The Irish Sailing Awards took place in Howth Yacht Club last Friday. Galway was well represented this year under a number of headings.
Galway Bay Sailing Club was awarded the prestigious title of Club of The Year 2023 from all the clubs throughout Ireland. Some twenty Galway members from their base at Renville Oranmore attended the function organised by Irish Sailing, which is the Governing Body for watersport in Ireland , covering Dinghy Sailing, Cruiser Racing, Cruising, Accessible and Inclusion activities and Powerboat Training, and certification.
The club in recent years has been heavily investing in Youth sailing and training while constantly introducing new entrants to the sport . Dinghy Sailing is held on Tuesday evenings as well as weekends in Oranmore. Friday nights tend to be open to taking anyone interested in getting on the water out for a sail on the bay and an opportunity to meet up afterwards in the club. Accessible sailing also takes place on Fridays with GBSC having one of the biggest fleets of special boats in the country. At weekends many of the cruising members slip their moorings and head for other cruising spots around the bay . The club is recognised throughout the country for taking beginners Cruiser racing on Wednesdays nights who turn up at the pier.
The club is currently undergoing a building programme providing new training rooms , members facilities and an equipment storage building.
Club Commodore John Shorten and Vice Commodore Pat Irwin accepted the Club of the Year Award from John Twomey, President of Irish Sailing and an Accessible participant himself in some thirteen World Olympics.
Aideen Kilkelly of Galway Hooker S.C., was recognised Nationally for her club participation and sailing inclusion and was there with the group from GBSC who traveled by Coach for the evening
Cormac MacDonnachda GBSC member and West Coast Cruising organiser received the Western Cruising Award.
Local Clarenbridge brothers Aaron and David O Reilly who run Powerboat West at Galway docks were the jubilant western winners for their Training Center
.