Sea Stallion of Glendalough

  Those of you who had thought about it but declined missed one of the most fantastic sailing weekends it has been my pleasure to be part of since my start up in 1997. We had brilliant winds on both Saturday and Sunday 28/29 June giving us exhilarating sailing, great craic in Poolbeg Y&BC with their Old Gaffers Trad session, and the piece de resistance - the send off for the Viking Longship replica, Sea Stallion of Glendalough. What a sight it made going down the Liffey under sail (despite the rain) with an escort of possibly 100 boats to see them off.

   To cap it all, Sea Stallion arrived into Wicklow after sheltering from the Irish weather in Howth on Thurs 3rd July - my prayers answered in buckets.

Seacsapes RTE 1 Competition

Follow the above link to see the winner. Congratulations.

 SECS on the Sea - 2008 Season Highlights

   Paraphrasing the hit girlie movie of the early summer, we bring you our own version of thrills and spills, not in the NY world of fashion and Jimmy Choos but out on the Irish Sea in oilies and Dubes, where fun and adventure await your arrival, instead of champers and frolics. Our 2008 programme has a mix of our usual Sail Training fare - weekends, 5 days, ICC, and special trips (check out -> Liverpool Tall Ships, Aegean Cruise). A number of possible highlight options are the trips for the start of the BMW Round Ireland (21st June - 1 day special) and the start from Dublin of the Viking Longship "Sea Stallion of Glendalough's" return voyage to Denmark (June 28/29th - we hope to escort them as far as Wicklow). We cater for absolute beginners right up to preparing potential Yachtmasters for the big exam, with an emphasis on hands-on training, fun and adventure on our new Sadler 34, Stravaiger.

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.

 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 who 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.

  Any boat owners or intending boat owners should take a look at the Departments consultation document which is destined to be law in the not too distant future. It will affect all vessels greater than 7m LOA (and some below) and will pose technical and financial difficulties no doubt for owners in trying to comply with various aspects of their requirements. For older boats, how many will have Builders Certificates? If you have any queries or views on the issues raised in the document, raise them asap with the mandarins in the Department. Where has our Dept. of Marine gone to? Check it out here and have a look at the previous submissions link - more food for thought -  http://www.vesselregister.ie/english

Dublin City Marathon for Saracura Project

   As a result of my travels in Brazil last year, I hooked up with a very worthwhile project working with favela (slum) kids in Sao Paulo, aiming to teach them about their environment, developing life skills and also learning to sail. Hence, I have taken on trying to raise awareness of their project by walking the Dublin City Marathon which I did last October Bank Holiday. In May 2008, the fund has reached €3360  and any help you can give will be most welcome - check this link.

   The funds have now been sent to the Saracura Project and I would like to sincerely thank all my customers and friends who made generous contributions to the worthy cause. We will be contributing to at least 2 boats (see photo above) and the future development of life skills for kids who would otherwise end up in the crime and drug ridden hopelessness endemic in their slums.

Midsummer Madness

   All weekend courses get oilskins and boots free, returning customers get 10% discount as well as members of Wicklow SC, RNLI volunteers and also if you make multiple bookings (2 or more). We are open to reasonable haggling if you feel you would like to do a particular course but just cannot reach on the price.

  The Irish Sailing Association give a free introductory Association membership to all trainees as well as a €50 refund to all female participants - check this link http://www.sailing.ie/clubs/newsDetails.asp?id=2070

  Don't be shy, check the schedule and pick up the phone (087 2394379) or e-mail us (sailsoutheast@eircom.net) today to provisionally book a course with us.

Aegean Aug 2008

6/8/08 - Full - sorry 'bout dat!

  Having enjoyed a wonderful two weeks in 2007 taking in the delights of the Aegean Islands, we are returning this year for a one week trip, probably based at Lavrion (near Athens International Airport) and allowing us immediate access to the islands. While the sunshine is wonderful here, there is also the Meltemi wind - which can blow quite strongly - so this would not be advisable for complete beginners. The trip is proposed for the last week in August - 23rd to 30th and will be limited to 5 places, so don't delay if you wish to train with us in the Greek sun this year (non-tidal so Day Skippers Certs cannot be issued).

Liverpool Tall Ships Jul 2008

     5/7/08 - due to poor demand, its highly unlikely our Tall Ships trip will happen, but there is an alternative option - a trip to Portmadoc and other ports in North Wales in association with Wicklow Sailing Clubs annual visit.

  The Tall Ships are coming to Liverpool in 2008 to help celebrate the European Year of Culture and many of the wonderful old sailing vessels will be there in one the worlds former great maritime ports to join in the festivities. We would hope to be there for the occasion, taking in some exciting destinations on both the outward and homeward voyages, such as the Menai Straits, Isle of Man, Carlingford Lough and more. As each trip involves an Irish Sea crossing, a reasonable level of basic experience is advised. Due to the nature of sailing and its dependence on favourable weather, we cannot guarantee that we will be at our destination on the due date. Also, those leaving/joining in Liverpool will have to make their way home/there at their own expense.

Sailing Adventure in the Cape Verde Islands.

(N.B. - a plug for a friend, not my gig)

    Suitable for single, or couples. 3 places currently available for 2 weeks. The places are available on the 05/09/08 to 19/09/08 or 19/09/08 to 05/10/08. The places can be moved to one either of these dates at this point to accomadate. The vessel is a Gibsea 43. The price per person sharing currently stands at €700 for 2 weeks plus flights (Approx €620 at this time and can be arranged by us (see below).) Lots of sailing experience not essential but a sense of adventure is. Be aware that this is an offshore sailing holiday. The vessel will be run by Ivan Alcorn an ISA qualified Yachtmaster Offshore skipper (and SECS trainee) who has previous group chartering experience.

   For further details, please contact Aishling Carroll at 086 1954763 or aishling.carroll@gmail.com

Canaries Jan 2008

  We had two crews out to the Canaries in early 2008 - 5/12th Jan and 12/19th Jan. Our boat was a Beneteau 39.3, which had 6 for the 1st week and 4 for the second week (gears broke and we had a Bavaria 46 for 4 days). Weather was reasonable, decent wind on week 1 and plenty of sun on week 2. Everyone enjoyed the experience with 4 day skippers and 2 competent crew at the end - well done. We had wonderful experiences watching pilot whales and common dolphins on both weeks - a magical bonus. Have a look at the Irish Times Travel Supplement (March 22nd) for more information. We hope to be back in January 2009 for another trip.

Saltee Dog - adios

  After 10 years of comfortable and safe sailing with Saltee Dog, I am upgrading my boat for 2008 and hope to have another faithful servant to ply the waves shortly - Stravaiger, a Sadler 34. Gone to a good home in Poolbeg B&YC with our good customer (and friend for life!) Kevin Radican, she will be sporting the new name of  "Gilda" if you want to keep an eye out for her.

UCD adios

   After 3 years of mental torture as a mature student, my final exam took place on the 15th May and the shackles of Geography and Welsh studies were released from my ankles, allowing me the freedom to get back into the real world of sailing for the summer. Along the way, I made some new friends, learned a lot about this world of ours, picked up some academic Welsh (along with a Medal and Scholarship - see photo) and generally feel much better for the experience. I got a 2.1 Honours Degree, just missing a 1st Honours by 0.07 of a grade point.