2025 RCYC Keelboat Autumn League Concludes in Style

The 2025 RCYC Keelboat Autumn League came to a thrilling close on Sunday, wrapping up what has been one of the most successful and enjoyable series in recent years. For the first time in quite a while, the full programme was completed — five days of racing with two races each day — a true testament to both the weather and the skill and dedication of the race management team.

Special thanks go to Race Officers and their teams, Anthony and Sally O'Leary, Richard Leonard, Sean Dunphy, Geraldine Peretti, and Kieran McSweeney and his team, whose expertise ensured that every start, mark rounding, and finish line was run to perfection.

Bacon, Breezes, and Big Smiles

Sunday morning began in true RCYC fashion — with complimentary bacon baps cooked to perfection by the Keelboat Committee. Sailors showed their appreciation by donating generously to the RNLI, with a special thank-you to Tom and Yvonne Durcan of Durcan Meats in the English Market for supplying the bacon that kept the fleet fuelled for the final races.

A brisk westerly breeze greeted nearly forty boats on the water, setting the stage for two exhilarating races. The fleet then returned to shore to enjoy a well-earned meal and two hours of smooth jazz courtesy of the ever-popular Loungeman, before the much-anticipated prizegiving ceremony began.

Celebration and Cheer at the Prizegiving

The prizegiving took place in a packed clubhouse buzzing with excitement and good cheer — no doubt helped along by a few well-deserved beverages and the warm camaraderie that defines the RCYC community. Enormous thanks go to Hillary Duane and Louise O'Keeffe for their impeccable organisation of the trophies, and to McWilliam Sailmakers Ireland for their generous support of the prizes.

Non-Spinnaker Fleets

• Non-Spin Echo Class 2:
  Freya – Mie Ryder
  Luas – Sean Hanley
  Lapwing – Conor Hanlon
• Non-Spin IRC 2:
  If – Kieran Collins (solo-sailed for much of the series!)
  Luas – Sean Hanley
  White Knight (CSC)
• Non-Spin Echo Class 1:
  Big Mc – The McGrath Family
  Anteex – Dan Murphy & James O'Halloran
  Cavatina – Ian Hickey
• Non-Spin IRC 1:
  Big Mc – The McGrath Family
  Apache – Alan Mulcahy (KYC)
  Anteex

Spinnaker Fleets

• Spin Echo 3:
  Summer Light – Derry & Patrick Good
  North Star – Fiona Young
  Obsession – Barry & Marina Rose
• Spin IRC 3:
  North Star – Fiona Young
  Obsession – Barry & Marina Rose
  Diamond – Colman Garvey & Kieran Kelleher
• Spin Echo 2:
  Genesis – Gavin & Grace Lawlor
  Knot on Call – Andrew Crosbie
  Grin and Bear It – Vice Admiral Denis Byrne
• Spin IRC 2:
  Knot on Call – Andrew Crosbie
  Don't Dilly Dally – Michael McCann
  Swuzzlebubble – James Dwyer (who also took 1st place in the Cruiser Racer division)
• Class 1 Echo:
  Artful Dodger – Pat Tanner
  Nieulargo – Admiral Denis Murphy
  Artful Dodger – Finny O'Regan (KYC)
• Class 1 IRC:
  Nieulargo – Denis Murphy
  Artful Dodger – Finny O'Regan
  Artful Dodger – Pat Tanner

Thanks to All Who Made It Happen

The club extends sincere appreciation to club partners AIB Bank, John Paul Construction, and Johnson & Perrott, and to Bob Bateman for once again capturing the spirit of the event through his superb photography.

Thanks also to Amy, Ann, and their teams for creating such a warm and lively atmosphere on Sunday, and to Miriam, Joanne, and all the RCYC staff for their hard work throughout the league.

Farewell and Looking Ahead

While the final day was filled with celebration, it was tinged with sadness as the club said goodbye to long-standing staff member Niall Deasy on his final day at RCYC. Niall will be greatly missed, and everyone wishes him the very best for the future.

The curtain may have closed on the Autumn League, but there's no rest for the fleet — the Winter League kicks off next Sunday, and excitement is already building for another season of great racing and good company at the Royal Cork Yacht Club.