Irish Navy Lieutenant Jason Croke returned to his early sail training waters at Galway Bay Sailing Club recently.
The naval officer treated Galway’s young sailors to a special visit at the club in Renville giving them an insight into the values of sail training.
From Clarinbridge, Lieutenant Croke’s interest in a naval career was piqued by his time spent at the Galway sailing club where he learned valuable life skills and made valuable friendships.
Founding member Pierce Purcell says although the weather for Lieutenant Croke’s visit was challenging on the water, it reaffirmed the value of sail training, and was a huge boost for the club’s youngsters.
“The visit was not all about sail training, but the values it instills in youngsters. Not only do they become more independent, but they also become more environmentally aware,” Purcell says.
Lieutenant Croke, having learned to sail in Galway, became an Irish Sailing Association instructor before joining the Irish Navy. Currently staff officer at Naval Operations Command in County Cork, he said he had no idea of following a military or naval career, but found on joining that he had learned so much from his sailing experience, taking part in regattas, and making friends.
Galway Bay Sailing Club, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, hosts a thriving young sailing section and runs sail training camps throughout the summer. There are courses for children from six-years up to junior cadet throughout the season and the club now boasts 25 juniors boats which sail regularly, and some 40 on regatta days.
Pat Irwin, Rear Commodore, says the club Optimist and 420 class juniors is hugely successful with many youngsters having competed in Howth, Athlone and Dungarvan this season.
Lambs Week
Club action continues on the water, with it hosting Lambs Week from August 19 to 25.
This special regatta - a local spin-off from the more famous Cowes Week - has grown over the last few years, and now boast yachts from seven destinations which will arrive in Galway to take part in five days of racing.
The regatta includes a number of long races - from Ros A Mhil to Cil Ronain, a day’s racing around the Aran island, and from there to Roundstone.
With four different classes and 45 boats taking part, the regatta has become another attractive festival of sailing on the west of Ireland calendar.
