GalwayIndependent.com Making Waves Feed http://www.galwayindependent.com Thu, 16 Oct 2008 03:22:53 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.galwayindependent.com/images/M_images/joomla_rss.png http://www.galwayindependent.com GalwayIndependent.com Making Waves Feed http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9041&Itemid=135 Shouts of "up, up!" echoed across Galway Bay on Sunday morning, 5 October, during the hotly contested McSwiggans October Cruiser League, as the racing boats jostled for position, with spinnakers flying in some of the closest racing at the start line seen so far this year. Two fleets, Class One and Class Two, took to the water with all to play for in this battle for supremacy in both classes. With wind blowing at light, this was not going to be the white-knuckle racing of the past weeks, however, it would be just as challenging in a different way. Race tactics and precise sailing would be more to the fore in this the second race of the series. Wed, 15 Oct 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9042&Itemid=135 Almost twenty children launched successfully on the last Sunday in September, with light winds and beautiful sunshine as part of the junior Autumn Sailing Programme. There were two oppy fleets and a feva fleet, with children from aged eight years upwards. Wed, 15 Oct 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9043&Itemid=135 The McSwiggans October League at Galway Bay Sailing Club kicked off on the morning of Sunday 5 October, with a fresh Northerly breeze making for perfect flat water sailing conditions on the Bay. Quite a few regular faces were missing, as a strong contingent had travelled to Alicante to support the Green Dragon Team at the Volvo Ocean Race's opening in-port races. Wed, 15 Oct 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9044&Itemid=135 Every year in Galway Bay Sailing Club, cruisers battle it out in a series of offshore races culminating in one boat being awarded the clubs most prestigious title, King of the Bay. This year for the second time in a row, this title has been won by Glenn Cahill and his crew aboard Joie de Vie having once again narrowly beaten fellow J109 skipper Tommy Smyth aboard Catalpa. Wed, 15 Oct 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9045&Itemid=135 Dress up the family and join staff at Galway Atlantaquaria for a safe, fun Halloween party. Wed, 15 Oct 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9046&Itemid=135 Mark's relationship with the sea began many decades ago; when as a child growing up in Dublin, he was inspired by seeing programmes featuring Jacques Cousteau on the television. Anxious to try it out for himself, he developed an interest in watersports and says he was always at his happiest when away from dry land. Wed, 15 Oct 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8733&Itemid=135 Leenane native Bridget Gavin has made history by being the first Irish woman appointed as chief engineer of a ship. She was recently appointed chief engineer of Ulysses, the Irish Ferries Dublin to Holyhead cruise ferry. Wed, 01 Oct 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8736&Itemid=135 The last race of the Aquabroker Summer Series took place on Wednesday, 24 September. The evening was a rarity with almost flat calm and easterly winds averaging eight knots. Due to the time constraint and the low wind strengths, Race Officer, Dave Vinnell selected a short course with an 'all classes' start. As the wind was blowing from the East and the tide was dropping all boats were pushed onto the club start line from behind. The result was a congested start line with up to 20 yachts competing for the best position to hoist spinnakers while avoiding oncoming boats. Wed, 01 Oct 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8735&Itemid=135 Galway East TD Micheál Kitt has launched a leaflet on Weil's Disease on behalf of Irish Water Safety. Wed, 01 Oct 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8737&Itemid=135 Cumann Séoltóireachta an Spidéil held their regatta on Sunday 21 September. Thirty-seven boats lined up for the event including a substantial travelling contingent from Galway Bay Sailing Club. This was one of the biggest fleets of sailing boats to gather off Spiddal in recent years, a great testament to the success of Cumann Séoltóireachta an Spidéil, which is only five years old. Wed, 01 Oct 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8738&Itemid=135 Last Tuesday saw the conclusion of evening dinghy racing at GBSC for 2008. Twenty-seven dinghies and 17 catamarans entered the series, which was run over a period of ten weeks. Wed, 01 Oct 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8739&Itemid=135 Galway RNLI Lifeboat was launched on Lough Atalia on Sunday evening, following reports that a dinghy had capsized in the waters near the railway bridge. Wed, 01 Oct 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8740&Itemid=135 Upcoming marine events in the Galway area. Wed, 01 Oct 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8586&Itemid=135 Last Tuesday night's dinghy racing was held with a spectacular backdrop of a crimson sun going down on Galway Bay. The winds were light and the sea was flat - perfect conditions. Wed, 24 Sep 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8587&Itemid=135 A team of 61 volunteers cleaned Grattan and Salthill beaches on Sunday, 20 September, as part of the Marine Conservation Society's (MCS) and Galway Atlantaquaria's annual Beachwatch litter survey and clean-up. Wed, 24 Sep 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8588&Itemid=135 Running from Sunday 28 September, and for the following five Sundays, GBSC will run an Autumn Junior Sailing Programme. It is aimed at GBSC junior sailors who have completed an ISA-approved sailing course. During this summer alone over 60 juniors availed of the various courses which were run at the club form Level 1 to Level 4. Wed, 24 Sep 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8589&Itemid=135 Galway Kayak Club will host a free 'come and try it' day this Sunday 28 September on the Eglinton canal in the city. If you'd like to give kayaking a go, just go along to Fisheries' Field (opposite the cathedral) between 11 am and 1 pm. Wed, 24 Sep 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8590&Itemid=135 Upcoming marine events in the Galway area. Wed, 24 Sep 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8591&Itemid=135 21-year-old Eoghan McGregor has packed a lot into his short sailing career. Growing up in Maree, near the HQ of Galway Bay Sailing Club at Rinville, his curiosity about boats was first spiked when his father went sailing one evening with a friend of his from Digitel. Wed, 24 Sep 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8417&Itemid=135 Barry Martin's face and surname will be familiar to a lot of Galwegians who were young in the 1950s and 1960s; his father was Leonard Martin of the city's landmark Leonard Martin's Toys, which hosted Galway's first ever Santa Claus. Barry himself worked in the family business on Mainguard Street until its closure in 1977. Wed, 17 Sep 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8418&Itemid=135 The second race of the Aquabroker Autumn Series took place on Wednesday, 3 September. This was the largest fleet of the season to date with many boats returning after various summer cruises and events. The evening started off with a fresh westerly breeze gusting 20 knots and above. With gusting conditions additional crew were in great demand and sail selection critical to boat performance. Blue skies, relatively flat seas, and a fresh breeze provided perfect sailing conditions for the evening. Wed, 17 Sep 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8419&Itemid=135 Bow Waves, the only Galway City-based maritime training organisation, has just launched its winter training programme. Wed, 17 Sep 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8420&Itemid=135 Some rare sunshine coupled with a fresh gusty wind coming in from an east south easterly direction made for a pleasant racing in the GBSC late summer dinghy series on Tuesday, 2 September. A total of seventeen boats hit the start line to sail a challenging course set by Miriam Croke, Race Officer. Wed, 17 Sep 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8421&Itemid=135 The Galway Sub Aqua Club Open night for 2008 will take place on Friday. 3 October at 8pm. The venue is the GSAC clubhouse located at 14 Cross Street. Wed, 17 Sep 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8422&Itemid=135 Galway Atlantaquaria is seeking volunteers for its annual clean-up of Salthill and Grattan Beaches this Saturday, 20 September at 2pm. The clean-up is done in conjunction with the Marine Conservation Society and all litter collected is recorded and surveyed. Wed, 17 Sep 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8423&Itemid=135 Upcoming marine events in the Galway area. Wed, 17 Sep 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8271&Itemid=135 Nick Pfeiffer grew up in Greystones, Co. Wicklow, where he grew up by the sea. "I have tremendous memories of being at sea on our small family boat in the summer time. I also have great memories of the Aran Islands as a child where we use to visit as a family when I was young. I have many friends on the islands today and I guess it probably is still my favourite place for a dive!" Wed, 10 Sep 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8272&Itemid=135 The GBSC Junior Regatta was held Sunday 31 August on the best day we've had for sailing this year. After a calm start, a very light wind came in just as the racing fleet launched. It built steadily from the West through the course of the day to give fantastic racing conditions. In total 28 sailors participated, showing the vitality that exists within the club's junior section. Also GBSC was delighted to welcome five young sailors from Cumann Seoltóireachta an Spidéil to the Regatta. Wed, 10 Sep 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8273&Itemid=135 Galway Surfers will be taking to the water in Salthill this Sunday to raise much-needed funds for the Galway Lifeboat. The Paddle on the Prom will be taking place at 3pm this Sunday. Wed, 10 Sep 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8274&Itemid=135 The Clifden Lifeboat 10k race will take place on Sunday 14 September, in Clifden, Co Galway. There are many different categories to suit all levels of fitness including runners, walkers, teams and children. The route is an 'out and back' bringing you up the scenic Sky Road, starting and ending in Clifden. All money raised will go directly to the Clifden Lifeboat. Wed, 10 Sep 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8275&Itemid=135 The winning students of the Marine Institute's 2008 Bright Sparks Award from NUI Galway, Queen's University Belfast (QUB), and University College Cork (UCC) set sail from Galway last Thursday on a five-day scientific survey on board the RV Celtic Voyager. Wed, 10 Sep 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8276&Itemid=135 The final round of the Irish Windsurfing Slalom Series took place at Silver Strand, Galway last weekend. Fifty-two of Ireland's top windsurfers made the journey west, to battle it out for the last remaining points towards the Irish Championships. Weather forecasts throughout the week predicted ideal conditions for an early start on Saturday morning. Wed, 10 Sep 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8277&Itemid=135 Upcoming marine events in the Galway area. Wed, 10 Sep 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8158&Itemid=135 Friends say that Jim Horgan has almost single-handedly revived the tradition of boat building in County Galway. Although he himself is more modest about his efforts, it's clear that Horgan has made an immense contribution to what was once an endangered tradition. Wed, 03 Sep 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8159&Itemid=135 The Musto Irish Optimist Championship was held in Tralee Bay Sailing Club last week. In total there were 200 optimist sailors at the championship, incuding six juniors from GBSC The biggest fleet at the event comprised 90 boats on the start line. The competitors sailed 10 races over three days mostly in an area a couple of miles into the open water of Tralee Bay to the west of Samphire Lighthouse. Wed, 03 Sep 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8160&Itemid=135 The Aquabroker Autumn Series was kicked off last Wednesday night with the first race at Galway Bay Sailing Club. Despite the overcast sky, a warm 14-18 kts south-westerly wind and a slight sea provided ideal sailing conditions. On an ebbing tide, Race officer Dave Vinnell set an excellent course from Renville harbour and sent the class 1 off on a beat towards Cockle Rock at 7pm. Wed, 03 Sep 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8162&Itemid=135 The fifth and final round of the Irish Windsurfing Slalom Series will take place at Silver Strand on Saturday, 6 and Sunday, 7 September. Ireland's top windsurfers will travel from all corners of the country to battle it out, for the last possible points towards for the National Title. Local event organiser, Danny Mulryan, expects to have a fleet of forty competitors on the water for both days. Wed, 03 Sep 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8163&Itemid=135 Upcoming marine events in the Galway area. Wed, 03 Sep 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8080&Itemid=135 Ireland's Wild West lived up to its name as the island's most action packed outdoor and adventure destination as it played host to one of the largest adventure races in Europe last weekend. Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8081&Itemid=135 Few outdoor activities lend themselves as well to an Irish 'summer' as sailing. Getting splashed or wet is inevitable and with water temperatures at a pleasant 16 C even the occasional dunking is not such a trial. Sailing takes place in all weathers and, as if to prove the point, an excellent turnout of 39 sailors set sail in race 5 of the GBSC Late Summer Dinghy Series. This week's fleet topped the season's previous best of 21 boats by 2 more boats on the start line. Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8082&Itemid=135 Ireland's Volvo Ocean Race entry, the Green Dragon, shut up shop at its training base in Cork before spending last weekend in Dublin. Now, the team is on the way to Alicante to prepare for the start of the VOR 2008-09. Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8083&Itemid=135 A large turn-out of boats took to the water last Wednesday for the final race in the Alpha Romeo Cruiser series. Placings were all to sail for as the last few weeks saw changes weekly in the leader board. Weather conditions were pleasant with a fresh and gusty wind coming in from the south west. The sun even managed to shine for a spell. Race Officer,Dave Vinnell set a long course to suit the weather conditions and to test the skills of the crews in both classes hoping to bag a win. Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8084&Itemid=135 For most us it would take something quite extraordinary to make us turn our backs on a year out travelling in Australia in order to return to Galway, but for Oranmore resident Peter Williams, that was just the case. Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8085&Itemid=135 Upcoming marine events in the Galway area. Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7977&Itemid=135 Upcoming marine events in the Galway area. Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:48:34 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7976&Itemid=135 Over the next two weekends Galway Bay Sailing Club will be particularly busy as two different Regattas will be hosted by the club. Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:47:03 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7975&Itemid=135 Six GBSC junior sailors are heading to Fenit to participate in the Musto Irish Optimist Championship 2008, which will take place in Tralee Bay Sailing Club from Wednesday 19 to Saturday 23 August. Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:46:25 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7974&Itemid=135 The sailors in the Olympics have seen races delayed and even postponed due to the absence of wind. Not so for the cruiser fleets from GBSC who ventured out on Wednesday in wind speeds gusting up to 26 knots. The rain was falling heavily, which made for unpleasant conditions but exhilarating experiences. Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:44:34 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7973&Itemid=135 A plethora of new sailors have joined P O Maritime as the economy shifts and construction workers retrain in other areas. Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:43:53 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7972&Itemid=135 Race four of the Galway Bay Sailing Club's Late Summer Dinghy Series was another race in heavy winds that tested the competitors and their boats. After the respite of last week's light airs it was back to business as usual – strong winds and a big swell coming from the West - think big grey sky and big grey sea. It was another excellent turnout of nineteen boats, and a total of 31 sailors hit the start line for the evening's racing in 15 – 18 knots of breeze. Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:42:55 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7971&Itemid=135 The success of the Hallmark boat in sailing's West Coast Super League over the last few years is as much down to the efforts of the dedicated crew as it is to the competitive attitude of its owner, Jackie Ward. Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:40:38 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7739&Itemid=135 The rain clouds, which had drizzled down all day, finally lifted as the third race in the GBSC Dinghy Late Summer Series got underway. The wet, miserable day had not deterred the dinghy sailors and by the end of the evening's racing the participants were rewarded with some weak late-evening sunshine. Two separate starts saw the fleets sail off in very light westerly winds that gradually picked up during the course of the race to give a steady breeze of eight knots for much of the race. Wed, 13 Aug 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7740&Itemid=135 The second race in Galway Bay Sailing Club's Alfa Romeo Late Summer Series for Cruisers took place last Wednesday night. The weather conditions were difficult as the rain lashed down, airs were light and thunder and lightening threatened. The Race Officer, Dave Vinnell in discussion with the skippers contemplated cancelling the race as it would not be a pleasant experience for the many sailors. However the conditions did not deter the avid crews from venturing out. Wed, 13 Aug 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7741&Itemid=135 Galway Harbourmaster, Brian Sheridan, has welcomed the new Harbour Bill published by Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey last week. Wed, 13 Aug 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7742&Itemid=135 A large fleet of Irish boats, the Galway Hookers, once the workhorses of the coast of Connemara and North Clare, will gather for a weekend of racing and celebration at the CityJet sponsored, Cruinniú na mBád (Gathering of the Boats), festival in Kinvara, Co. Galway from Friday, 15 to Wednesday 20 August 2008. Wed, 13 Aug 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7743&Itemid=135 The Irish Navy will push the boat out to support Galway Simon Community by holding a family day on board the LE Niamh at Galway Docks on Sunday 17 August. Wed, 13 Aug 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7744&Itemid=135 All the upcoming Galway marine events. Wed, 13 Aug 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7638&Itemid=135 A €3 million investment by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, was announced last wek by Minister Eamon O Cuív. Wed, 06 Aug 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7639&Itemid=135 Six young sailors from GBSC recently competed in the Crosbie Cup at Ree Yacht Club, the second oldest Yacht Club in the world. This is an annual national event where juvenile sailors from all around Ireland gather to race optimist sailing dinghies. Wed, 06 Aug 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7640&Itemid=135 Paddy Higgins, aged 13 and Seosamh McElwee, aged 12, both of whom recently completed a week-long Sealteam Scuba Diving Summer camp at Leisureland Pool. Wed, 06 Aug 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7641&Itemid=135 The second race of the Galway Bay Sailing Club's Dinghy Late Summer Series got off to a sparkling start in 20+ knots of wind with views out the bay of the Green Dragon Team in training. The next time Galway sees the Green Dragon team will be in May of next year as we welcome them home from their transatlantic leg from Boston, that other home from home for so many Galway people over the decades. Wed, 06 Aug 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7642&Itemid=135 Scubadive West in Renvyle, Connemara has just launched its Autumn 2008 Photo Competition. With both underwater and seascape categories, this competition will appeal to divers and non-divers alike. Wed, 06 Aug 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7643&Itemid=135 Upcoming marine events in the Galway area. Wed, 06 Aug 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7472&Itemid=135 The Ocean Youth Trust's Oyster 68, 'Lord Rank', which has been in Galway Docks almost a week, will leave the city tomorrow after a week of opportunities for young Galwegians to try out life on the ocean wave. Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7473&Itemid=135 Upcoming marine events in the Galway area. Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7474&Itemid=135 The first race of the Alfa Romeo Late Summer Series took place on Wednesday, 23 July. On a perfect evening for sailing in flat water, in a light-to-moderate southerly breeze, the boats started on a reach from the club line with That's Life (Martin Breen) getting the best start, followed by After Midnight (flying a spinnaker), at the pin end of the line. All boats rounded Leverets and hoisted spinnakers on the downwind leg to Cockle Rock. Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7475&Itemid=135 A large fleet of boats from GBSC took to the water on Sunday to welcome the Green Dragon as she and her crew made her way into Galway. It was a special day for GBSC as three of the leading people behind the Green Dragon Team and Volvo Ocean Race event; Enda O'Coineen, John Killeen and Eamon Conneely, are closely associated with the club. Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7476&Itemid=135 It's that time of year again – the Late Summer Series has started and Tuesday evening dinghy racing is more than half way through for the season. Cold, winter Sunday afternoon racing gets nearer by the week. Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7477&Itemid=135 Ian Walker first learned to sail at eight years old on mirror dinghies at Chipstead Sailing Club, near Sevenoaks in Kent. Unusually for a sailor of his calibre, he did not grow up near the sea, nor was there any sailing in the family. Chipstead Sailing Club was based on Chipstead Lake, a small gravel pit. Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7478&Itemid=135 The final race of the Storm Technology Summer Series took place in ideal wind conditions of 15+ knots offering exhilarating racing. The course took competitors from the GBSC club start line at Rinville, round the Leverets lighthouse located in front of Galway harbour, and back down towards Oranmore bay. Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7432&Itemid=135 Upcoming marine events in the Galway area. Wed, 23 Jul 2008 12:53:22 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7431&Itemid=135 With a bit of grit and determination, taking up a hobby like sailing can transform the most ordinary life into an extraordinary tale of adventure crossing horizons. Wed, 23 Jul 2008 12:52:03 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7430&Itemid=135 Last week saw the addition of some new fish to Galway Atlantaquaria's Exhibits, after they were caught in Fenit, Co Kerry. Wed, 23 Jul 2008 12:50:16 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7429&Itemid=135 Paul Connolly grew up in Chapelizod, Dublin, and learned the basic skill of fishing on the river Liffey, a skill that has remained with him all his life. Summer holidays were spent at Rosses Point in Sligo, and Paul believes the experiences of his childhood have definitely influenced his choice of career. Wed, 23 Jul 2008 12:48:17 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7296&Itemid=135 Applied Ecologist Noirin Burke from Galway Atlantaquaria had a following of over 100 people on a blustery Ballyloughane beach on Sunday last to take part in the Beach Safari hosted by the aquarium and Galway City Council. Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:16:50 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7295&Itemid=135 Galway Atlantaquaria and Galway City Council have organised a Beach Safari this weekend, Sunday 20 July, at Grattan Beach, Salthill. Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:16:18 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7294&Itemid=135 Upcoming marine events in the Galway area. Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:15:37 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7293&Itemid=135 Galway Bay is to become a buoy zone this week with the deployment of a revolutionary new environmental monitoring system called SmartBay. Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:13:03 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7292&Itemid=135 3Kts to 30Kts… thunder and lightning… dismasting…dolphins… There was plenty of action on Galway Bay for the fourth race in the Storm Technology Series, held on Wednesday 9 July. Setting off in a downpour and very light airs left many crew looking at their sails in disappointment. All boats slowly drifted over the start line under spinnaker. Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:11:23 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7291&Itemid=135 The fifth race in the Galway Bay Sailing Club Dinghy Summer Series took place on Tuesday 8 July. The wind conditions were light and made for a tricky race. Race officer Aoife Lyons, assisted by Dave Vinnell, set a long triangular course. The average finish time for the race was 90 minutes, making it the longest so far in the eries. Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:10:45 +0100