Irish Powerboating Takes Off...

Powerboating is now very much a growing sport in Ireland. In fact, in February 2008, the ISA employed Mr. Denis Dillon, a new Motorboat Development Officer with the organisation. Based in Killaloe, Denis is known to the boating community around the inland waterways and in the West of Ireland. With a long history of involvement in powerboat and motorboat training as both an ISA instructor and a keen boater in his own right, Denis’s remit is to promote all forms of Motorboating activity. Since February a lot of activity has taken place from the launch of the first Irish Jet Ski Club, to the ISA Yachtsman Euromarine RIB Championship.

See more on the ISA website at http://www.sailing.ie/motorboat.

Published by DMGSailsports.

VHF Radio Licence

Next Date: Sept 11+14. 1 evening and 1 full day: Thurs 7.30pm-10pm and Sun 9am to 4.30pm; Written Exam: 4.30-5.30pm; Oral Exam: 15mins per candidate (expect to be fully complete by 7pm). Cost: €280pp. Location: The Grand Hotel, Malahide.

Before you apply for a Ships Radio Licence (this applies to all vessels, irrespective of size) you should possess the necessary qualification. In the case of craft fitted with VHF only, the qualification is the Radio Operators Short Range Certificate Module 1. For vessels fitted with VHF DSC, (digital selective calling), the qualification required is the Radio Operators Short Range Certificate (SRC) Module 2 or full SRC. If you use a hand held VHF the boat must have a ship station licence also. Before attempting the examination you should attend a course provided by a recognised course provider. Possession of a radio operator’s certificate will enable you to use the correct radio procedure should you be encounter difficulty whilst afloat. MORE IMPORTANTLY!! You will be capable of assisting a nearby vessel or person and possibly save a life or lives!! The ability to use maritime VHF correctly can be a great confidence booster should the unforeseen occur. More information from ISA...

Sporting Summer Sale!

During the month of August, where two or more people sign up for a sailing, powerboating or windsurfing course mid-week, Tuesday to Friday, you'll receive a 20% discount off the course fee!

Please note, this offer is not applicable to lessons or courses run at the weekends, shorebased, VHF or kids courses. Course details available on http://www.dmgsailsports.com/.

Kids on the Water!

Following on from the success of our junior windsurfing course in June, and the Malahide Yacht Club junior sailing courses throughout July, we're running more courses open to the general public in August.
From August 11th to 15th, a junior dinghy sailing course [full details here...] will be open to 9-16 year olds, or a windsurfing course [full details here...] will be open to 12-16 year olds.

Why Windsurf?

Windsurfing can be one of the most effective exercises you can do. In fact, converts claim it is so enjoyable you don't even realise that it's giving you a total body workout. The body benefits: Windsurfing targets shoulders, forearms and the lower back. The fitness benefits: As a beginner, you'll probably spend most of your time learning how to stand on the board of the windsurf. This involves using your leg muscles to balance on the board while employing your shoulders, forearms and lower back to control the force of the sail. Learning to balance on the windsurf also means you are employing 'core stability' - where you engage your deep postural muscles - the muscles that wrap around your pelvis like a natural girdle. This action can help strengthen the muscles that give you the definition of a waist. The other benefits: Travelling up to 20 miles per hour on your windsurf is so exhilarating you hardly know you're exercising. How many calories can you burn? Expert windsurfers can burn up to 1000 calories per hour, but recreational windsurfers probably burn around 500 calories an hour. (Information from http://www.iconocast.com/).

Waterstarts, fast tacks, gybes and more...

This weekend, July 19th & 20th, we have just 2 places left on the windsurfing 'Go4It!' 2 day course. Lessons are from 10am to 4pm each day and cost just €240pp using DMG Sailsports equipment, or €200pp using your own equipment. During this intense 2 day course the instructor, Dave Garvey, will help you to perfect your sailing techniques, improve your rigging in order to get the best from the equipment being used, and introduce you to the next skills suitable to your level. Groups are small in order to provide an intimate learning environment. Just bring along a packed lunch and plenty of fluids to keep hydrated. According to Windguru, its shaping up to be a perfect weekend for this level so be quick to get the remaining places!

Try Sailing This Summer!

Throughout the summer our keelboat courses will allow you to learn a new skill whilst exploring the scenic waters off Malahide, Co. Dublin. Take in Howth, Ireland's Eye, and Lambay Island as you learn to helm our sporty Backman 21 Keelboat. Courses range from a half-day taster session all the way up to a 5-day course following which you should be competent to take control of the boat yourself. More on our sailing page.