendly city to enjoy, especially with the wonderful collection of tall ships on view.

   Don't delay, get your booking in early - all returning customers get a 10% discount. Read here for more information.

Hilary Lister - Quadriplegic Sailor

  We had the privilege of meeting a truly extraordinary sailor in the person of Hilary Lister, who is sailing single handed around Britain and Ireland in a specially adapted Artemis 20 yacht, when she sailed into Wicklow on Tues 16th June. Due to a progressive wasting illness, she has no use of her body below her neck and manages her sails and tiller with a specially designed blow and suck pipe system, with a support boat to put in reefs etc.

  On board Stravaiger to greet her on arrival were the Mayor of Wicklow, Irene Winters and Lions President, Santiago Balbontin. We also accompanied her out of Wicklow 5 days later in the early hours of Sunday morning (delayed due to adverse weather) with customers Emma Graham and Sue Corrigan, who met her the previous morning and were equally impressed - read her blog. Toesun bonded with her "Help Dog" Lottie and was sad to see them go. Check out her website for more information www.hilarylister.com

10% Discount

   If you are a member of the ISA (either through your club or directly), you can claim a 10% DISCOUNT on all SECS courses in 2009. Existing customers also qualify for the same discount but cannot avail of both.

 Yachtmaster Offshore Successes

   We are delighted to report 2 more candidates have passed the ISA Yachtmaster Offshore Practical exam last year - Ivan Alcorn and Eoin Christiansen, to add to the growing list of South East Cruising School trained Yachtmasters. Others whom we know about in recent years are - Jim Grey (now an Instructor), Brendan O Connell, John Ahern, Colm Mac Fhionnlaigh, Ciaran Doyle, Nicky Keogh, Tommy Mc Aulay, PJ Swaine and Ansis Dimiters (now skippering a 72' super yacht "Celtic Spirit of Fastnet, having been to the Artic and Antarctic, now heading for the Baltic with it).

  This Certificate is the highest practical cert available to Yachtsmen wishing to sail or motor vessels in offshore waters (YM Ocean is mainly a Celestial Navigation Cert) and is due reward for building up experience with over 2500 miles logged and your ability to take full charge of a vessel up to 24 metres in length.